Breast Reduction
Restoring Comfort and Balance
Breast size and weight can play a significant role in daily comfort and quality of life. When breasts are too large or heavy for the body, they can lead to physical symptoms of discomfort and interfere with the joy of fitting into clothing and swimsuits.
For those who can relate to these frustrations, a breast reduction is a unique procedure that allows women to reclaim a sense of comfort and balance in their bodies.
What Is a Breast Reduction?
A breast reduction, also known as a reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to reduce the size of large breasts. It also includes a breast lift, reshaping the breasts to be perkier for a more aesthetically-pleasing appearance. The life-changing surgery has many benefits, including:
- Relief from discomfort due to heavy breasts: Patients with large breasts often experience neck & back pain, irritated breast fold skin, and shoulder indentations from bra straps digging into the skin. Breast reduction can alleviate these issues by lightening the weight of the breasts and distributing it more evenly.
- Posture improvement: A decrease in breast size can help encourage better posture by reducing strain on the spine and neck, which can have positive effects on multiple aspects of one’s life.
- Enhanced self-confidence: Achieving a smaller, more balanced chest through breast reduction surgery can provide patients with increased satisfaction with their appearance, leading to improved self-esteem and confidence.
- Easier fitting of clothing: Oversized breasts can make it difficult to find clothes that fit well. Breast reduction can help patients feel better in their clothing and bras.
- Improved lifestyle: Imagine the freedom of enjoying life without having to wear a tight bra every day and being able to jog and dance without heavy breasts.
Who Is a Candidate for a Breast Reduction Procedure?
Dr. Min will assess you to determine whether breast reduction surgery is a suitable option for you. There is no strict age cut off for this procedure. If you are a teenager with large and heavy breasts, you can undergo this procedure as long as the breasts have not been growing any bigger in size for at least a year. Generally, ideal candidates are:
- In good overall health.
- Not breastfeeding or pregnant.
- Non-smokers before and after the surgery.
- Without concerning findings on a recent mammogram in the past year (if over 35 years of age).
- Free from any medical conditions that could impair healing.
Breast Reduction Incision Types
Breast reduction procedures generally come in two incision types: Vertical (a “lollipop” incision) or Wise-pattern (an “anchor” incision). Every woman’s unique chest anatomy and breast shapes will determine which incision pattern would be necessary to achieve the most balanced results. Dr. Min, being a scar minimalist, will help you achieve the shortest possible scar of either type.
An Overview of the Breast Reduction Procedure Experience
During your initial consultation, we will discuss your aesthetic goals and expectations and assess the condition of your breasts to determine if moving forward is the right choice. For those patients with very thin skin and tissue, extra mesh reinforcement may be recommended to help with long-term results. Once you are ready to regain the comfort that your breasts have prevented you from achieving, the breast reduction procedure is performed under general anesthesia and will last about 4 hours. Dr. Min will use her artist’s eyes and skillful hands to deliver beautiful results. No surgical drains are placed during this procedure. After the procedure, the removed breast tissue will be sent to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center’s pathology lab, where a pathologist will check for any abnormalities. After awakening from anesthesia, you can go home with a responsible adult who will stay with you for the first 24 hours to ensure a safe recovery.
After the Surgery: Recovery
During your recovery period, you will be asked to wear a special post-surgical bra to help support the breasts as they heal. You will need a week of downtime to heal but will be able to participate in daily non-strenuous activities without issues. Dr. Min may place a sterile continuous suction device over the closed incisions at the time of surgery to help optimize healing. If you have this device, it will be removed a week after the surgery. You will be provided with detailed instructions on how to care for your surgical area and which activities you should avoid during the healing period. Dr. Min will see you in the clinic for multiple follow-up visits to ensure the recovery and results are coming along well.
Seeing Your Results from a Breast Reduction
After your breast reduction surgery, you can expect to begin appreciating the results immediately despite the swelling and bruising you may experience. The final outcome of the procedure can be fully visible 3-6 months after the operation once the healing process is complete. With a healthy lifestyle and good self-care, patients can expect to enjoy their newfound comfort for years to come.
Combining a Breast Reduction With Other Procedures
Many women carry extra bulk in adjacent areas, such as the pinchable tissue next to the armpit area or the excess fatty tissue along the sides of the breasts. Dr. Min may recommend liposuction for these areas to help achieve an improved aesthetic contour for the breasts as a whole. Other patients may choose to pair a breast reduction with abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) or more extensive liposuction to achieve comprehensive body contouring. During your consultation, we can work with you to explore possible combinations with your breast reduction procedure.
Meet Dr. Elise Min
Board-Certified Female Plastic Surgeon Specializing In Breast And Body Procedures In Los Angeles
Board-Certified Female Plastic Surgeon Specializing In Breast And Body Procedures In Los Angeles
Dr. Elise Min, a distinguished female plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, is renowned for her unique expertise in breast and body surgery. Board-certified and fellowship-trained, Dr. Min is celebrated for her personal approach to aesthetic surgery and her exceptional patient care. She places great emphasis on educating her patients, allowing them to make informed decisions about their treatment.
Book Your Consultation for Breast Reduction in Beverly Hills
If you are interested in learning more about breast reduction surgery and how it can benefit you, we invite you to book a consultation with Dr. Min at her Beverly Hills practice today! During your appointment, we will discuss your concerns and aesthetic goals and assess the condition of your breasts to determine if a breast reduction is your ideal solution. Call our office or reach us through our online form to take your first step.
