A breast reduction is a surgery that truly allows a woman to take control of her body and life. Dr. Nitin Engineer finds performing breast reduction very rewarding due to how much it can transform and elevate a patient’s quality of life.

What is breast reduction?

Breast reduction is a surgical procedure that is done to reduce the size of overly large breasts. When a woman’s breasts are excessively in size, they can cause all kinds of problems, both physically and emotionally. Daily activities such as exercising or sleeping can be uncomfortable, it can be frustrating to find flattering clothing, and there can also be unwanted attention or comments. Perhaps the biggest issue is the discomfort. Women with overly large breasts often experience neck, shoulder, or back problems. A breast reduction in Las Vegas with Dr. Engineer can correct these problems and help a woman to be much more comfortable in her life.

How breast reduction is done

A breast reduction decreases the size of the breasts by removing skin, fat, and glandular tissue. The procedure also usually re-contours the breasts to have a more attractive appearance, providing overall improved balance and proportion to the entire area. If necessary, the nipples and areolas are also re-positioned to achieve the most natural look possible.

How much does a breast reduction cost?

Although the exact cost of breast reduction varies, the average cost is $5,500. However, every patient is unique and has different concerns. We will be able to provide you with a cost for your breast reduction in Las Vegas after your personal consultation.

Who is a good candidate?

Women who are excellent candidates for a breast reduction are those who:

Have neck, back, and/or shoulder pain due to overly large breasts
Suffer emotionally due to overly large breasts
Cannot comfortably perform certain physical activities and tasks due to the size of their breasts
Dislike the appearance of their breasts due to size
Feel that their breasts are getting in the way of their career
Have breasts that are fully developed
Have completed breastfeeding
Are non-smokers in general good health
Have realistic expectations for the surgery

Schedule a Consultation

Prepping for surgery

You cannot have a mammogram for six months after a breast reduction, so be sure to schedule one before your procedure if needed.
Let Dr. Engineer know about any medications you’re currently taking.
Stop smoking at least one month prior to your surgery, and stop using nicotine completely (patches/gum) for two weeks before surgery.
Stop using NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.) for two weeks before surgery.
Stop using blood thinners (vitamin E, fish oil, St. John’s Wort, ginkgo biloba, etc.) for two weeks before surgery.
Arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from your surgery.
Arrange for a friend or family member to assist you after surgery for at least 24 hours.
Be sure to shower the night before your surgery, as well as the morning of, with antibacterial soap. However, do not wear any deodorant, powder or lotion.
Avoid wearing jewelry, makeup, nail polish, or false nails to your surgery.

What happens during the surgery?

A breast reduction is typically done with the patient under general anesthesia. Your skin will be cleansed and marked to help guide Dr. Engineer. He will expertly make an incision that goes all the way around the areola and continues underneath the breast. From this incision, he will remove excess skin from the sides of the breasts. The tissue that he does not remove will be lifted and shaped to create a tighter, smaller appearance for the breasts. He may also re-position the nipple and areola. Once he has finished, the incisions will be closed with sutures.

Recovery

It’s normal for breast reduction patients to resume sedentary type work about one week following surgery; however, you will most likely still be sore and have some bruising, stiffness, and possible rash at this point. In addition, lifting your arms will be difficult the first few days following surgery.

After surgery, you will be given a surgical bra to wear. This is to help support your new breasts, and to help with healing. You’ll need to wear this special bra for approximately one week, at which time you can switch to a soft bra with no underwire. It is important to avoid wearing underwire bras until Dr. Engineer advises you that it’s okay to resume wearing them.

You may also have drains placed to catch excess fluids during recovery. If so, you’ll need to keep them dry.

Avoid lifting anything over 1-2 pounds for two weeks, and stop exercising for six (or until Dr. Engineer tells you to). Do not put any pressure on your incisions, and expect to sleep upright for a week or two.

Why choose Dr. Nitin Engineer for breast reduction?

Dr. Engineer’s ultimate goal is to serve as a discerning and sympathetic partner throughout your breast reduction experience, from initial consultation through your complete recovery. If overly large breasts are causing you to suffer, we invite you to reach out to us to get on your way to a much more comfortable life.

FAQs

Is breast reduction a major surgery?

Yes. Because incisions are made and excess unwanted tissue is excised and removed, breast reduction is considered a major surgery. It is, however, one of the safest elective cosmetic surgeries available, and is often medically necessary or desired due to the great physical and emotional relief it can bring about for patients.

How many sizes can you go down in a breast reduction?

Most patients go down 1 or 2 sizes, but depending on your goals and physique, it may be possible to reduce even more. A consultation is always the best way to determine this.

Should I lose weight before breast reduction surgery?

There are two schools of thought here, and the answer is still: It depends. Breast reduction will itself cause a loss of some physical weight, but perhaps more importantly, it usually allows women to move or exercise in ways that haven’t been possible before. Women often lose 10 to 20 pounds in the many weeks after a breast reduction.

Will insurance cover my breast reduction?

Some insurance companies will pay for part of a breast reduction if it’s deemed medically necessary. However, the insurance company sometimes requires that a certain amount of breast tissue be removed. The best way to find out is to contact your insurance company and ask.