Breast Reduction Surgery Reduction Mammoplasty Surgical Procedure 
Breast reduction is a procedure that is associated with both physical relief and cosmetic enhancement. There are many reasons why a patient would choose to undergo a breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty. The surgery is generally performed to reduce the size of the breasts, improve the shape and nipple position, and lessen associated symptoms such as neck or back pain, shoulder grooving, and rashes below the breasts.
The breast reduction procedure results in smaller, lifted, more proportional breasts and lessening of (or resolution of) neck and back discomfort due to breast size. Many patients feel substantial mental and physical relief after undergoing the procedure, and are able to engage in a wider range of activities without discomfort, including exercise such as jogging or aerobics.
Breast reductions involve the removal of excess breast tissue above the nipple, and the reduction of areola size to stay proportionate with the smaller breast size. While the skin of the breast will be tightened to suit the smaller breast size, the underlying muscle is unaffected. The nipple is not removed, but rotated upward to a higher position on the breast mound, enhancing the breast shape and creating a lifted, more youthful, appearance (ED Online).
There are many different techniques for breast reduction, and they vary mainly in where the remaining breast tissue gets its blood supply. Breast reduction surgery typically involves an “anchor” type scar that circles the areola and moves down to the breast crease, and along the crease (inframammary fold).
General anesthesia will be administered for this surgery and we recommend that you arrange to have someone drive you to and from the surgery appointment.
General
Please Note: These are general estimates that may or may not apply to you individually.
We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, cash, and cashier checks. We also work with two third-party financing companies, Care Credit and Alphaeon Credit. You can find more information and apply for credit online using the links below.
During your consultation, Dr. Anita will take time to learn more about your motivations and goals, understand your concerns, and discuss the treatment in detail. She will go through your medical history and perform a physical exam in order to determine the best plan to reach your goals, and make sure you are a good candidate for surgery.
The day of surgery, Dr. Anita will meet with you in the preoperative area, review the planned procedure, and mark the surgical site. This is also a time you can go over any additional questions you may have prior to surgery. Breast tissue that is removed is typically sent for pathology evaluation.
After surgery, you will be provided with postoperative care instructions, and instructions for follow-up. Dr. Anita will see you for the first postoperative visit 1-2 days after surgery and place you in a post-surgical bra, with an additional visit the week after for drain removal if appropriate. Additional postop visits are typically spaced at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery.
Breast reductions involve removing excess breast tissue, and tightening the skin to suit the smaller breast size. They typically involve reducing the areola size to stay proportionate with the smaller breast size. There are many different techniques for breast reduction, and they vary mainly in where the remaining breast tissue gets its blood supply.
During a breast reduction surgery, the excess breast tissue is removed according to the surgical technique chosen by the surgeon. The underlying muscle is not affected, and the nipple is not removed. Rather, it is simply left attached to the breast tissue and rotated north to its new position on the smaller breast mound, with the skin tightened around it.
The main symptoms leading women to seek a breast reduction are neck pain, upper/mid back pain, shoulder grooving from bra straps, rashes below the breasts from skin-on-skin irritation, inability to find properly fitting clothing, exercise or activity limitations due to discomfort from the breast size, and/or embarrassment or dissatisfaction with a large breast size. Sometimes it is simply a matter of aesthetic preference.
Breast reduction surgery, as with any surgery, will involve some temporary pain or soreness in the early postoperative period. To minimize this pain, numbing medication may be injected to the area during surgery, and once it wears off, oral pain medication may be used for the first few days after surgery, and then tapered off.
Breast reduction surgery is generally safe. As with any surgery, there are certain risks to understand before deciding on surgery.
Walking is encouraged the same day as surgery, and most patients are back to work in a week. It is recommended to wait 6 weeks to resume full exercise, and to wear a supportive bra when resuming workouts.
Breast reduction costs can vary depending on whether or not one is a candidate for insurance to cover part of the costs. To provide you with accurate pricing information, we invite you to book a complimentary Pre-Consult Phone Call with our Patient Care Coordinator by calling 310-205-0212. During that phone call, important information will be discussed and ballpark pricing will be provided.
Breast reduction surgery may be a covered benefit by some insurance plans. Each insurance company has specific criteria that must be met in order to qualify for coverage, and obtain an approval or pre-authorization. Even when authorized, there is no guarantee of insurance payment, and payment may be contingent upon the amount of breast tissue removed.
