Breast Reduction
A Life-Changing Procedure
Breast Reduction
A Life-Changing Procedure
Living with very large breasts can affect every aspect of your daily life—from chronic back and neck pain to limitations in your wardrobe choices and physical activities. Breast reduction surgery (reduction mammaplasty) offers more than just physical relief; it creates harmony between your body proportions while alleviating the daily discomfort that many women endure.
As the creator of the innovative Pocket Lift technique, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Lisa Cassileth brings unique expertise to breast reduction surgery patients in Beverly Hills. This groundbreaking approach achieves natural-looking fullness in the upper breast without implants, using your own tissue for optimal results. Her patients consistently report dramatic improvements in their quality of life, from renewed confidence to freedom from physical restrictions. Dr. Cassileth customizes each reduction mammoplasty using her advanced surgical techniques to achieve beautiful, lifted results that complement your unique body shape and fulfill your personal goals.
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Benefits Of Breast Reduction Surgery
- Relief from back pain and neck pain: Breast reduction can alleviate the physical discomfort in the back and neck caused by overly large breasts. This relief often leads to improved posture and overall physical well-being, allowing patients to go about their daily activities easily and comfortably.
- Alleviation of shoulder pain or indentations caused by bra straps: By reducing the weight of heavy breasts, this surgery can eliminate painful grooves in the shoulders created by bra straps. Patients often report a sense of lightness and freedom from this constant discomfort, improving their overall quality of life.
- Freedom to jog, dance, and play sports with more ease: Large breasts can make physical activities challenging or even painful. Breast reduction surgery enables patients to fully engage in an active lifestyle, opening up opportunities for exercise, hobbies, and sports that may have been previously avoided.
- A trim, slimmer, and more youthful appearance: Breast reduction reshapes and resizes the breasts to better suit a patient’s frame, creating a proportionate and rejuvenated silhouette. Many patients feel their new appearance helps them look fitter and more energetic.
- Breasts that are perkier and sit higher on the chest: After surgery, breasts are lifted to a more youthful position on the chest, resulting in an elevated and perkier appearance that boosts body confidence and enhances clothing fit.
- Improved breast shape: Breast reduction reduces size and refines the shape, creating a rounder, more symmetrical contour. This often complements a patient’s overall body proportions, contributing to a balanced and aesthetically pleasing figure.
- Correction of asymmetry: Many patients have breasts that are uneven in size or shape. Breast reduction surgery can correct these imbalances, creating a more harmonious and symmetrical appearance.
- Elimination of skin irritation caused by large breasts and excess skin: Skin irritation, rashes, and chafing caused by large breasts are common issues. Breast reduction surgery alleviates these problems by removing excess tissue, leaving patients more comfortable and confident.
- Ability to wear cute bras and a larger variety of clothing: After surgery, patients can wear supportive, stylish bras and a wider range of clothing options, from fitted tops to elegant dresses. Shopping becomes a more enjoyable experience, free from the limitations of ill-fitting garments.
- Increased self-confidence and self-esteem: Breast reduction can have a profound emotional impact, boosting self-confidence and improving self-image. Many patients report feeling more comfortable in their bodies and better able to express their personal style, fostering a greater sense of overall happiness and well-being.
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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, Dr. Cassileth removes excess breast tissue in the lower, central breast. The sides of the breast are then joined together, pulling the shape into a smaller, higher profile, naturally bringing the breast upward. None of the natural upper fullness of the breast is sacrificed, and the nipple is also moved upward, which creates 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 may be used, which extends vertically in the natural breast crease.
The Pocket Lift: A Revolutionary Approach to Breast Reduction
Dr. Cassileth pioneered the Pocket Lift technique to solve a common challenge in breast reduction surgery: achieving natural upper breast fullness without implants. Many women with heavy, pendulous breasts are told they need implants with their reduction to create fullness in the upper breast area. Dr. Cassileth’s innovative solution uses your own breast tissue instead, creating beautiful, natural results without artificial breast implants.
The beauty of this technique is in its design: Dr. Cassileth uses the pectoral fascia—a strong, natural layer covering your chest muscle—to create a secure internal “pocket” that holds breast tissue in an elevated position. This revolutionary approach creates lasting upper breast fullness and takes the pressure off your skin, resulting in better healing and finer scars. Throughout the procedure, Dr. Cassileth carefully preserves nerve sensation while positioning your nipples for a natural, youthful appearance.
