We have been seeing more patients who are interested in having breast reduction surgery and are willing to pay for the procedure out-of-pocket. Over the past twenty years, medical insurance companies have become increasingly restrictive in coverage of this life-changing procedure. The combination of high deductible insurance plans with high out-of-pocket maximum annual spend levels often makes an insurance-based breast reduction far less attractive financially than paying cash for the procedure.

Several years ago, Sound Plastic Surgery dropped out of insurance based reimbursement for plastic and reconstructive surgery. We saw an immeidate increase in our breast reduction surgery volume. Patients are not willing to wait on the insurance process to have an operation that will undoubtely improve their quality of life and self-image. 

I see our breast reduction consultation patients in our Seattle clinic. After reviewing the medical history, I ask a patient how she would like her breasts to look, and what size reduction she would prefer to see.  We take measurements of her breast dimensions, and I comde up with an estimate for the amount of breast tissue that I believe would need to be removed in order to achieve the patient's cosmetic and functional goals.

When surgery is booked, we have another clinic visit to re-examine the patient and make sure that we have an agreed-upon surgical plan in place. We take pre-operative photographs and review surgical consent forms. Payment for surgery is collected in-full at the pre-operative appointment.

On the day of surgery, I meet the patient in our private ambulatory surgery center here in NE Seattle. I review the surgical plan with the patient once again, and the patient meets with the anesthesia provider and per-operative nursing staff. The surgery itself takes about three hours under general anesthesia. Recovery is rapid and the patient is sent home the same day. We do not use surgical drain tubes, which greatly simplifies after-care. I see the patient about a week after surgery, and then every other week thereafter to ensure that healing is progressing. Patients are typically delighted with their surgical results. I take post-operative photos about four months after surgery. I always give patients their before and after photos to carefully review. 

If you are interested in having a plastic surgeon evaluate you for a breast reduction, contact me at Sound Plastic Surgery today. Consultations are $100, and you'll leave the visit with a clear picture in mind about what a breast reduction surgery can do for you.