Stoker Plastic Surgery: David Stoker, MD
4640 Admiralty Way #1000
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Phone: (310) 300-1779
Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
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:
I’d be happy to discuss breast reduction with you in person. Simply request a consultation online or call us at (310) 300-1779.
| For Your Breast Reduction: |
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| He’s published a number of research papers on emerging concepts in breast reduction techniques and safety. |
| He’s been featured throughout the media, including The New York Times and NBC’s “Today Show.” |
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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.
Educated at some of the most elite institutions in the country, Dr. David Stoker uses his highly advanced knowledge to ensure that each patient achieves beautiful, harmonious results — whether it's through a simple non-surgical procedure or a more advanced surgical transformation. Learn more about his unique credentials and his approach to plastic surgery.
Why Choose Dr. StokerBreast 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.
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.
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:
When I reduce the size of a breast, I also strive to improve its appearance. This includes lifting the breast and repositioning the areola.
Most of my patients retain nipple sensation following a Los Angeles breast reduction. I leave the nipple attached to the underlying nerves rather than detaching it as in the older free nipple graft technique.
Complications tend to be minor and resolve over the course of a month or two with appropriate treatment. Possible complications from a breast reduction include slow healing, infection or bleeding. Careful planning, meticulous technique and diligent post-operative care all help to decrease the rate of problems.
Insurance usually covers breast reductions. The medical condition caused by overly large breasts is called symptomatic macromastia.
My patients typically take a few days to a week off from work following their breast reduction surgery in Los Angeles. Exercise may be resumed when incisions are healed approximately one month later.
Typically I make the areola diameter smaller during breast reductions to optimize the proportions of the new breast.
The scars from a breast reduction are in the pattern of either a lollipop or inverted-T (anchor). The scars tend to fade over the course of a year. I use modern plastic surgery techniques to optimize their appearance.
Most women’s breasts are slightly different sizes, and that is especially true with larger breasts. I routinely make adjustments to the breasts to improve their symmetry when I perform a breast reduction.
Discover what Los Angeles breast reduction surgery can do to alleviate your discomfort. Request a consultation online or call (310) 300-1779.
Our expertise extends beyond plastic surgery. We offer an extensive range of non-surgical treatments administered by our talented, experienced team of aesthetic providers under the guidance of board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Stoker.
If you have a treatment in mind, review our complete offering of non-surgical services. If you need a little help deciding, narrow down your options with our interactive treatment planner.
Cellulite, sagging skin, and lower body laxity are among the most common yet stubborn concerns for women—especially after weight loss, pregnancy, or menopause. Despite the popularity of skin tightening treatments and traditional thigh lifts, very few procedures deliver long-lasting, natural-looking results in the lower body. That’s why board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Stoker developed the Bikini Body Lift™, a revolutionary procedure that lifts, tightens, and reshapes the thighs and buttocks to restore a youthful contour.
