Breast Reduction

Technically called “reduction mammaplasty,” breast reduction surgery can make a woman feel more confident by helping to relieve her back pain, neck pain, breathing problems, and skin irritation, which is caused by overly-large breasts. The goal of breast reduction is to create smaller breasts that are better proportioned to her body. This procedure can also reduce the size of the areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple). Dr. David Kim will work with you to accomplish your beauty goals and relieve you from any unnecessary pain. This is done through the removal of fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts.

Ideal Breast Reduction Candidates

This procedure is intended for women who are mainly seeking relief from discomfort or pain versus strictly improving the appearance of their breasts. Teens who are still developing and women who intend to breastfeed may not be good candidates. As with all surgeries, it is important for patients to be free from mental and physical illness.

What to Expect From This Procedure

It is important to discuss your goals and expectations with Dr. Kim, so that you can come to a greater understanding of what breast reduction can do for you.

The most common technique used for breast reduction involves the anchor-shaped incision, in which the doctor makes the incision by circling the areola and extending downward; following the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast. To give the patient a beautiful new bust contour, he will remove breast tissue, fat, and skin. Once that is complete, the doctor will bring the breast flaps down and around the areola.

When repositioning the nipple and areola, the doctor will make every attempt to leave them attached to their original blood vessels and nerves; however for very large breasts, this may not be possible. Dr. Kim would then need to completely remove the nipple and areola and graft them into a higher position. With the crescent-shape incision, stitches are typically located around the areola in a vertical line extending downward, and then run along the lower crease of the breast. After surgery, the patient will be wrapped in bandages, gauze or a surgical bra.

For some women, liposuction used during breast reduction surgery may be necessary. Dr. Kim can help to determine if this option will create optimal results and decide on the best technique for your reduction.

Possible Risks From A Breast Reduction

As with all surgeries, there are the potential risks of infection, bleeding, or reaction to the anesthesia. In particular to breast reduction, there may be a loss of sensation in the breasts, and small sores may form around the nipples. There is the chance that the breasts will result in mismatched size, shape or position (possibility that if reattached, the nipples may be uneven in position). Noticeable and permanent scars are nearly impossible to avoid following breast reduction surgery, but they will lessen over time.

Following surgery, it is normal to feel sore (which can be controlled with medication). There may be swelling and bruising, and you may have a small tube inserted in the breast area to allow for drainage. The garments should remain on until to swelling subsides. If your breasts feel dry, it is important to follow the doctor’s instructions, and moisturize if needed.

Although the stitches can be removed in a few days, it may take several weeks to return to normal.

Dr. Kim is a board certified plastic surgeon with a private practice in the Los Angeles / Beverly Hills area. He specializes in tummy tucks, breast reductions, face lifts and various areas within the cosmetic surgery field.

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