Breast Reduction Beverly Hills

Treatment Overview

First, you will meet with Dr. Anita Patel in Beverly Hills to share your concerns and discuss the results that you hope to achieve. This will be followed by a review of your medical history and a focused physical exam. Dr. Anita will then go over the risks and activity restrictions, and give you time to ask questions.Prior to the surgery, you will fill out consent forms.
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 breast lift view, 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.

• Length of Surgery: 4 hours
• Anesthesia: General
• Post-Op Activity: Walking same day is encouraged. Avoid strenuous activity for 6 weeks.
• Return to Work: 1 week

Frequently Asked Questions

How Does a Breast Reduction Work?

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.

What Happens During Breast Reduction Surgery?

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.

Do I Need a Breast Reduction?

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.

Is Breast Reduction Painful?

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.

Is Breast Reduction Surgery Safe?

Breast reduction surgery is generally safe. As with any surgery, there are certain risks to understand before deciding on surgery.

How Long Does It Take to Recover From Breast Reduction 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.

How Much Do Breast Reductions Cost?

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 appointment 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.

Does Insurance Cover Breast Reduction Surgery?

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.

What Does a Breast Reduction Look Like?

Breast reductions involve the removal of excess breast tissue and skin, raising the position of the nipple, and reducing the areola size to one 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 left undisturbed. The nipple is not removed from the underlying tissue, but rather it is rotated upward to a higher position on the breast mound, enhancing the breast shape and creating a lifted, more youthful, appearance.

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 in Beverly Hills 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.

What Are the Types of Breast Reductions in Beverly Hills?

When it comes to breast reduction surgery, there are different incision types and different “pedicles” of blood supply. The classic incision is the Wise pattern incision, otherwise known as an anchor type incision. Another option is the vertical incision, which is the same as the anchor minus the horizontal portion that lies in the fold.

With either type of incision, the breast tissue that is left behind must have good blood supply to survive. Two common techniques for Beverly Hills breast reduction include inferior pedicle reduction and superior-medial pedicle reduction. In her experience, Dr. Patel prefers the superior-medial pedicle technique, due to the improved long-term appearance of the breast with better cleavage and less bottoming out of the breast.

Can You Get a Breast Augmentation at the Same Time as a Reduction?

While it may seem counterintuitive, some women opt for breast augmentation at the time of their reduction. The breast reduction accomplishes removing excess skin and breast tissue from various portions of the breast, and reposition the remaining tissue into a higher position.

What you cannot get from breast reduction surgery in Beverly Hills is fullness at the upper pole of the breast, and for that reason some women choose to have implants to fill that upper part of the breast. Some surgeons prefer to do the reduction and implant surgery at separate times.

It is possible, however, to combine the procedures, understanding that you may have to come back for a revision if needed later. In massive weight loss patients, there is also a greater tendency for the skin and tissues to stretch after the reduction, making the chance of revision higher.

What Can I Expect During Recovery?

Walking the day of surgery is recommended. If drains are places, you should sponge bathe only until the drains are removed. You may shower 24 hours after drain removal, but should not soak in a bath or fully submerge the treated areas until they are fully healed.

Scar therapy sheets or scar gel may be used starting two weeks after surgery or once incisions have no open areas, crusting, or scabs. A soft, supportive (snug but not too tight), non-underwire bra that zips or fastens in the front is recommended for the first 6 weeks following surgery.

In general, Dr. Patel recommends avoiding exercise for six weeks following breast reduction surgery in Beverly Hills, at which time you can ease back into your workouts. Light activity that does not involve the upper body may be okay around three weeks after surgery.

You may return to work one to two weeks after surgery, depending on your pain level, stamina, and activities required in your occupation. You may drive once you are no longer taking pain medications or muscle relaxers, and allow a 24-hour minimum window between your last pain medication or muscle relaxant dose and driving.

If you are ready to learn more about a breast reduction in Beverly Hills, book an appointment with Dr. Patel today.