Breast Reduction Surgery

A LIFE-CHANGING PROCEDURE.

Women with breasts that are overly large or very heavy can experience a range of issues, from the frustration of not being able to wear certain clothing styles to chronic back pain. Breast reduction, a surgical procedure also known as reduction mammaplasty or reduction mammoplasty, can alleviate the physical discomfort of large, heavy breasts and bring breasts in proportion to your body shape.

At Cassileth Plastic Surgery, we see firsthand how rewarding this procedure can be. Breast reduction surgery has a very high patient satisfaction rate and our breast reduction patients report a significant improvement in their overall quality of life.1 Our Beverly Hills breast reduction specialists are skilled in advanced surgical techniques and we customize each breast reduction procedure, so you can be sure that your results will be tailored to your unique needs and aesthetic goals.

Dr. Killeen

Dr. Killeen
Breast and Body Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

Double-Board-Certified Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon and Breast & Body Specialist

American Society of Plastic Surgeons
American Board of Plastic Surgery
American College of Surgeons
The Aesthetic Society

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY?

Potential benefits of breast reduction surgery include:

BREAST REDUCTION SURGICAL TECHNIQUES

Our surgeons always perform a breast lift as part of the breast reduction procedure. The lift repositions the breast so that it's higher and more appropriate for its new smaller size.

Breast Reduction - Dr. Lisa Cassileth

Cassileth Plastic Surgery & Skin Care

Contact Cassileth Plastic Surgery about breast reduction in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and beyond.

Before & After

Browse our photo gallery to see the results of our breast reduction surgeries.

Before & After Photos
Before & After Photos
Before & After Photos

Patient Testimonials

Simone
Simone's Story

With in depth gratitude I write this review. I would give them ten stars or 100 stars if I could! We went here for a breast reduction for my teenaged daughter, which actually was pre-approved by our insurance as a medical necessity. Dr. Killeen was absolutely exceptional in her treatment and the results were beautiful.

VERTICAL BREAST REDUCTION

In a vertical breast reduction, the surgeon removes excess breast tissue in the lower, central breast. The sides of the breast are then joined together, pulling the shape of the breast into a smaller, higher profile, and naturally bringing the breast upward. None of the natural upper fullness of the breast is sacrificed, and the nipple is also moved upward, which makes a perkier and younger-looking breast. This type of breast lift typically involves a “lollipop” incision, which is placed around the areola and extends vertically down the center of the breast. If a large amount of tissue needs to be removed, an anchor scar, which also extends horizontally in the natural breast crease, may be used.

Breast Reduction - Dr. Kelly Killeen

Dr. Cassileth
Breast Specialist

Board-Certified Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon, Breast Specialist, and Direct-to-Implant Breast Reconstruction Inventor

American Society of Plastic Surgeons
American Board of Plastic Surgery
American College of Surgeons
The Aesthetic Society
Dr. Cassileth

POCKET BREAST REDUCTION

The pocket reduction was created by Dr. Cassileth to address some of the issues common to breast reduction patients. Some women have such heavy breasts that the whole breast hangs very low, leaving very little tissue on the upper chest. Sometimes these women are told that they need breast implants with their reduction in order to give them “upper pole fullness.” To us, the obvious solution was to use our patients’ own generous breast tissue to create that upper fullness, and make sure that it stays there, giving the patient a great result without unneeded breast augmentation.

To accomplish this Dr. Cassileth created a technique where we use the pectoral fascia, a thin but strong layer covering the chest muscle, as a perfect pocket to hold the breast in a higher position. And more importantly, it takes the weight off of the skin completely. This makes for a better scar as well, as there is no tension on the skin. The nerves are carefully preserved in this type of reduction, and the nipple is placed in a higher, more youthful-looking position.

Pocket-Lift-Website-Infographic
"Pocket Lift Technique"

What is the Pocket Breast Lift?

The Pocket lift is a breast lift that tucks the breast tissue under the pectoral fascia. This naturally holds the breast up and gives it support, and makes the top of the breast look full again. Traditionally, breast surgeons used implants for this to work, but the pocket lift gives a younger, fuller look without the need for breast implants.

