“Is breast reduction considered plastic surgery?”

Is a breast reduction plastic surgery? Yes. It is a surgery done by plastic surgeons, therefore it is plastic surgery. I think the question you are asking is actually is a breast reduction cosmetic surgery, i.e. is it done just for looks. A breast reduction gives a lift as well as making the breast smaller. So, there is cosmetic benefit from it. However, breast reductions are considered reconstructive surgery in that they are done to improve health and relieve pain.

Plastic surgeons do all kinds of different surgery. Across the nation, about 75% of what we do is considered reconstructive, and about 25% considered cosmetic.

Absolutely! And at least in the United States, you should only seek a Board-Certified (or Board-Eligible) Plastic Surgeon to perform your breast reduction, also called reduction mammaplasty. There are surgeons out there who are 'non-core' for plastic surgery who call themselves 'cosmetic surgeons' and claim to be equivalent to us true plastic surgeon, in terms of performing these operations. Be careful and do your homework when it comes to researching your plastic surgeon. Plastic surgeons are experts at reshaping soft tissues all over the body, and that especially includes the breast. The word 'plastic' comes from the Greek 'plastikos,' which means 'to shape' or 'to mold.' We perform everything from breast reductions, to breast lifts (called 'mastopexies'), to breast augmentation with implants, to breast reconstruction (whether done with implants or with one's own tissues, called 'autologous' breast reconstruction). A substantial portion, probably half or more, of our 6-8 years of general and plastic surgery residency training, entails operating on the breast.

Nirav B. Patel, MD, JD, FACS, FCLM

Yes

Yes breast reduction is performed by plastic surgeons. Please call a board certified plastic surgeon.

Yes breast reduction is a plastic surgery although sometimes it can be covered by insurance

Yes it is.If you meet your insurace criteria, might be covered by health insurance.

Yes, Breast Reduction surgeries are usually performed by Plastic Surgeons. If certain criteria are met, the cost can often be covered by Health Insurance