Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction Surgery in the Greater Harrisburg, PA Area

If you are a woman with overly large breasts, breast reduction surgery can literally change your life. Many women with large pendulous breasts have a variety of symptoms, some severe, which can limit their activities and quality of life. Breast reduction surgery allows Dr. de Ramón to remove excess breast tissue and reshape the breast so it looks natural but still is appropriately sized for each woman’s body type. Symptoms such as shoulder strap grooving/pain, shoulder top pain, upper back pain, neck pain and recurrent skin breakouts below the breast can be dramatically improved.

There have been some real advances in breast reduction techniques in the last five years. Since 2003, Dr. de Ramón has worked to develop his own breast reduction technique by integrating short scar breast reductions, vertical breast reductions, and advances in suture technology and pain management to offer patients better breast shape, shorter scars, diminished pain and faster recovery.

Am I a Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery?

Patients should be at a stable weight and have good skin elasticity. In addition, they should be in good health and non-smokers. Many patients will have complaints of shoulder, neck and back pain, shoulder strap grooving and rash under the breasts. Some patients suffer from frequent tension headaches, hand numbness, and bra shoulder strap pain.  Patients range in age from 16 to 80, though most are under 60.

Suitable candidates for breast reduction in Central PA, include women who:

• Have large breasts that hinder daily activities, including exercises like running
• Feel pain and discomfort because of the large size and shape of their breasts
• Usually have to hunch forward because of the weight of their breasts
• Have skin indentations on their shoulders caused by their bra
• Are unhappy, self-conscious or even embarrassed because of the size of their breasts
• Desire smaller and more lifted breasts
• Are not breastfeeding a baby at the moment
• Are in good mental and physical health
• Expect a realistic outcome and an improved appearance

What Steps Are Involved in Breast Reduction Surgery?

Dr. Richard de Ramón complies with the highest quality standards while performing breast reduction surgery. This surgery is performed under general anesthesia provided by a board-certified anesthesiologist.  There are many different surgical techniques for breast reduction.  Dr. de Ramón typically performs a “pedicled breast reduction” and there are several different techniques here also.  He has developed this technique through decades of experience to optimize shape, create a long-lasting shape, and to reduce complications.

The technique chosen will be determined by the condition of a patient’s breast, its composition, the volume of reduction wanted and personal preferences.

1. Anesthesia: General anesthesia is provided to give comfort and prevent patients from feeling pain during the breast reduction procedure.  In addition, Dr. de Ramón then uses local anesthesia at all planned incision sites to block the brain’s perception of pain (preemptive analgesia).  Local anesthesia is injected after patients are placed under general anesthesia.

2. Incision: Discreet incisions are made to remove excess breast tissue, fat and skin. They may be made in different shapes or patterns around the areola.

3. Tissue removal: After making incisions, the tissue is removed to reduce and reshape the breast.  The nipple is repositioned and the areola is reduced if enlarged. A breast lift is part of a breast reduction.  The goal is to reduce the size and weight of the breast but also to optimize the shape and symmetry.  If patients have one breast that is larger than the other, this is also corrected by removing more tissue on the larger side.

4. Sutures: Sutures are placed deep inside the breast tissue to create and provide support for the newly reshaped breasts. The skin is closed with buried absorbable sutures.  External sutures are generally not used by Dr. de Ramón as they can lead to “railroad track” scars.  The incision lines will fade and improve in appearance over time.

5. View the results: Results after breast reduction are immediately noticeable. Some swelling and bruising may develop, but it will dissipate. Patients usually have immediate relief of their preoperative symptoms and typically love their new smaller breasts.  Psychologically, of course, there is an adjustment period to develop a new body image.

What Is Recovery Like?

Most breast reduction patients experience mild pain during the recovery period which is controlled with pain medication. Patients usually return to work in three to seven days and are back to most normal activity and exercise within three weeks. Dr. de Ramón has a specially trained medical staff to offer personal care throughout the recovery process. Post-op patients are also given his personal cell phone number to contact him in case of problems or concerns.

What Is the Cost of Breast Reduction Surgery?

Many women in the Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, Camp Hill and other Central PA regions find that their breast reduction surgery is covered by medical insurance. Each insurance plan has different medical criteria for breast reduction, usually including back, shoulder and/or neck pain, shoulder strap grooving, rash below the breasts, and a larger than normal breast size. Insurance coverage also requires that patients have tried and failed conservative measures to control their symptoms. They also usually stipulate how much breast tissue must be removed to qualify for coverage. Dr. de Ramón has specially trained staff who will review your medical policy and criteria to obtain authorization to proceed with surgery. A patient may be responsible for copays or deductibles based on their insurance plan.

Patients also elect to undergo cosmetic breast reduction in order to improve their appearance. A breast reduction is performed as an outpatient procedure. The cost varies based upon the length of time required for surgery. Fees are separated into physician, facility, anesthesia and pathology cost. Total cosmetic breast reduction fees range from $7000 to $8500.

Male breast reduction — see Men’s page.