Breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty) is among the most functionally transformative procedures in cosmetic surgery. For women living with the physical and psychological burden of overly large breasts, the relief that follows surgery is often described as life-changing. At Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery, Drs. David Kim and Eugene Kim provide breast reduction surgery that addresses both the physical symptoms of macromastia and the aesthetic goals of each patient, with results that are proportionate, natural-looking, and long-lasting.
The Physical Impact of Large Breasts
Macromastia, chronic, symptomatic breast enlargement, creates a range of physical symptoms that many women have normalized over years:
- Chronic neck, upper back, and shoulder pain from the weight of breast tissue
- Deep shoulder grooving from bra straps
- Rashes, skin breakdown, and recurrent infections beneath the breast crease
- Difficulty exercising, running, or participating in sports
- Numbness or tingling in the arms and hands from nerve compression
- Postural changes and headaches
The Aesthetic Goals of Breast Reduction
Beyond physical relief, breast reduction addresses aesthetic concerns that many women with macromastia have long wanted to resolve:
- Restoring proportion between the breasts and the rest of the body
- Creating a more lifted, youthful breast shape
- Reducing areola size (which often enlarges with breast size)
- Improving the ability to wear fitted clothing comfortably and attractively
What the Procedure Involves
Breast reduction removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin while reshaping the breast and repositioning the nipple-areola complex to a more youthful, appropriate position. The amount of tissue removed is determined by the patient’s symptoms, desired final size, and anatomy. Drs. Kim tailor the surgical technique, vertical (lollipop) or Wise pattern (anchor), based on each patient’s degree of enlargement and the amount of reshaping needed.
Will Insurance Cover Breast Reduction?
When breast reduction is performed to address documented functional symptoms, chronic pain, rashes, nerve symptoms, many insurance plans provide coverage. Documentation typically requires a record of conservative treatments and a letter of medical necessity. The Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery team can assist patients with the insurance documentation and prior authorization process.
Breast Reduction and Breastfeeding
Breast reduction may affect the ability to breastfeed, as some of the milk ducts and glandular tissue are removed during surgery. Women who plan to breastfeed in the future should discuss this with their surgeon during the consultation. Techniques that preserve nipple attachment and maximize glandular tissue preservation, such as the inferior pedicle technique, are preferred when breastfeeding preservation is a priority.
Recovery from Breast Reduction
Most patients take two to three weeks off work. A supportive surgical bra is worn for three to four weeks. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are avoided for four to six weeks. Many patients report that physical symptoms improve dramatically within days of surgery, before the incisions have even fully healed, because the weight is simply gone.
Drs. David Kim and Eugene Kim provide breast reduction to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, and throughout Southern California. Contact Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery to schedule your consultation.
Schedule a Consultation with Beverly Hills California Plastic Surgeon Dr. Kim
For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim. Click here to contact us today.
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Serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and surrounding areas.