Breast Reduction Beverly Hills – Los Angeles CA
Here at Rodeo Drive Plastic Surgery, our approach to breast reduction is unique. We believe the best breast reduction results come from working toward an appropriate size and shape for your body. We call our approach The Rodeo Drive Shaped-For-Fashion Breast Reduction™.
Our technique also creates LOW PAIN and FAST RECOVERY.
Many plastic surgeons perform breast reduction surgery with techniques that emphasize only final size. Unfortunately this “size only” method often leaves the breasts smaller, but still lacking the pleasing shape necessary to wear the fashions our patients desire.
Candidates For Breast Reduction Surgery
- Breasts that are overly large in proportion to your body frame
- Heavy, pendulous breasts with nipples and areolas that point downward
- One breast is much larger than the other
- Back, neck or shoulder pain caused by the weight of your breasts
- Skin irritation beneath your breasts
- Indentations in your shoulders from tight bra straps
- Restriction of physical activity due to the size and weight of your breasts
- Dissatisfaction or self-consciousness about the largeness of your breasts
Reduction Procedures
Among cosmetic surgery procedures, this breast reduction surgery is especially challenging. The three dimensional nature of the breasts, combined with the need to change their position and shape in addition to size, makes the surgery a complex undertaking.
Our Reduction Center
We have found that people coming for a breast reduction surgery procedure are seeking to improve not only their appearance but their overall lifestyle. They want to look better and feel better. They want to be more active. They want to wear styles of clothes that have previously been off limits to them.
To meet out patients’ goals, we looked to our neighbors here on Rodeo Drive. We worked with style makers to better understand the types of reduced-size breast shapes that work best with fashionable clothing. We bring the same approach to our specialized breast lift procedures, revision, body contouring, and other services.
Reduction Consultation
Our goal is to create the size and shape that will allow you to look good, feel comfortable, and give you the widest options for wearing all types of clothing. Our The Rodeo Drive Shaped-For-Fashion Breast Reduction™ goes beyond simply reducing the size of your breasts by also carefully remaking the shape and position.
The Phases of Recovery
Recovery from a breast reduction procedure typically occurs in two phases: the early phase and the later phase. Short-term recovery generally lasts about three weeks, while long-term recovery can take 3-6 months, or sometimes longer. Each phase has its own unique characteristics, and some issues might arise at any stage, no matter how far along you are.
The Early Phase
Let’s start with the first phase, right after surgery. When you wake up, you’ll notice dressings on your chest, often with tape or glue over the stitches. There may also be gauze padding and either a bra or ACE wrap to support your breasts and provide gentle compression. Your surgeon will guide you on when to change the dressings and when it’s safe to shower.
During the first week, you’ll likely experience moderate pain in your breasts and around the sides of your chest. Some people describe it as soreness, which should be manageable with the pain medication prescribed by your doctor. Over time, the pain should gradually decrease.
Drainage from the incisions (such as blood or clear fluid) is normal during the first few days, and it may leak onto your sheets or clothing, so it’s a good idea to sleep on an old towel or blanket. It’s best to avoid using your nicest sheets during this time.
For the first week, take things easy. Focus on resting, eating healthy, and drinking plenty of water. Light walks are fine, but refrain from exercise, dieting, or strenuous activities. You’ll need to sleep on your back for at least 2-3 weeks, which can be challenging if you’re a side or stomach sleeper. Consider investing in a body pillow or sleeping in a recliner to stay comfortable. If you’re struggling with sleep, check with your physician about possibly using a mild sleep aid.
While many women feel a sense of relief after surgery, it’s also common to experience some low energy or feel a bit emotionally down. Allow yourself time to process the emotional adjustments that come with this significant life change.
By around three weeks, most of the bruising should be gone, and the swelling will have decreased significantly. Your incisions might still appear pink or brown, and they may feel tender or firm. At this point, you can start gradually returning to more activities, with your surgeon’s approval. Some surgeons may allow you to increase activity levels earlier, but in general, plan for at least three weeks of recovery.
Around one month after surgery, you’ll have a good idea of your new breast size, and you can start shopping for new bras. There might still be some residual swelling, but this is a good time to update your wardrobe. However, be sure to check with your surgeon before buying underwire bras, as you may need to wait longer depending on how your incisions are healing.
The Later Phase
As you move into the later phase of recovery, you’ll start to return to normal activities. Gradually increase your stamina with low-impact exercises like incline walking or biking. Avoid activities that involve jogging or jumping, as these may be uncomfortable for your chest. Listen to your body, and build up your activity level slowly. Make sure to wear a supportive bra when exercising again.
You may notice some numbness along the sides of your chest or in your nipples during this phase, which is normal. This sensation will likely improve over several months, though for some, it can be permanent. Some women also experience short, intermittent “zinging” pains or shooting sensations in the breast area as the nerves heal. These sensations are typically temporary and should resolve within a few months.
Swelling usually takes 3-4 months to fully subside. It’s normal to feel firm spots or bumps as part of the healing process. While the swelling decreases over time, the scars from your surgery can take up to a year to fully fade and soften. Ask your surgeon about scar treatments and follow their recommendations for best results.
For many patients, the recovery process feels relatively short compared to other surgeries, but it’s important to allow yourself enough time to heal properly. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully to achieve the best possible outcome.
This surgery is sometimes covered by insurance. Please contact our Beverly Hills plastic surgeon so we can help you determine your coverage.
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