Breast Reduction risks?

Hello! I have been considering a breast reduction for many many years. I am a 32 J. I have several main concerns with it.

1. Over the years when my weight has fluctuated, I never lose in my breasts and in fact I have only gained there when I lose elsewhere. So, my concern is....if after a breast reduction how likely is it for them to grow back again?? I know my Estrogen levels are pretty high or low Progesterone, if you will. I am concerned that I will go through all that risk and cost for nothing.

2. My other concern is the risk involved with this surgery...medically;infection wise, nipple sensitivity, etc.

3. Also, I am curious about the insurance obstacles I may have to face as I do NOT have the money to pay for this surgery. I have an HMO.

4. And lastly, my breasts are quite large...what happens to the extra skin when the fatty tissue is removed?? Or am I not understanding this procedure??

Any help would be appreciated :O)

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

Here are simple answers to your questions in reverse order: 4. In a standard beast reduction, both skin and fat/breast tissue are removed.  3. Confront the insurance obstacles by seeing a local plastic surgeon and having his/her office request prior authorization for the procedure.  This eliminates the guesswork out of insurance coverage and would be a required step before your procedure. 2. While these procedure are usually performed without complication, there are inherent risks that should be discussed with your surgeon.  An experienced surgeon doing the procedure in an accredited facility should minimize these risks.  1. While I have seen rare cases of breast enlargement due to changing hormone levels, these are unusual.  If your weight remains fairly stable, it is unlikely that you will experience much change in breast size after the surgery.