Dr. Hootan Daneshmand

Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast Reduction in Orange County & Bakersfield, CA

breast reduction

Women with very large breasts may experience a variety of medical problems caused by excess tissue. For example, excess breast tissue can cause chronic pain, skin irritation, skeletal deformities, and breathing problems for many women. In addition to medical problems, large breasts can also make a woman or teenage girl feel extremely self-conscious.

Breast reduction surgery, technically known as reduction mammoplasty, is designed for women who suffer physically and mentally from their breast size. During this procedure, plastic surgeons will remove excess breast tissue, fat, and skin. A cosmetic surgeon will also reduce the size of the areola. The goal of this type of surgery is to provide the woman with a smaller, more proportionate breast shape. 

If you’re considering breast reduction surgery in Orange County, schedule a free consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Daneshmand at Silhouette Plastic Surgery Institute today.

What is a Breast Reduction?

Basically, a breast reduction makes the breasts smaller through the removal of excess breast tissue. Removing excess breast tissue can alleviate discomfort as well as improve the patient’s appearance and self-confidence.

Common Reasons Why People Undergo Breast Reductions

While a breast reduction is technically considered a cosmetic surgery, many patients don’t undergo this major surgery for purely aesthetic reasons. Patients choose breast reduction to improve physical symptoms such as:

  • Chronic pain (such as back pain, shoulder pain, and neck pain) that’s often treated with anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Difficulty exercising and performing other physical activities
  • Excess sweating under the breasts
  • Frequent rashes and other skin irritations under the breasts
  • Difficulty fitting into shirts, jackets, bras, dresses, etc. due to breast size

On top of the aforementioned physical struggles, women with very large breasts also struggle with low self-confidence and unwanted attention from men wherever they go. So most breast reduction patients experience major relief in multiple aspects of their lives after they undergo a reduction mammoplasty.

How Much Does a Breast Reduction Cost?

The average cost of breast reduction surgery varies significantly due to multiple different cost factors. Oftentimes, a patient’s health insurance may cover the full or partial price of the surgery because of the medical conditions associated with overly large breasts. There are also financing plans available to patients who may wish to make convenient monthly installments.

All things considered, the price of a breast reduction will likely range from $8,000 to $15,000. There are countless factors that can affect that price, including the ones listed below.

  • Location: The cost of living in the area where the surgery is performed has a significant impact on breast reduction price, as it does with most services and products provided in the region. For example, a breast reduction surgery in California will likely cost more than a breast reduction surgery in Louisiana because the two states have drastically different costs of living.
  • Surgeon’s Fee: The fee for each surgeon also varies based on their skill, experience, and reputation in that field. 
  • Hospital or Surgical Facility Costs: The cost of the hospital or surgical facility where the procedure takes place may vary depending on the quality of facilities, technology, services, and staff provided. 
  • Anesthesia Cost: The anesthesiologist may charge a fee according to their experience and qualifications.
  • Other Expenses: Other expenses that may affect breast reduction surgery costs include medical tests, prescriptions for medications, and post-surgery garments such as a surgical bra.

Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction surgery must be carefully individualized to each patient’s needs. During your initial consultation, a board-certified plastic surgeon will perform a physical exam, discuss your aesthetic goals, and analyze your medical history. Generally, women with large, pendulous breasts will benefit the most from a reduction procedure.

You may be a good candidate for a reduction mammaplasty if you:

  • Are physically healthy
  • Don’t smoke
  • Are insecure about your large breasts
  • Experience back, neck, and/or shoulder pain due to the weight of your breasts
  • Have breasts that limit your physical activity
  • Experience shoulder indentations from bra straps
  • Have skin irritation beneath the crease of your breasts

Does a Breast Reduction Include a Breast Lift?

Yes. A breast lift is an integral component of the breast reduction procedure and is included in the operative planning. The overwhelming majority of women who wish to have their breasts reduced also require a lifting of the breast tissue and nipples to achieve an attractive result.

How is a Breast Reduction Performed?

Reduction mammaplasty is an outpatient procedure that’s generally performed in a hospital or an outpatient surgical facility. Your cosmetic surgeon will give you general anesthesia before they begin the reduction. 

Surgical technique varies from surgeon to surgeon. They will either remove excess fat through incisions or through liposuction. Generally though, the surgeon will make an incision around each areola and down to the breast crease. From there, they will open up your breast and remove the excess tissue, fat, and skin.

breast reduction

Your surgeon will then reshape the breast and reposition the nipple and areola. The nipple and areola will typically remain attached to the breast, but in some cases might need to be removed completely and then reattached at a higher position using a skin graft. Your surgeon will make every effort to make your scars as inconspicuous as possible.

After a breast reduction, you may either recover at home, in an after-care facility with nurses, or in the hospital depending upon your needs. Most patients are up and walking on the day of surgery with some discomfort and tightness in their chest. 

On the first evening, a large ace wrap will be applied to compress the breast skin. A sports bra that buttons or zips in the front are generally the best dressing for the next few weeks during the healing process.

How Long is the Recovery Time for a Breast Reduction?

Generally, patients are off of pain medication after a few days and back to work within a week or two. At 4 weeks, low-impact exercise is permissible followed by unrestricted activity after 6-8 weeks.

Although much of the swelling and bruising will disappear in the first few weeks, it may be six months to a year before your breasts completely settle into their new shape. Even then, their shape may fluctuate in response to hormonal fluctuations, weight changes, and pregnancy.

Of all plastic surgery procedures, breast reduction results in the quickest body-image changes. You’ll be rid of the physical discomfort of large breasts, you’ll have better-proportioned breasts, and your clothes will fit better.

Still, it’s important to remember that breast reduction scars are extensive and permanent. The scars often remain lumpy and red for months, then gradually become less obvious, sometimes eventually fading to thin white lines. Fortunately, the permanent scars can usually be placed so that you can still wear low-cut tops.

However, as much as you may have desired these changes, you’ll need time to adjust to your new image. Be patient with yourself and keep in mind why you had this surgery. Chances are, like most women, you’ll be pleased with the results.

Potential Complications From a Breast Reduction Surgery

Every single surgery comes with its own set of risks. Before you undergo a breast reduction surgery, it’s important to keep the following risks and complications in mind.

  • Changes in or loss of nipple sensation
  • Excess bleeding
  • Blood clots
  • Difficulty with future breast feeding
  • Infection
  • Damage to nerves, blood vessels, muscles, etc.
  • Noticeable, permanent scarring
  • Asymmetrical breasts
  • Extra firm breasts
  • Color changes in breast skin or nipples
  • Possible breast revision surgery
  • Fluid accumulation
  • Fat necrosis
  • Wounds that don’t heal properly
  • Adverse reactions to anesthesia
  • Irregular breast shape or contour
  • Long-term pain
breast reduction

Call Silhouette Plastic Surgery Institute Today

The Silhouette Plastic Surgery Institute is dedicated to offering a complete range of cosmetic and reconstructive surgical procedures, including reduction mammaplasty. Our surgeon, Dr. Hootan Daneshmand, provides the latest advances in reconstructive surgery in both Orange County, Riverside, and Bakersfield, California. If you’re considering a breast reduction or want to know more about your options, contact us today! To reach our Orange County location, call us at 949-359-8397. You can also fill out our online contact form here.