Los Angeles Breast Reduction

Disproportionally large and heavy breasts are often a source of pain and discomfort for women. Because of the weight, this often causes back and neck strains; as well as resulting in shoulder indentations from the shoulder straps. Women with very large breasts often suffer from skin irritation and infection underneath their breast folds. Large breasts frequently prevent women from participating in sports. They also make it difficult for women to fit well into cloths. In summary, large breasts are not only a hazard to a woman’s health but also diminish her sense of self-esteem and independence.

Breast Reduction, or Reduction Mammoplasty, is the surgical procedure to reduce breast size and weight through the removal of excess breast tissue, fat and skin. The plastic surgeon not only makes the breasts more proportionate to a woman’s figure, but also lifts them.
 Of all the surgical procedures performed by plastic surgeons, breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty) is probably the most rewarding for the patient as well as the doctor. The purpose of this procedure is to reduce the dimensions of the breasts to a more proportional and manageable size. In doing so, the surgeon removes excess breast tissue and skin, tailors a new breast that is smaller, more proportional, and more youthful.

During the most common Breast Reduction surgery, the plastic surgeon makes an "anchor-shaped" incision the circles the areola, through a total of three incisions. One incision is made around the areola – the colored area around the nipple. A second incision is made vertically from the bottom of the areola to beneath the breast crease. A third incision curves in the under-breast (Inframammary) fold. The plastic surgeon then removes excess tissue, fat and skin, shifting the nipple and the areola into their new higher position. The plastic surgeon then brings the skin from both sides of the breast down around the areola, shaping the new contour of the breast. Skin that was above the nipple is lowered to the breast crease, allowing the surgeon to bring skin together and to reshape the breast.

Often, Breast Reduction is performed simultaneously with a Breast Lift or "Mastopexy," because the excess fat and glandular tissue that made breasts large and heavy lead to sagging that can only be corrected by a lifting procedure. Men who develop excessively large breasts, or "woman-like" breasts – a condition known as Gynecomastia – can also undergo Breast Reduction.

Who Would Benefit from Breast Reduction? Women who suffer from the following symptoms are good candidates for undergoing Breast Reduction Surgery:

Who Would Benefit from Breast Reduction?Women who suffer from the following symptoms are good candidates for undergoing Breast Reduction Surgery:

Chronic Neck, Back, and Shoulder Pain

A woman with size F cup breasts is carrying approximately six pounds more than a woman with a D cup of extra weight. This additional weight is sustained by the neck, upper back and shoulders. Imagine constantly carrying a two-liter Coke bottle by a strap around your neck. You would definitely develop neck, shoulder, and upper back pain within a short time. This makes Mammary Hypertrophy a physical disability; one that is a severe health problem and yet is being increasingly disregarded by the health insurance companies.

Women who suffer from inherently painful backs and necks — such as those with cervical disc herniation — are at even greater risk. Very often, these women find relief only through strong narcotics and muscles relaxants. This is a painful addiction problem, and causes a feeling of hopelessness. I have personally treated many patients like this who were able to cease the use of all narcotics and medications for their chronic back pain following Breast Reduction surgery.

How would you be evaluated for Reduction Mammoplasty?

Your cosmetic surgeon will evaluate a number of factors at your first appointment. These include your measurements, the size and shape of your breasts, and the placement of the nipples and areolas. He or she will also take photographs so an accurate record of your progress can be kept. Your plastic surgeon will also give you an estimate of how much breast weight that can be removed.

Can I Have Breast Reduction Surgery if I Have Medical Conditions Besides Those Caused by Large Breasts?

Yes. However, your cosmetic surgeon will first require that your medical conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension, be optimized prior to your surgery. Uncontrolled diabetes, thyroid, and immune disease can complicate your healing after surgery.