Breast Reduction Candidates
Breast reduction surgery can relieve chronic pain, improve your daily comfort, and help you feel more like yourself. Here’s how to know if you may be a good candidate.
Am I a candidate for breast reduction?
If your breasts are causing you pain, discomfort, or frustration, you’re probably wondering whether breast reduction surgery is the right move.
The answer depends on a few factors, but most women dealing with the physical and emotional effects of overly large breasts are strong candidates.
Dr. John Reilly has helped patients across Connecticut find lasting relief through breast reduction. During your consultation, he’ll walk you through your options and help you decide if surgery makes sense for your situation.
Signs you may be a candidate
There’s no specific cup size that qualifies you for breast reduction. Your candidacy depends more on how your breast size affects your daily life and whether enough tissue can be removed to make a meaningful difference. If you’re experiencing one or more of the following, it may be time to explore your options.
Who qualifies for breast reduction surgery?
There’s no one-size-fits-all checklist, but there are a few general guidelines we look at to determine candidacy.
Good overall health
You should be in stable health with no conditions that could interfere with surgery or healing.
Stable weight
Your weight should be relatively stable to improve the quality of your results over time.
Breast development complete
For most women, this means 18 or older. Younger patients may qualify if symptoms are severe and growth has stabilized.
Non-smoker
Stop smoking for before the procedure and throughout recovery to help with healing.
What about pregnancy and breastfeeding?
If you’re planning to become pregnant in the near future, we may recommend waiting. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can change the size and shape of your breasts, which could affect your results.
That said, many women who have had a breast reduction go on to breastfeed successfully. Dr. Reilly uses techniques that preserve as much breast function as possible. If future breastfeeding is a priority for you, bring it up during your consultation so he can factor that into your surgical plan.
Breast reduction for teens
Breast reduction isn’t just for adults. Teens can also be candidates if they are dealing with the physical and emotional effects of overly large breasts. The results can be life-changing during a critical stage of development.
The Connecticut Breast Reduction Center follows established guidelines when evaluating younger patients. In most cases, surgery is appropriate once breast development has stabilized, typically at least two years after the start of menstruation. We also consider the severity of symptoms, the patient’s emotional maturity, and whether conservative treatments have already been tried.
There is no hard age requirement for breast reduction. The decision is based on your daughter’s physical development, symptoms, and readiness for surgery. We meet with both the patient and parent to make sure everyone feels informed and is on the same page.
Do you need a certain breast size to qualify?
No. There is no minimum cup size required for breast reduction surgery. We focus on the relationship between your breast size, your body frame, and how your symptoms are affecting your life. Some patients are a D cup and in real pain. Others are a DDD and managing fine. What matters is your experience, not a number on a measuring tape.
If you’re considering breast reduction for insurance purposes, the requirements are a bit more specific. Insurance companies often use a measurement called the Schnur scale, which calculates the minimum amount of tissue that needs to be removed based on your body surface area. Our team can help you understand what your plan requires and guide you through the documentation process.
What if I don’t qualify for insurance coverage?
Many patients qualify for insurance coverage. For those who don’t, self-pay with flexible financing options puts the procedure well within reach. You can learn more about payment plans during your consultation.
What happens during your consultation
Here’s what to expect when you meet with Dr. Reilly for the first time. You’ll leave the consultation with a clear understanding of your options and a plan tailored to you.
Dr. Reilly will go over your health background, current medications, and any prior treatments you’ve tried for your symptoms.
He’ll evaluate your breast size, shape, skin quality, and overall proportions to determine the best approach.
You’ll talk through what you’re hoping to achieve, including how much smaller you’d like to be and any specific concerns.
He will then explain which technique he recommends, what your results may look like, and what to expect during recovery.
The team will walk you through coverage requirements or, if you’re self-pay, go over pricing and financing options.
Ready to find out if breast reduction is right for you?
The best way to know whether you’re a candidate is to schedule a consultation with the Connecticut Breast Reduction Center. We will take the time to understand your symptoms, evaluate your options, and answer your questions.
Get in Touch!
Do you have questions, or are you ready for a consultation? Fill out the form, and our team will reach out to schedule your visit.
