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Breast Reduction
in Greenville, SC

Breast Reduction in Greenville, SC

Dr. Shawn Birchenough is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast surgery and aesthetics. Dr. Katherine Birchenough is certified in functional medicine and an expert in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. We are Greenville’s premier physician-run medical Wellness and Aesthetic center. At OptimalSelf MD, we offer breast reduction for men and women in Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Spartanburg, and the surrounding communities in South Carolina.

WHAT IS BREAST REDUCTION?

Breast reduction surgery is recommended for women who feel self-conscious and embarrassed by their large breasts. While some women desire larger breasts, you may understand that larger is not always better. If your breasts are too big for your frame, you have to maneuver around them and even live with back, neck, and shoulder pain. Breast reduction surgery helps with all of these issues. Take a look at our breast reduction before and after photos.

HOW MUCH DOES BREAST REDUCTION COST?

At OptimalSelf MD, we understand that you want to feel good about yourself, yet cost may be a primary consideration. We recommend that you schedule a consultation as a first step. We charge a fee for an in-office consultation. As part of the consultation, we explain your breast reduction surgery cost, and payment can be made by cash, check, and credit card. We also work with CareCredit® and Alphaeon® to offer our patients financing options. 

Breast Reduction Before & After Gallery

Breast Reduction Before and After Pictures in Greenville, SC
Breast Reduction Before and After Pictures in Greenville, SC

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR BREAST REDUCTION?

Large breasts (macromastia) can cause pain, improper posture, rashes, breathing problems, grooves on the top of the shoulders, skeletal deformities, and low self-esteem. Breast reduction surgery is usually done to provide relief from these symptoms.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING BREAST REDUCTION?

Under general anesthesia, the typical two to three-hour procedure removes excess skin, fat and breast gland tissue to produce smaller, lighter breasts more proportional to the rest of the body. The breasts are also lifted on the chest wall and the nipple-areola is placed in a more youthful position. Typical incisions are made around the areola, from the new location of the nipple down to and within the crease under the breast. Dr. Shawn removes excess tissue, fat, and skin, then he relocates the nipple and areola higher on the chest wall, and reshapes the breast. All incisions are closed with multiple layers of stitches. Liposuction may be needed to remove excess fat from the side of the breast, under the armpit. Occasionally, liposuction alone can be used to reduce the breast.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE ME TO RECOVER FROM BREAST REDUCTION?

An elastic bandage or a surgical bra is worn for the first week after surgery. Occasionally, especially with a very large breast reduction, surgical drainage tubes for fluid removal may be placed in the breasts. Stitches come out in about a week and a snug bra (like a sports bra) must be worn for about four to six weeks to help with the shape, healing, and swelling. Walking can be done immediately. More strenuous (cardio) activity can usually start within two weeks. Arm exercises are limited for the first four weeks. Dr. Shawn follows his patients closely to individually recommend which activities can be resumed. Breast reduction scars typically fade in about 12 months.

CAN I SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION FOR BREAST REDUCTION?

We encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Shawn. We offer 15-minute phone consultations and in-office consultations for a fee. You can ask Dr. Shawn any questions that you may have, such as:

  • “How big will I be after breast reduction?”
  • “Will insurance pay for breast reduction surgery?”
  • “Can I breastfeed after my breasts are made smaller?”

Breast Reduction Faqs

Is a breast reduction painful?

The breast reduction procedure is performed with general anesthesia, which keeps patients safe and comfortable for the duration of the surgery. However, patients can expect varying levels of pain and other symptoms during the recovery process. Discomfort, bruising and swelling typically peak during the first week of recovery. During this time, resting and using pain medication as prescribed can help manage these symptoms and ensure a comfortable recovery period. Most pain and related symptoms will be fully subdued within one month of treatment, and often earlier if patients follow their recovery guidelines.

Will my insurance cover a breast reduction?

Breast reduction surgery is one of the few plastic surgery procedures that may be covered by insurance. Whether your treatment will be covered by insurance will depend on if it is a cosmetic treatment or if it is deemed medically necessary. Cosmetic treatments are not covered by insurance because they are considered elective procedures. On the other hand, if you are experiencing pain, discomfort or other health concerns as a direct result of having large breasts, your breast reduction may be covered by insurance. In these cases, insurance providers often require documented proof of these issues before providing coverage for your surgery.

How many cup sizes will I lose?

On average, most patients lose one to two cup sizes with a breast reduction. However, these results can vary depending on the patient and the extent of surgery performed. Some patients may experience a larger reduction in cup size based on their breast size and their treatment goals.

OptimalSelf MD is the first center in South Carolina to offer plastic surgery, aesthetics, and wellness for men and women in Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Spartanburg, and the nearby areas of South Carolina. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss your breast reduction options.