Breast Reduction FAQ

I am interested in a breast reduction. How do I choose my size?

Dr. Stevens or Dr. Stoker will meet with you and discuss your goals and the size you wish to become. In most cases, a woman can “pick” the size she wishes. There are infrequent occasions when the physical examination of the patient limits the ability to achieve a certain size.

Do laser breast reductions cost more than regular breast reductions?

Laser breast reductions do not cost more than standard breast reductions. Many times the laser-assisted breast reduction surgery takes less time and thus requires less anesthesia. In either case, the procedure cost, anesthesia fee and operating room fees are the same with laser breast reduction or non-laser breast reduction surgery.

Can I nurse afterwards?

With laser-assisted breast reduction, as well as the Stevens Laser Bra, there is no need to do a free nipple graft. Because the nipple is not detached from the breast, most people are able to breast feed following surgery.

Will I need to repeat this surgery in time?

Most people have this surgery only once. If you gain or lose excessive amounts of weight, it is possible that you would wish to have an additional breast reduction or breast lift.

Is breast reduction paid for by insurance?

Yes, most insurance companies will pay for breast reduction surgery. There are no additional fees for laser-assisted breast reduction and most insurance companies will cover this surgery. Insurance companies generally do not cover the costs for breast lift surgery without reduction.

Does it cost more money to have a breast lift at the same time as a laser breast reduction?

No, in most cases a breast lift is performed utilizing the Stevens Laser Bra at the same time as a laser-assisted breast reduction. There are no additional costs for breast lift surgery at the same time as reducing the breasts.

Where is the surgery performed?

This surgery is performed in the UCLA Medical Building in Marina del Rey, California. Here in the UCLA building there is an outpatient surgical facility called the Marina Outpatient Surgery Center.

How long will I need to stay in town?

Most of our out-of-town patients stay with us for one week.

How much does it cost?

The fees for surgery depend on the operation performed. The laser bra is used for the breast lift, breast lift and augmentation, and breast lift and reduction. Each of these has a different fee. Please contact Charlie, Sally, or Christi for information on the fees.

I do not have anyone who can come with me. Can I come alone?

Yes, many women fly in from out of state and even out of the country. Many of these women come alone and do very well. When a patient is alone, we generally ask that she stay in the overnight care facility for three days prior to returning back to her hotel. We see her every other day until she leaves.

Can I go home the night of breast surgery or do I need to stay in a hospital?

Most of our patients stay the first night in an overnight care facility which is located close to the Marina Outpatient Surgery Center. This facility is not a hospital but does provide a comfortable, safe environment for the first evening after breast surgery.

How long have Dr. Stevens and Dr. Stoker performed this procedure?

Dr. Stevens first began performing the Stevens Laser Bra and laser-assisted breast reduction in 1996. Over the last five-plus years he has performed the Stevens Laser Bra more than 1000 times. Dr. Stoker has been performing the Laser Bra since 2001.

Will I lose sensation?

Because the nipple is not detached and a free nipple graft is not necessary, most women will retain their nipple sensation. Occasionally there is a loss of nipple sensation.

Does insurance cover the cost of a laser bra?

Often insurance companies cover the costs for breast reduction surgery. They do not cover the cost for breast augmentation or simple breast lift surgery. Dr. Stevens or Dr. Stoker will write a letter to your insurance carrier and provide them with photographs of your breasts. If you have symptoms such as back pain and neck pain from your large breasts, then your insurance company will frequently cover the costs for breast reduction surgery.