Breast Reduction Surgery
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles and Pasadena, CA
Breast reduction surgery, also known as a reduction mammoplasty, reduces the size and weight of the breasts by removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin.
Disproportionately large breasts can lead to a range of physical issues, including back, neck, and shoulder pain, as well as dissatisfaction with one’s appearance. During breast reduction surgery, we help alleviate the discomfort and pain caused by large, heavy, and pendulous breasts as well as reduce, uplift, and reshape the breasts into a size and shape that is aesthetically pleasing and in proportion with the rest of your body. This surgery corrects the functional symptoms associated with large breasts and improves a woman’s body image, proportion, and self-confidence. If you are struggling with the challenges posed by overly large breasts, you may be an ideal candidate for breast reduction surgery.
Dr. Mossi Salibian and his team are the gold standard when it comes to cosmetic procedures not only in West Hollywood but the entire Los Angeles area. Dr. Salibian specializes in breast reduction and works tirelessly to create beautiful, natural-looking results while taking a patient-first approach to help each patient achieve their goals. To schedule a personal consultation, contact Dr. Salibian and his team by calling (310) 550-0750.
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Breast Reduction Procedures
Breast reduction surgery involves the removal of excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to achieve a smaller and more proportionate breast size. (1) This procedure is highly customizable and is tailored to your specific concerns and aesthetic goals. Dr. Salibian utilizes advanced techniques to ensure optimal results while prioritizing your comfort and safety.
Depending on the size, shape, symmetry, pendulous nature, and skin elasticity, the incisions could vary from the “lollipop” scar breast reduction; also commonly known as the vertical incision breast reduction, to the traditional “anchor” incision or the Wise pattern breast reduction. Care is always taken to minimize the length of the horizontal incision during a Wise pattern breast reduction while maximizing the shape and longevity of the contoured breasts. With all techniques of breast reduction surgery, the excess breast tissue and skin are removed, and the nipples and areolas; which are usually widened in diameter, are reduced in size to create an uplifted and youthful breast appearance, shape, and proportions. If the patient has fat deposits along the lateral breast regions or the “bra rolls” liposuction can also be done to improve the final shape of the breast reduction. Dr. Salibian closes the incisions meticulously to minimize visible scarring. The most common incision techniques include the anchor incision and the lollipop incision, and the technique that Dr. Salibian uses will depend on the degree of lift as well as the extent of reduction required, the patient’s preference in the location of incisions, and other lifestyle factors. (2) It is also not uncommon to have breast size and shape disproportion, a natural finding, and therefore the types of incisions and techniques of breast reduction used can vary between the two breasts to minimize the incision lengths and achieve the best possible outcome and symmetry.
Benefits
Breast reduction surgery offers a wide range of physical, emotional, and aesthetic benefits. Some of the benefits of breast reduction surgery include:
- Alleviation of physical discomfort caused by large breasts
- Improved body proportions
- Increased mobility
- Reduction in skin irritation and chafing under the breasts
- Boosted self-confidence and emotional well-being
Many patients report significant relief from chronic pain in the back, neck, and shoulders, as well as an improvement in posture and ability to engage in physical activities. (3) These positive physical changes often lead to an enhanced sense of confidence, ultimately contributing to an overall state of improved mental and physical well-being. By addressing the physical and emotional challenges associated with overly large breasts, breast reduction surgery can lead to an overall better quality of life for many patients. (4)
To experience some of these potentially life-changing benefits for yourself, contact Dr. Salibian and his team by calling (310) 550-0750 to schedule a personal consultation.
Ideal Candidates
Breast reduction can appeal to a wide range of individuals. In general, however, this procedure is ideal for individuals who experience physical discomfort or perhaps self-consciousness due to the large size of their breasts. Ideal candidates often struggle with physical symptoms such as chronic back pain and neck strain, skin irritation at the breast folds, and deep bra strap grooves at their shoulders, consequently avoiding physical activities and exercising due to the heavy weight of their breasts. Some candidates seek breast reduction surgery because they feel their breast size negatively impacts their lifestyle and overall body proportions.
Candidates for this procedure should be in good overall health, not be overweight, and have realistic expectations about the outcome of surgery. It is also important that patients have fully developed breasts at the time of their procedure and are at a stable and healthy weight. However, there is a rare breast condition that can affect young girls early on during puberty which is called juvenile gigantomastia (which can also be unilateral). It can be physically and psychologically debilitating(5) and will require breast reduction earlier than in other patients. It is a benign condition and not associated with breast cancer. Ultimately, Dr. Salibian will determine your eligibility for breast reduction during your initial consultation.
Personal Consultation
If you are interested in exploring the possibility of breast reduction and all the potential benefits this surgery has to offer, the best place to begin is by scheduling a personal consultation with Dr. Salibian and his staff. This consultation will serve as an informative one-on-one conversation between you and Dr. Salibian. During this consultation, Dr. Salibian will get to know you and you will establish a good rapport with him and relay your medical and aesthetic concerns and desires. He will craft a personalized treatment plan tailored specifically toward helping you achieve your goals.
Dr. Salibian values open communication and ensures that every patient is informed and feels comfortable throughout the treatment process. As part of your personalized treatment plan, he will discuss the details of the procedure, including the best reduction technique, expected results, and discuss the preparation for surgery and the recovery process. You are encouraged to ask questions and express any concerns you may have during your consultation.
To schedule a personal consultation, contact Dr. Salibian and his team by calling (310) 550-0750.
