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Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery patients in Los Angeles are among the happiest of all plastic surgery patients because they both look better and feel better following surgery. When women have large, burdensome breasts, they frequently suffer from a condition called symptomatic macromastia. Symptomatic macromastia is considered to be a medical problem that may include the following symptoms:

• Pain in the neck, shoulders, breasts, and upper or lower back
• Bra strap indentations
• Rashes underneath the breasts
• Finger or hand numbness
• Difficultly exercising, fitting into clothing or examining the breasts

I'd be happy to discuss breast reconstruction with you in person. Simply request a consultation online or call us at (310) 300-1779.

The Breast Reduction Procedure

Breast reduction surgery is designed to make the breasts smaller and lighter to alleviate the problems of symptomatic macromastia. Although the procedure itself can be performed in different ways, the surgeon performing the breast reduction is the most important determinant of the quality of the result.

Breast reduction is typically performed in tandem with a breast lift procedure. This dual approach ensures the newly resized breasts are perky and well-proportioned. When I perform breast reductions, patients are given a general anesthetic to maximize their comfort and allow me more complete access to the breast structures during surgery. The type of incisions I make typically depend on the degree of reduction required. For example, a minor reduction in volume may only necessitate a relatively abbreviated lollipop incision. This short-scar technique is one of my specialties and is especially appropriate for women with healthy, resilient skin. Patients who require more significant volume reduction are usually better served by a larger anchor-shaped incision. Of the various breast reduction techniques, I can customize a variety of nuances based on each patient's anatomy and overall desires.

For Men

Breast reduction isn't only for women. I often see male patients for contouring of the chest or pecs, a type of breast reduction in itself. The technique I use during male breast reduction depends largely on the patient and his specific condition. Younger patients who have good skin elasticity can often get attractive results with liposuction, which uses very small incisions through which fat is suctioned away. More severe cases may be better served by full excision, which surgically extracts fat as well as glandular tissue to create a flat, well-proportioned chest contour.

Insurance Coverage for Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery is considered to be medically necessary if a patient suffers from symptomatic macromastia. The typical criteria for insurance coverage of a breast reduction include: bothersome symptoms detrimental to quality of life, failure of medical therapy prescribed by another physician or chiropractor, and removal of a minimum estimated weight of breast tissue.

Most insurance plans will cover this procedure for patients with these symptoms if they have attempted conservative medical treatment without success. Most commonly, this conservative medical treatment is provided by an internist, orthopedist or chiropractor. Typically, there is a minimum weight of breast tissue that must be removed from each breast to qualify as a medically necessary breast reduction for insurance coverage. The best way to determine if your procedure is medically indicated is in a consultation with me at the office or through a virtual consultation.

Recovery

Although breast reduction surgery doesn't offer instant relief, it comes quite close. By the morning after surgery, most patients report relief from the symptoms of their oversized breasts, including relief from the back, neck, or shoulder pain that's bothered them for years. Some even report easier breathing thanks to the reduced weight on their chests. However, recuperation after breast reduction isn't a completely symptom-free experience. It's important to listen to your body during this time to allow it to heal undisturbed. Follow my guidelines exactly, and don't strain yourself if you don't feel up to returning to a particular activity. Generally, my breast reduction patients can anticipate the following timeline:

• A few days to recover before returning to work
• A month for the incisions to heal before resuming exercise
• A year for the scars to fade to a subtle color

Discover what Los Angeles breast reduction surgery can do to alleviate your discomfort. Request a consultation online or call (310) 300-1779.

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