What's the Aftercare / Downtime Like?

The recovery, which is similar to a traditional breast lift (mastopexy) typically involves one week of rest off of work, and then one month of no aerobics or heavy lifting.

Who Is and Isn't a Good Candidate for It?

The pocket lift is best for those who don’t want a bigger breast, but just want a lift with a great long term, high result. It can also be done in conjunction with a breast reduction.

Anything Else You'd Like to Add?

For really saggy breasts, a piece of absorbable mesh is used to lock in the lift as the fat is tucked under the breast. It’s also important to know that this technique, either with or without mesh, will not interfere with mammograms, as the breast tissue is still easily visible through the thin fascia.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR BREAST REDUCTION PROCEDURE

PREPARING FOR BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY

Your consultation appointment is your opportunity to ask any questions you have about breast reduction surgery. Your plastic surgeon will discuss your concerns and your goals, examine your breasts, and review your medical history in order to determine if you are a candidate for breast reduction surgery. If you and your surgeon decide that this procedure is right for you, they will provide you with detailed pre-operative instructions before your scheduled surgery date.

HOW BREAST REDUCTION WORKS

Breast reduction surgery is typically an outpatient surgery performed with general anesthesia. Your surgeon will review your treatment plan with you prior to sedation. She will begin by making an incision and then she will remove excess breast tissue to achieve your desired breast size and reposition the remaining breast tissue to enhance your breast shape. Depending on your treatment plan, liposuction may also be used to contour the bra line area.

RECOVERY AFTER BREAST REDUCTION

In addition to surgical dressing, you may be provided with a special surgical bra to wear in the beginning of your recovery. It is normal to experience some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort in the first few days after surgery. Your surgeon will advise you on pain medication and provide detailed post-operative instructions. You should avoid strenuous physical activity for at least two weeks after surgery. We will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR BREAST REDUCTION?

Ideal candidates for breast reduction surgery are in good general health, non-smoking, and are bothered by very large breasts. If your breasts interfere with your health due to physical pain or cause you frustration, breast reduction surgery may be right for you. The best way to determine if you are a candidate is to schedule a consultation appointment.

WILL I BE ABLE TO BREASTFEED AFTER THIS PROCEDURE?

Breast surgery does not typically interfere with the ability to breastfeed, but certain surgical techniques may affect milk supply. Let your surgeon know if you plan on breastfeeding children after your breast reduction surgery so she can advise you on your options.

IS BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY COVERED BY INSURANCE?

Breast reduction surgery is unique because it can be considered an elective cosmetic surgery or a reconstructive and necessary procedure. Since overly large breasts can cause physical pain, the cost of breast reduction surgery is sometimes covered by health insurance companies. Each insurance plan has their own requirements for coverage and some plans dictate the details of the surgical plan, so check with your insurance carrier to learn more.

DR. MIN
Breast Specialist

A Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Specializing in Breast and Body Procedures in Los Angeles

American Board of Plastic Surgery
Dr. Min

1Gonzalez MA, Glickman LT, Aladegbami B, Simpson RL. Quality of life after breast reduction surgery: a 10-year retrospective analysis using the Breast Q questionnaire: does breast size matter? Ann Plast Surg. 2012 Oct;69(4):361-3. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0b013e31824a218a. PMID: 22964671.

2Mayo Clinic. Breast Reduction Surgery. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/breast-reduction-surgery/about/pac-20385246 Accessed May 12, 2021

3American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Breast Reduction. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures/breast-reduction/candidates Accessed May 12, 2021

4Cleveland Clinic. Breastfeeding after breast or nipple surgery. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/15585-breastfeeding-after-breast-or-nipple-surgery. Accessed May 12, 2021

Cassileth Plastic Surgery & Skin Care

Arrange a consultation to discuss breast reduction at the Los Angeles area's Cassileth Plastic Surgery. Women from Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and beyond can Send a message online or call (310) -278-8200.

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