What To Expect From Your Breast Reduction Procedure
Preparing For Breast Reduction Surgery
During your breast reduction consultation with Dr. Cassileth, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your goals, share your concerns, and learn everything you want to know about breast reduction surgery. After a thorough breast examination and review of your medical history, Dr. Cassileth will create a personalized surgical plan designed to achieve your desired results.
How Breast Reduction Works
Breast reduction is an outpatient surgery performed with general anesthesia. Dr. Cassileth 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 sculpt the lateral breast area (between the breast and the armpit), eliminating any excess fullness extending from the underarm area.
Recovery After Breast Reduction
Recovery after breast reduction is a gradual process; it’s important to be patient while your body heals. Dr. Cassileth’s patients benefit from the use of the EXPAREL nerve block, which provides localized, long-lasting pain relief and reduces the need for narcotic pain medication during the initial recovery period.
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
Below is a detailed timeline and helpful tips to optimize your recovery:
Breast Reduction Recovery Timeline:
- Week 1: Rest and focus on healing. Mild discomfort can be managed with prescribed pain medication. Limit physical activity to essential movements only, and avoid lifting heavy objects.
- Week 2-3: Gradual return to light activities, such as walking, using a treadmill with a slight incline, or utilizing an elliptical machine. Swelling and bruising should begin to subside during this period. Continue to avoid any strenuous physical activity.
- Month 1-2: Most patients can resume normal daily activities, including work, at 4 weeks. Strenuous exercises or activities that strain the chest area should still be avoided until cleared by Dr. Cassileth.
Tips for Healing After Breast Reduction:
- Follow post-operative care instructions closely: Adhering to Dr. Cassileth’s guidelines is essential for minimizing complications and ensuring optimal healing.
- Wear a surgical bra as advised: A surgical bra provides the necessary support to reduce swelling and promote proper healing of the breast tissue.
- Avoid heavy lifting or vigorous activities for at least six weeks: This helps prevent strain on your incisions and supports the healing process.
- Attend follow-up appointments: These visits are crucial for monitoring your progress and addressing any concerns promptly.
- Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated: Proper nutrition aids the body’s natural healing processes and reduces inflammation.
If you are traveling from out of town for surgery, plan to stay in the Los Angeles area for at least 7 days after your procedure to allow for proper monitoring and initial recovery.
It is normal to experience some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort during the initial days after surgery. Dr. Cassileth’s after-care team will provide detailed post-operative instructions for managing discomfort and caring for your incisions. By following these guidelines and allowing your body the time it needs to heal, you can enjoy the full benefits of your breast reduction surgery.
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 To help increase the chances that women can breastfeed after reduction, Dr. Cassileth performs breast reductions in a slightly different way in women who plan to breastfeed by removing a wedge of tissue so that all tissue left behind should communicate with the nipple, like spokes on a wheel.
It’s important to let Dr. Cassileth know if you plan on breastfeeding children after your surgery so she can advise you on your options.
For patients paying out of pocket, the cost of breast reduction surgery varies depending on factors such as the complexity of the procedure and the techniques used. Our practice delivers exceptional care and results tailored to your unique needs. Schedule a consultation with our experienced team to receive an accurate cost estimate.
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, insurance companies sometimes contribute to the cost of surgery for breast reduction patients. Insurance coverage can vary depending on the carrier’s requirements, and some plans dictate the details of the surgical plan, so check with your insurance provider to learn more.
If you’re feeling self-conscious about the size of your breasts or experiencing discomfort due to excessively large breasts, finding a trusted breast reduction specialist in Beverly Hills, California, is key. Cassileth Plastic Surgery, led by Dr. Lisa Cassileth, a renowned Beverly Hills breast reduction specialist skilled in performing this transformative surgical procedure, can help you achieve a size and shape that enhances your comfort and confidence while addressing aesthetic and physical concerns. Whether you’re seeking relief from pain or a more proportionate figure, breast reduction surgery can help you take the first step toward a more comfortable and confident you.
"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