Breast Reduction

general-surgery-la-peer-healthOur plastic and reconstructive surgeons understand that oversized breasts can be difficult to manage. They limit your activity, cause back pain and neck pain, discomfort and embarrassment. For women who suffer from oversized breasts, we offer expert breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty.

Breast reduction surgery is an effective and successful way for women to reduce the weight, size and position of their breasts, while also improving associated symptoms of back pain, neck pain and bra strap grooving. Not only can this procedure be a life-altering step for a woman’s physical health and quality of life, but it can also help improve a patient’s self-image. By removing excess tissue and re-contouring the breast, a breast reduction alleviates medical problems while providing a firmer and more symmetrical shape.

Based in Los Angeles, La Peer Health Systems offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional methods of breast reduction that yields shorter scars, and a higher, more lifted final breast that holds its shape over time. For more information about this exciting new technique for breast reduction, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation.

Are You A Good Candidate For Breast Reduction Surgery?

Women with disproportionately large breasts may be good candidates for breast reduction. In general, women with size DD or greater consider surgery to reduce breast size and improve firmness. However, even size C or D breasts can be too large for a petite woman.

Breast reduction may be a good option for you if:

  • You are physically healthy
  • You have realistic expectations
  • You don’t smoke
  • You are bothered by a feeling that your breasts are too large
  • Your breasts limit your physical activity
  • You experience back, neck and shoulder pain caused by the weight of your breasts
  • You have regular indentations from bra straps that support heavy, pendulous breasts
  • You have skin irritation beneath the breast crease or need special care for this area
  • Your breasts hang low and display stretched skin
  • Your nipples rest below the breast crease when your breasts are unsupported
  • You have enlarged areolas caused by stretched skin.

While women of any age can benefit from the procedure, most doctors prefer to wait until the age when a woman’s breasts have stopped growing – around 18 or 19 – before performing breast reduction surgery.

The Procedure

Breast reduction surgery takes approximately two to three hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure. It involves decreasing the size of the breasts by removing excess skin and breast tissue as well as re-contouring and elevating the remainder of the breast.

At La Peer’s newly remodeled surgery center in Beverly Hills, our surgeons perform breast reduction on an outpatient basis and under general anesthesia by a board-certified anesthesiologist. Generally, our surgeons utilize either a circumareolar (around the areolar) or a lollipop (keyhole or racquet-shaped pattern around the areola that travels vertically down to the crease of the breast) incision; occasionally an inverted T or anchor-shaped incision pattern is necessary for extremely large breasts. The incision type used will be based on your breast composition, the amount of reduction desired, your personal preference, and the advice of your surgeon.

After creating an incision, your surgeon will reduce the size of the areolae to make them more proportionate. He or she will also elevate your nipple to a natural-looking, ideal position while maintaining the attachment to the breast tissue. This technique allows for the possibility of breast-feeding in the future and for maintaining some sensation and sensuality of the nipple-areola complex. Underlying excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin are then removed so that the breast can be lifted and shaped. Sutures, skin adhesives and surgical tape are used to close the skin.

The Results of Breast Reduction Surgery

La Peer patients experience immediate relief from discomfort in their neck, back, and shoulders following breast reduction. Additionally, many women find it easier to exercise, as well as to find bras and clothing that fit comfortably.

Recovery

Approximately two days after surgery, the surgeon will remove the surgical dressing and instruct the patient to wear a special bra day and night for at around 1 week. After that, a supportive bra should be worn on a regular basis to help maintain the breast shape over time. When the incisions are well healed and non-tender, the patient may be able to wear an underwire bra if desired.

Postoperative discomfort is quite tolerable and easily controlled with pain medication. In fact, many patients take little to no medication and indicate an immediate improvement or resolution of symptoms resulting from the reduction. You may experience swelling, which will subside over time.

Breast Reduction FAQs

Q: Is breast reduction permanent?

A: Yes, breast reduction surgery is considered permanent. However, should the you gain weight or become pregnant, it is possible for swelling and sagging to occur again.

Q: Do I need any special tests or x-rays?

A: If you are in good health, you will need screening blood tests and a baseline mammogram. If you suffer from a serious illness, such as diabetes, your surgeon may order tests or suggest you see your treating physician.

Q: Can I have a breast reduction and breast lift at the same time?

A: Breast lift is part of our breast reduction surgery. All of our patients undergo a breast lift procedure, which is necessary for a great result!

Contact a Breast Surgeon at La Peer

La Peer’s Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department boasts a state-of-the-art facility. In addition to quality care, our patients receive also the best care when preparing for surgery. If you would like to discuss a breast reduction procedure in more detail or have insurance coverage questions, contact our Beverly Hills office at (855) 360-9119 so that we can schedule an initial consultation.

Visit the Breast Reduction Center of Excellence, a branch of La Peer devoted 100% to breast reduction.

Next, read about Breast Lift.