Preparation
Preparation for breast reduction surgery involves several important steps to ensure a safe and successful experience. Dr. Salibian and his team provide detailed preoperative instructions tailored to each patient’s needs. Patients undergo medical clearance before surgery as well as breast imaging that is age-appropriate to make sure that the breasts are without any suspicious lesions or masses that need to first be addressed by a breast surgeon. Patients who smoke or vape are advised to stop at least three months before surgery and avoid certain medications, such as blood thinners such as aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the weeks leading up to surgery. Additionally, patients who are on glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 analogs) such as Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro® or similar medications will need to be off of these medications for a minimum of three weeks before the surgical date. Patients are also advised to make arrangements for a responsible adult to stay with them after surgery as having breast reduction is usually an out-patient procedure; however, a responsible adult needs to be at home with the patient for the first 24-48 hours after surgery to help with various daily living tasks and basic personal needs.
Procedure
On the morning of surgery, you will be greeted first by the operating room nursing staff who will make you feel at ease and guide you through the routine intake process. They will take your vitals, start an IV (intravenous fluid hydration) and follow through with the pre-surgical check-in. You will then see Dr. Salibian in the pre-op area where he will place the important markings on your chest based on the breast reduction technique that you discussed during your consultation. You will also meet with the anesthesiologist to discuss the type of anesthesia to be administered. The anesthesiologist would have already reviewed your medical clearance and called you the night before to discuss your medical and surgical history and clearance for surgery. Patients usually voice their concerns about having nausea after surgery, the anesthesiologist will address your questions, allay your concerns, and inform you of the medications and techniques used to minimize the chances of nausea and vomiting after surgery. Dr. Salibian begins the procedure by making carefully planned incisions based on the agreed-upon technique and markings. The excess breast tissue, skin, and surrounding fat are removed, preserving good blood supply and sensation to the breast and nipples, and the remaining breast tissue is reshaped creating uplifted, smaller in size desired breasts, that are youthful in appearance, and incisions are closed in layers with absorbable sutures. Sometimes suction drains are used to evacuate residual blood and fluid that accumulates after surgery to prevent excessive swelling and discomfort. These drains are removed during one of your early postoperative office visits.
Breast reduction procedure times vary depending on the complexity and extent of the operation but tend to last between 4-5 hours. Most patients can return home the same day, though we recommend that you make arrangements to travel home with a trusted and available adult to stay with you during the first few days of the recovery process.
Recovery
The recovery process following breast reduction surgery varies from patient to patient. Most patients feel great right as they wake up from anesthesia as they feel the heaviness and pressure of the breasts lifted. The specialized support bra that is placed after surgery helps decrease both postoperative pain and swelling. Patients can expect some degree of discomfort, bruising, and tightness in the first few days after surgery. The breast skin and nipples might also feel numb temporarily but most patients regain sensation in the ensuing weeks. While patients can typically resume light activities within one to two weeks, they are advised to avoid strenuous activities for four to six weeks or until cleared by Dr. Salibian. Dr. Salibian’s office will schedule all of your follow-up appointments to monitor your healing, drain removal, progress, and results.
Results
The results of breast reduction surgery are life-changing. Breast reduction surgery is one of the highest-rated procedures in Plastic Surgery having universally the highest satisfaction scores; where most patients relay regret for not having this surgery early on in their lives. Patients report almost immediate relief from physical discomfort, higher functionality, and an enhanced body image. The change in overall volume and size will be noticeable immediately, while the final shape and contour will evolve during the subsequent months as swelling subsides and the breasts settle into their new shape. The services provided by Dr. Salibian and his team are some of the most sought-after in the world of breast enhancement procedures, and they are highly confident they can help you achieve satisfactory results and an exceptional experience.
Cost of Breast Reduction in Los Angeles
The cost of breast reduction can vary depending on multiple factors, including the extent of the surgery and the methods used. Personal consultations provide a detailed estimate, including potential insurance coverage if the procedure is deemed medically necessary. Dr. Salibian’s office also offers the option of financing to those who are interested and qualify.
FAQ
Although quite rare, some of the complications associated with breast reduction surgery are: hematoma, seroma, fat necrosis, skin loss, nipple loss, and scarring. (6)
The cost of breast reduction surgery varies based on factors such as the complexity of the procedure and whether additional procedures are performed. Dr. Salibian’s office will provide a detailed cost estimate after your initial consultation. An average price range is $18,000-$25,000.
Although there is some risk of patients not being able to breastfeed following breast reduction surgery, this risk is minimized especially when the surgery is performed by a trained and experienced Plastic Surgeon such as Dr. Salibian.
Scarring is an inevitable part of most forms of surgery, including breast reduction surgeries. Dr. Salibian will minimize visible scarring with the judicious placement and length of the incisions and meticulous closure. For many patients, the aesthetic enhancement and functional improvement associated with this procedure outweigh any potential drawbacks of having permanent scars especially if they are thin and barely noticeable.
Yes, breast reduction can be combined with other procedures as with a tummy tuck; commonly known as a mommy makeover. You can discuss additional procedures with Dr. Salibian during your consultation to evaluate the best possible options for you.
References
- Sachs D, Szymanski KD. Breast Reduction. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441974/
- Toomey AE, Cape JD. Mastopexy (Breast Lift). Nih.gov. Published December 11, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK610682/
- Goulart R, Detanico D, Flávia R, Gustavo Ricardo Schütz, Santos. Reduction mammoplasty improves body posture and decreases the perception of pain. 2013;21(1):29-32. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/229255031302100114
- Crittenden T, Watson DI, Ratcliffe J, Griffin PA, Dean NR. Does breast reduction surgery improve health-related quality of life? A prospective cohort study in Australian women. BMJ Open. 2020;10(2):e031804. doi:https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2019-031804
- Dancey A, Khan M, Dawson J, Peart F. Gigantomastia – a classification and review of the literature. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. 2008;61(5):493-502. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2007.10.041
- Saleem L, John JR. Unfavourable results following reduction mammoplasty. Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery. 2013;46(02):401-407. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-0358.118620