Breast Reduction
A Life-Changing Procedure
Breast Reduction
A Life-Changing Procedure
Women with breasts that are overly large or very heavy can experience a range of issues, from the frustration of not being able to wear certain clothing styles to chronic back pain. Breast reduction, a surgical procedure also known as reduction mammaplasty or reduction mammoplasty, can alleviate the physical discomfort of large, heavy breasts and bring breasts in proportion to your body shape.
At Cassileth Plastic Surgery, we see firsthand how rewarding this procedure can be. Breast reduction surgery has a very high patient satisfaction rate and our patients report a significant improvement in their overall quality of life.1 Our Los Angeles breast reduction specialists are skilled in advanced surgical techniques and we customize each procedure, so you can be sure that your results will be tailored to your unique needs and aesthetic goals.
Breast Reduction Topic On This Page
Benefits Of Breast Reduction Surgery
Potential benefits of breast reduction surgery include:
- Relief from back and neck pain
- Alleviation of shoulder pain or indentations caused by bra straps
- Freedom to jog, dance, and play sports with more ease
- A slimmer and more youthful appearance
- Breasts that are perkier and sit higher on the chest
- Improved breast shape
- Correction of asymmetry
- Elimination of skin irritation caused by large breasts and excess skin
- Ability to wear cute bras and a larger variety of clothing
- Increased self-confidence and self-esteem
Here's Why Breast Reduction Surgery Is Necessary For Many Women
Patient Results
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Breast Reduction Surgical Techniques
Dr. Cassileth always performs a breast lift as part of the breast reduction procedure. The lift repositions the breast so that it’s higher and more appropriate for its new smaller size.
Vertical Breast Reduction
In a vertical breast reduction, the surgeon removes excess breast tissue in the lower, central breast. The sides of the breast are then joined together, pulling the shape of the breast into a smaller, higher profile, and naturally bringing the breast upward. None of the natural upper fullness of the breast is sacrificed, and the nipple is also moved upward, which makes a perkier and younger-looking breast. This type of breast lift typically involves a “lollipop” incision, which is placed around the areola and extends vertically underneath the breast. If a large amount of tissue and skin need to be removed, an anchor scar, which also extends vertically in the natural breast crease, may be used.
Pocket Lift Breast Reduction
The pocket reduction was created by Dr. Cassileth to address some of the issues common to breast reduction patients. Some women have such heavy breasts that the whole breast hangs very low, leaving very little tissue on the upper chest. Sometimes these women are told that they need breast implants with their reduction in order to give them “upper pole fullness.” To us, the obvious solution was to use our patients’ own generous breast tissue to create that upper fullness, and make sure that it stays there, giving the patient a great result without unneeded breast augmentation. To accomplish this Dr. Cassileth created a technique where we use the pectoral fascia, a thin but strong layer covering the chest muscle, as a perfect pocket to hold the breast in a higher position. And more importantly, it takes the weight off of the skin completely. This makes for a better scar as well, as there is no tension on the skin. The nerves are carefully preserved in this type of reduction, and the nipple is placed in a higher, more youthful-looking position.
What To Expect From Your Breast Reduction Procedure
Preparing For Surgery
Your consultation appointment is your opportunity to ask any questions you have about breast reduction surgery. Your plastic surgeon will discuss your concerns and your goals, examine your breasts, and review your medical history in order to determine if you are a candidate for surgery. If you and your surgeon decide that this procedure is right for you, they will provide you with detailed pre-operative instructions before your scheduled surgery date.
How Breast Reduction Works
Breast reduction surgery is typically an outpatient surgery performed with general anesthesia. Your surgeon will review your treatment plan with you prior to sedation. She will begin by making an incision and then she will remove excess breast tissue to achieve your desired breast size and reposition the remaining breast tissue to enhance your breast shape. Depending on your treatment plan, liposuction may also be used to contour the bra line area.
Recovery After Breast Reduction
In addition to surgical dressing, you may be asked to wear a surgical bra at the beginning of your recovery. It is normal to experience some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort in the first few days after surgery.2 Your surgeon will advise you on pain medication and provide detailed post-operative instructions. You should avoid strenuous physical activity for at least two weeks after surgery. We will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing. Read our blog to learn more about recovery after breast reduction.
Ideal candidates for breast reduction surgery are in good general health, non-smoking, and are bothered by very large breasts.3 If your breasts interfere with your health due to physical pain or cause you frustration, this procedure may be right for you. The best way to determine if you are a candidate is to schedule a consultation appointment.
Breast surgery does not typically interfere with the ability to breastfeed, but certain surgical techniques may affect milk supply.4 Let your surgeon know if you plan on breastfeeding children after your surgery so she can advise you on your options.
Breast reduction surgery is unique because it can be considered an elective cosmetic surgery or a reconstructive and necessary procedure. Since overly large breasts can cause physical pain, the cost of breast reduction surgery is sometimes covered by health insurance companies. Each insurance plan has their own requirements for coverage and some plans dictate the details of the surgical plan, so check with your insurance carrier to learn more.
Arrange a consultation to discuss breast reduction at the Los Angeles area’s Cassileth Plastic Surgery. Women from Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and beyond can Send a message online or call (310)-896-4202.
"Today, I received a call from Fallon, Dr. Cassileth’s Patient Coordinator, and I had to write a review and commend them for such an amazing customer service. It’s been a while I had been to the office, and she called to check on me, showing real interest, patience and kindness. I was truly impressed. Be certain that if you do come here, you’ll receive a personal and incredible customer experience. I am so grateful for this Clinic , Thank you ???? MC" -Jujuba V. via Google My Business
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1 Gonzalez MA, Glickman LT, Aladegbami B, Simpson RL. Quality of life after breast reduction surgery: a 10-year retrospective analysis using the Breast Q questionnaire: does breast size matter? Ann Plast Surg. 2012 Oct;69(4):361-3. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0b013e31824a218a. PMID: 22964671.
2 Mayo Clinic. Breast Reduction Surgery. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/breast-reduction-surgery/about/pac-20385246 Accessed May 12, 2021
3 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Breast Reduction. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures/breast-reduction/candidates Accessed May 12, 2021
4 Cleveland Clinic. Breastfeeding after breast or nipple surgery. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/15585-breastfeeding-after-breast-or-nipple-surgery. Accessed May 12, 2021