Depending on your age, family history, personal risk factors, and potential complications, you may need a screening mammogram before breast reduction surgery. Typically, insurance requires women over age 50 to have preoperative mammograms. This helps identify any breast concerns in advance and provides a useful baseline for future imaging.

Preparation may include stopping smoking, avoiding medications or supplements that increase bleeding, arranging time off work, and setting up help at home. You will receive detailed instructions before your breast reduction surgery so you know what to do and what to bring.

Small weight changes usually do not dramatically alter results, but significant weight gain or loss can affect breast size and shape. If future changes create looseness or fullness, Dr. Shumway can discuss whether additional contouring would be helpful.

Yes, some patients combine breast reduction with liposuction, tummy tuck surgery, or other body contouring procedures. Safety comes first, so Dr. Shumway will explain whether combining procedures or staging them separately is better for your health and goals.

Scars depend on the incision pattern used. Many reduction mammaplasty procedures involve incisions around the areola and down the lower breast, with or without an incision along the breast crease. Dr. Shumway will choose the  appropriate technique for minimal scarring. Scars are permanent but generally soften and fade over 12 to 18 months.

The cost of breast reduction surgery varies depending on several factors, including the complexity of your procedure, anesthesia fees, and surgical facility costs. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to schedule a consultation for reduction mammaplasty with Dr. Shumway, who will review your goals and provide a personalized quote based on your specific treatment plan.

In some cases, health insurance coverage will pay for breast reduction when the procedure is deemed medically necessary. This typically requires documented evidence of chronic shoulder, back, and neck pain, skin irritation, or nerve symptoms caused by breast weight. Dr. Shumway’s team can help you understand the criteria your insurance provider requires and assist you in gathering the insurance coverage documentation needed to support your case.

Insurance coverage typically depends on the amount of breast tissue removed. Smaller breast reductions are often considered cosmetic and may not be covered.

Most patients return to a desk job or light-duty work within one to two weeks, depending on how their recovery progresses. If your job involves physical activity, lifting, or strenuous movement, you will likely need additional time off. Dr. Shumway will give you personalized guidance based on your procedure and recovery.

Breast reduction may affect the ability to breastfeed, as the procedure can involve repositioning the nipple and removing glandular tissue. While some patients are able to breastfeed after surgery, it is not guaranteed. If breastfeeding future children is a priority, this is an important conversation to have with Dr. Shumway during your consultation so he can factor it into your surgical plan.

Breast reduction results are long-lasting for most patients. However, significant weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and the natural aging process can affect the size and shape of the breasts over time. Maintaining a stable, healthy weight is one of the best ways to preserve your results for years to come.