Breast Reduction in Jacksonville

Breast reduction surgery is performed to resolve the weight, discomfort, and stress associated with overly-large breasts.

What is Breast Reduction? Breast Reduction Benefits Breast Reduction Candidates Breast Reduction and Breastfeeding Breast Reduction Recovery Breast Reduction Scars Breast Reduction without Surgery Breast Reduction Cost Breast Reduction Insurance

Customized Breast Reshaping Surgery

The surgery is 100% customized for the individual to create an ideally balanced figure by surgically removing excess tissue and skin and reshaping the breasts so they are lovely, round, and comfortable.

What is breast reduction surgery?

Women who have large pendulous breasts or who have developed them over time due to pregnancy or other factors can have substantial health concerns. Large breasts can result in neck, back, or shoulder pain, as well as skin irritation. In addition, grooves from bra straps can develop. For these women, breast reduction surgery in Jacksonville can help eliminate the associated pain, improve breast shape and size, and make the breasts more proportionate in relation to the body.

Breast Reduction Surgery Before & After

View Breast Reduction Gallery

How is breast reduction surgery performed?

A reduction mammoplasty (breast reduction) is performed by removing the excess glandular breast tissue and skin as well as relocating the nipple to a higher position. There are a number of plastic surgeons who perform breast reduction; however, not all breast reduction techniques are the same.

What are some issues with traditional breast reduction?

Some of the traditional techniques for breast reduction can result in a boxy shape or a “bottoming out” of the breast with time, and they can create large scars or lead to the loss of nipple sensation. Our plastic surgeons at Florida Plastic Surgery Group have experience with the latest techniques that can minimize scarring, allow the breasts to have more projection, last longer without bottoming out, have a natural shape, and maintain nipple sensation.

Our cosmetic surgery team will guide you through the process. At Florida Plastic Surgery Group in Jacksonville, we believe that patients, their desires, and their anatomies are all unique. Therefore, our doctors evaluate each patient and create a customized surgical plan for all individuals who undergo this treatment.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Book an Appointment

What are the benefits of breast reduction in Jacksonville?

Breast reduction surgery offers many advantages for women who have breasts that are too large for their body frames. Breast reduction is capable of the following:

Decreasing the size of the breasts for results that are more balanced and proportionate to the body
Relieving physical discomfort due to overly large breasts
Reducing pain in areas such as the neck, back, and shoulders
Diminishing skin rashes under the breasts
Reducing breast ptosis (sagging)
Minimizing the likelihood of bra-strap indentations
Improving the chances of comfortably fitting into desired clothing
Reducing self-consciousness about the appearance of the breasts

This procedure has helped many women address a very common concern and achieve improved breast shape and symmetry. Breast reduction can also yield certain benefits of a breast lift for many patients, diminishing signs of sagginess and giving the breasts a firmer, more youthful appearance.

Who is a good candidate for breast reduction in Jacksonville?

Women who suffer from back, neck, and/or shoulder pain as a result of large pendulous breasts are often excellent candidates for breast reduction surgery, as well as those who simply want an effective solution for breasts that are excessively large for their bodies. Individuals who are in relatively good overall health and have reasonable expectations for the outcome of breast reduction surgery are typically good candidates for the procedure. Patients should also be at their ideal weight (or close to their ideal weight) at the time of surgery since weight loss after the treatment can negatively affect aesthetic results.

Can smoking affect the outcome of my procedure?

It is important to note that smoking cigarettes or marijuana, or vaping can result in significant complications, including loss of the nipple-areola complex as well as wound-healing problems due to the decrease in circulation to the skin. Therefore, we ask all patients undergoing breast reduction surgery to quit smoking/vaping for one month prior to surgery and at least one month after surgery.

Breast reduction and breastfeeding

While there is a substantial number of women who are not naturally able to breastfeed regardless of whether they have breast surgery, individuals who have that ability before a breast reduction procedure should have it afterward, as well. However, this will ultimately depend on the breast reduction technique that is utilized.

For those who would like to retain their ability to breastfeed, the surgical technique should be one that does not modify the milk ducts or other anatomical areas that may affect future breastfeeding. It is important to discuss your wishes in this regard with our plastic surgeon during the initial consultation. He will talk with you about your options and create a treatment plan with your goals in mind.

How is the breast reduction procedure performed?

Breast reduction surgery is performed by making incisions around the nipple-areola complex and below in a vertical direction. The nipple is left attached to the breast tissue so that the blood vessels and nerves going to the nipple are preserved. The excess skin and breast tissue are removed, and the breasts are contoured to create a natural shape that is proportionate with the rest of your body. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia.

What Can I Expect During Breast Reduction Recovery?

Patients should wear a supportive bra for three to four weeks after the operation. Under most circumstances, no drains are used after surgery, and all the sutures are dissolvable. Many patients are able to resume normal daily routines approximately two weeks following surgery; however, this will depend on each patient’s unique needs during the recovery process. Lifting heavy objects and strenuous exercises and activities should be avoided for several weeks after surgery or until our surgeon recommends otherwise.

Will I have breast reduction scars?

The location and extent of scarring will ultimately depend on the specific breast reduction technique that is used in the procedure. As the incision begins to heal (i.e., after three weeks), there are several things you can do to help minimize the size and appearance of the scar. Massaging the scar with firm finger pressure can help it blend in and decrease the swelling. In addition, paper tape and silicone gel sheeting have both been shown to help minimize the scars with time.

