Breast Reduction
“Thank you Dr. Franckle and staff for changing my daughter’s life. Her self confidence and her smile is worth more than words can every say.”
Post-Op Patient, February 2016
Dealing with the weight of large breasts can cause many issues for women, including difficulty breathing; back, shoulder, and neck pain; poor posture; painful bra strap indentations; and skin irritation under the breasts. For women who struggle with the size of their breasts, a breast reduction may improve the issues we listed above.
Is Breast Reduction Surgery Right for You?
If large breasts are interfering with your daily activities, causing your body’s dimensions to appear disproportionate, or making it difficult for you to exercise or lose weight, a breast reduction may be right for you. Breast reductions can be an effective way to remove excess breast tissue and improve the shape and firmness of large, pendulous breasts. Patients in South Jersey can look to the experience of William Franckle, MD, FACS for breast reduction. If you’ve been dealing with pain and discomfort—physical or mental—due to the size of your breasts, surgery may help. Dr. Franckle can evaluate your health, answer your questions, and determine whether you are a candidate for the procedure.
A Safe & Effective Solution to Reduce Breast Size
During your consultation, we will use state-of-the-art 3D imaging technology to produce post-surgery simulations. With the help of several 3D cameras, you can see a life-like depiction of your desired results before making a decision. Once the image has been generated, we can make instantaneous modifications based on your feedback. This tool allows us to pinpoint your ideal size and shape to better understand your desired proportions. During your surgery, Dr. Franckle, our board-certified plastic surgeon, will perform a breast reduction to reshape and lighten your breasts. After you’ve recovered, you should be able to exercise more comfortably, fit into clothes more easily, and live your life with less pain.
What to Expect
Dr. Franckle is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has a great deal of experience performing breast reductions. You can count on having Dr. Franckle’s guidance during each step of the process. Breast reduction surgeries typically take a few hours, but the length may vary, especially if you opt for a breast reduction with a lift or another procedure. Breast reduction is an outpatient procedure, so you can return home after your surgery to recover.
The Breast Reduction Procedure
A breast reduction is a medical procedure that requires general anesthesia and is performed in a hospital or surgical center. Dr. Franckle will make incisions around the areola and then down the center of the breast, following its natural curvature. Then, he will remove excess breast tissue and place the breast and nipple in a more youthful-looking position. For women who feel their areolae are oversized, Dr. Franckle can also perform an areola reduction during the procedure.
Recovery After Breast Reduction Surgery
Like all surgical procedures, recovery should be taken seriously. Upon returning home, patients can increase their chances of a safe, full recovery by following Dr. Franckle’s instructions. After surgery, incisions will be dressed, and patients will need to wear a post-surgical support bra to minimize movement and hold the breasts symmetrically. There will be some post-surgery swelling and bruising, which should subside day by day. Medication can also be used to minimize initial discomfort. Patients should plan to rest for at least a few days and avoid strenuous activity. It may take up to a year for scars to fade, although many women report fading as early as six months.*
How Much Does Breast Reduction Surgery Cost?
The cost of a breast reduction may vary, especially if other procedures, such as a breast lift, are also performed. Generally speaking a breast reduction procedure can range between $8,000 and $9,500.
If patients can demonstrate a medical need for a breast reduction, their insurance companies may cover some or all of the costs for the procedure. However, patients will need to complete several steps to demonstrate that their breast reduction is being performed for medical, not cosmetic, reasons. Typically, insurance companies will ask for a documented history of physical therapy as well as referrals to different specialists to treat pain, severe skin irritation, or other medical issues caused by large, heavy breasts. If your insurer will not provide the necessary financial assistance, our practice provides affordable financing options with monthly payment plans with no interest for up to six months. Patients may also finance their procedures through CareCredit® and Prosper Healthcare Lending.
How to Prepare
During your initial consultation with Dr. Franckle you will be determined a candidate for a breast reduction. Much of this will be based on your overall health, which medications you currently take, and other lifestyle factors. Once your procedure has been scheduled, you will need to stop smoking and taking certain over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin, before and after your surgery. Dr. Franckle will provide more detailed instructions for preparation during your consultation.
Before & After Photos
View Breast Reduction Gallery
FAQ's
The ability to breastfeed following a breast reduction procedure cannot be guaranteed by any surgeon. If you have concerns about breastfeeding, share them with Dr. Franckle during your consultation. Advances in surgical techniques allow surgeons to better preserve glandular tissue during the procedure.
During a breast reduction procedure, incisions are made along the breast and areola, which will result in scarring. As a board-certified surgeon, Dr. Franckle uses his experience to minimize scarring while making incisions large enough to remove excess breast tissue. After the procedure, Dr. Franckle provides each patient with instructions to guide their recovery. If treated properly during recovery, scars should fade over time. Patients typically see noticeable results in six months to a year.*
Millions of men in the United States experience gynecomastia, or enlarged breasts. It can affect both sides of the chest or just one. Dr. Franckle performs male breast reductions to remove excess fat and tissue by using several techniques to sculpt the chests of male patients, including liposuction, excisions, and a combination of the two.
If you are interested in a breast reduction or have additional questions, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Franckle by calling 856.772.6500.