Breast Reduction
Dr. Summers of Maryland Plastic Surgery Center is celebrated by Annapolis and Baltimore breast reduction patients for his renowned surgical skills and expertise. Dr. Summers has perfected a Minimal Incision Breast Reduction procedure, which enables even moderately large breasts to be reduced in size and lifted using only an incision around the areola. In fact, breast reduction patients throughout Maryland (including Townson, Lutherville, Columbia, Owing Mills, Howard County, and Ellicott City breast reduction patients) exclusively seek Dr. Summers for his experience with minimally invasive breast reduction procedures.
Dr. Summers believes breast reduction is an intricate procedure that requires aesthetic judgement, surgical skill and extensive medical training. Considered by many to be a Maryland breast reduction specialist, Dr. Summers describes the breast reduction procedure below.
Large breasts can cause physical pain as well as emotional and social anxiety. A breast reduction procedure improves the proportions of the breasts to the rest of the body by reshaping the breasts in order to make them smaller, lighter, and firmer. At the Maryland Plastic Surgery Center, Dr. Summers has helped Baltimore and Annapolis breast reduction patients improve their figures and their self confidence.
The breast reduction procedure can provide relief from physical symptoms such as back, neck, and shoulder pain and relieve rashes beneath the breasts caused by the excessive weight of large breasts. Following breast reduction, the size and weight of the breasts no longer interfere with physical activity, and clothes fit better with a wider choice of styles. Women who take advantage of the breast reduction procedure find that they are able to lead a healthier, more comfortable life, in addition to enjoying a beautiful, more proportionate appearance.
Techniques for breast reduction vary. In the United States, the most common breast reduction procedure involves an incision around the areola, down the center of the lower breast, and under the natural curve of the breast. However, when possible, Dr. Summers uses alternate incisions to minimize the length of the scars. After the incsions are made, excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin are removed. Next, the nipple and areola are repositioned to a higher position and held in place by stitches. Occasionally, liposuction alone can be used to reduce breast size, eliminating the presence of any scars on the breast. The best procedure can be determined during the initial consultation visit.
Breast reduction results in an immediate body-image change. Patients are typically pleased with the elimination of physical pain caused by large breasts as well as a better proportioned body, an enhanced appearance, and better fitting clothes.
Bandages are applied immediately following surgery to aid the healing process and to minimize movement of the breasts. The bandages are removed the day after surgery and patients are instructed to wear a bra 24-hours daily for the next week. The bra may be removed for showers. Patients sometimes report minor pain associated with surgery that is typically relieved by ibuprofen. While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the pre-operative and post-operative instructions.
Breast reduction surgery typically costs between $3,000 – $7,000 at the Maryland Plastic Surgery Center. The variability in price reflects the different breast reduction techniques which Dr. Summers utilizes – the specific technique which will be used for your breast reduction will be discussed at the time of your evaluation.
The fees include all of the following: facility fee at the Maryland Plastic Surgery Center, anesthesia with a board certified anesthesiologist, surgeon’s fee, and all office visits.
The only other expenses you will incur are pharmacy related for prescription medications (antibiotics and pain medication) and laboratory related for routine blood tests prior to your breast reduction surgery. Patients who are over 40 years of age or who have pre-existing medical conditions will also need to have a medical clearance, which includes an EKG and additional bood tests.
In addition to performing breast reduction, Dr. Summers offers other breast procedures at his cosmetic surgery practice. Please visit these pages to learn about how Dr. Summers helps Baltimore breast augmentation, breast lift and male breast reduction patients.
Click on a question below to see the answer.
A: Patients undergoing breast reduction surgery at the Maryland Plastic Surgery Center occassionally choose to have other procedures, such as liposuction and tummy-tuck, performed concurrently. Having several procedures done simultaneously saves you the expense of paying the operating room and anesthesia costs more than once. The decision to have multiple procedures done depends on which procedures are being done, the extent of surgery, the operating time, and your overall health. Ultimately, Dr. Summers will decide whether or not it is appropriate to include more than one procedure in your operation.
A: Breast reduction procedures are performed at the Maryland Plastic Surgery Center on women of all ages. Breast hypertrophy in teenagers can cause embarassment and lead to a restriction in physical activities. Breast hypertrophy in other women can cause a variety of symptoms, such as breast pain, neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, numbness in the fingers, and skin rashes. A breast reduction procedure will help in each of these situations.
Regardless of your age, if you are dissatisfied with the size of your breasts, a variety of different procedures are available to help you achieve the size and shape desired.
A: During your consultation we will discuss your desired changes and expectations, review your medical history and current health, and make an assessment on whether the procedure(s) in question are right for you. Dr. Summers will review the options for breast reduction and explain the risks and benefits of each option. We encourage you to ask any questions you may have. Photographs will be obtained to submit for insurance pre-authorization, if required (note: see the FAQ on insurance reimbursement below).
If you decide to proceed with a breast reduction, we will schedule a second consultation to complete the pre-operative review, sign consent forms, write prescriptions, and answer any questions you have. At this time, a deposit for surgery will be accepted if you wish to schedule your procedure.
A: You will be able to be up and about immediately after surgery. In general, breast reduction procedures are not painful – most discomfort is typically taken care of with ibuprofen. Dr. Summers does not usually use drains after breast reduction surgery, so you will be able to engage in normal, light activities right away. Patients are able to shower the day after surgery. Strenuous activity (anything that increases your heart rate over 100 or causes sweating) should be avoided for one month.
Bruises (when present) usually disappear within two weeks. Although most swelling will subside after the first month, the breasts will not achieve their final shape until the skin has fully relaxed – typically this takes 6-12 months. Your scars will fade over time but are permanent.
A: Insurance providers generally cover costs for reconstructive surgery but not for cosmetic surgery. For example, insurance providers will often pay for breast reduction to remedy back pain or chronic skin rashes caused by heavy breasts. If your surgery is covered by insurance, pre-certification may be required. We will be happy to assist you with this process, however neither Dr. Summers nor Maryland Plastic Surgery Center accept direct insurance assignment. This means that you are responsible for paying the surgical fees in advance of surgery and you may obtain reimbursement directly from your insurance company.
Usually, insurance companies will reimburse 80% of their allowed fee (this varies from plan to plan), which is typically less than the total surgical fee.
A: Breast reduction procedures are typically performed under a general anesthesia at the Maryland Plastic Surgery Center. However, if Dr. Summers decides that a more limited procedure will be effective (such as liposuction) then you may choose to have the procedure performed under IV sedation or a local anesthesia only.
A: Maryland Plastic Surgery is Maryland’s premiere cosmetic surgery center and medical spa. The Center’s director, Dr. Adam Summers, is an expert cosmetic surgeon who uses advanced techniques to achieve natural looking results. Just 15 minutes from Baltimore, Howard County (Columbia) and Annapolis, the Center specializes in tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), breast augmentation, breast lift, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) and facelift procedures. © Baltimore Maryland Plastic Surgery Center and Medical Spa.
Dr. Adam Summers performs the Most Facelift a long lasting minimally invasive facelift procedure which he developed at the Maryland Plastic Surgery Center. The Most Facelift is a customized variation of the Threadlift Face Lift (eg. Silk Lift, Aptos Lift, Featherlift, Soft Lift, Curl Lift). The Maryland Plastic Surgery Center is just minutes from Ellicott City, Towson, Rockville, Silver Spring, Bethesda, Annapolis, Baltimore, Columbia and Washington DC. Copyright 2007 Maryland Plastic Surgery - One Hour Threadlift Facelift in Maryland.