Some commercially available products, such as Silagen, Mederma® or vitamin E, may also have some benefits. While it is not possible to have surgical breast reduction without scars resulting from the procedure, our plastic surgeons strive to place incisions in areas that allow residual scarring to be easily concealed under clothing (even bathing suits).

Schedule a Consultation Today

Book an Appointment

Is breast reduction without surgery possible?

For some individuals, reducing the size of their breasts to some degree may be possible through diet and exercise alone. This can typically only be effective for those who have overly large breasts due to excess fat as opposed to glandular tissue. If the breasts are enlarged due to excess glandular tissue, diet, and breast reduction exercises will likely not have an effect, and surgery may be the only option to significantly reduce breast size.

How much does breast reduction cost?

Breast reduction surgery is a customized procedure that is different for each patient; therefore, the total cost of breast reduction surgery varies among individuals. Factors that are considered for the overall price of breast reduction surgery include:

The surgeon’s fee,
The complexity of the surgery
The techniques that are used
Fees for the operating facility
Fees for anesthesia services
The geographic region for which the practice is located

The price of breast reduction surgery at our practice typically starts at about $8,999. A member of our team at Florida Plastic Surgery Group in Jacksonville will meet with you once your treatment plan is developed and produce a total cost estimate of the procedure.

Insurance and financing options

Breast reductions can often be covered by insurance, but pre-authorization from your insurance company is required. Our staff will talk with you about your options and act as your advocate to the insurance company; however, it’s important to remember that the final decision on coverage will rest with the insurance company.

Is financing available?

For patients who would like to explore other payment options, we accept a variety of payment methods, and we work with plastic surgery financing companies such as CareCredit® and ALPHAEON™ CREDIT. These reputable lending agencies offer a range of flexible monthly payment plans for qualified applicants. Our office can help you find the way to pay for your breast reduction procedure that is most convenient for your budget.

Is breast reduction covered by insurance?

In some cases, insurance may offer coverage or partial coverage for breast reduction that is deemed medically necessary. Although insurance companies and policies vary, some of the symptoms of overly large breasts that may result in breast reduction surgery being designated a medically necessary treatment include:

Chronic breast pain due to the excessive weight of the breasts
Grooving in the shoulders from bra straps
Severe impairment of physical activity
Severe rashes that are unresponsive to medical care
Kyphosis – A condition that creates a rounding of the spine, which can be due to breast weight
Headache, neck, and back pain

How do I know if my insurance covers breast reduction?

Insurance coverage greatly varies depending on the company and the policy. We recommend contacting your insurance provider and inquiring as to whether breast reduction is covered under your plan. Many insurance companies have rules that require patients to attempt more conservative therapies for three months prior to breast reduction surgery in order to meet the guidelines for coverage. These therapies may include massage therapy, pain management, physical therapy, or others. It is also very important to retain your documentation throughout these processes so that it can be presented to the insurance company.

The Schnur scale

Insurance companies may require a certain amount of breast tissue to be removed in order to determine that the procedure is medically necessary. The Schnur Sliding Scale is a metric tool that can help plastic surgeons calculate the amount of breast tissue that will need to be removed from each breast to successfully meet the patient’s needs. The scale can determine the ratio of breast tissue designated for removal in comparison to the individual’s weight, height, and skin surface. The body surface area is correlative to the patient’s body mass index (BMI).

How do I know if I qualify under the Schnur Scale?

Patients who are classified as “overweight” based on their BMI may need more volume removed from the breasts. If the calculation of body surface area and the weight of breast tissue targeted for removal falls below a certain percentage, the surgery may be considered cosmetic rather than medically necessary. If it is higher than a certain percentage, the surgery may be deemed medically necessary if other criteria are met.

The following link will take you to a calculator that can give you an idea as to what your body surface area is. Once you have been evaluated in person, we will be able to talk with you about your specific needs and provide you with more details about what you can expect from your customized breast surgery procedure.

I cannot say enough amazing things about Dr. Parks. I’m military and was lucky enough to get my breast reduction covered by Tricare as well as all pre and post-op appointments. The surgery was so smooth, and recovery was even smoother.

Genevieve R.

Electing to have a breast reduction wasn’t easy. I suffered from chronic neck/back pain and low self-esteem for years until my family finally convinced me to arrange a consultation after my college graduation. I was terribly nervous at my first appointment, but Dr. Parks and his staff were phenomenal.

Lauren S.

Why Choose FPSG For Your Breast Reduction?

When considering breast reduction surgery, choosing Florida Plastic Surgery Group offers a comprehensive and patient-centered approach that sets us apart. With a team of board-certified plastic surgeons renowned for their expertise and commitment to patient care, Florida Plastic Surgery Group ensures personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual's needs and goals. Our surgeons prioritize patient safety and satisfaction, utilizing advanced techniques to achieve natural-looking results with minimal scarring. At Florida Plastic Surgery Group, we understand the physical and emotional impact of large breasts, and we strive to provide compassionate support throughout every step of the journey. From the initial consultation to post-operative care, patients can trust Florida Plastic Surgery Group to deliver exceptional results and improve their quality of life.