Relieve Discomfort and Improve Confidence with Breast Reduction Surgery
Carrying around breasts that feel too heavy for your frame is not just a cosmetic frustration. For a lot of women, it means daily back and neck pain, deep grooves from bra straps, trouble finding clothes that fit right, and skin irritation that just will not quit. Breast reduction surgery exists specifically to solve this, and it is one of the highest rated procedures in plastic surgery when it comes to patient satisfaction.
If you have been researching this procedure and feel a little lost in the details, Dr. A.J. Khalil, a plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, CA, can walk you through what breast reduction actually involves, from candidacy to recovery. Schedule your breast reduction surgery with Dr. Khalil by calling (310) 385-8601.
Choose Dr. Khalil for Breast Reduction
The best breast reduction results are achieved by the best plastic surgeons. Dr. Khalil’s extensive experience, superior technique and artistic eye allow him to provide his breast reduction patients with breasts that are smaller and proportional to their bodies without losing any of their overall attractiveness. Dr. Khalil’s overwhelmingly positive reviews reflect the outstanding aesthetic results and personalized patient care he provides.
Our patient, Cristina L., shared her experience:
- “Having breast reduction with Dr. Khalil was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I am so happy with my new set of breasts. I feel so much younger and more confident. I just love Dr. Khalil because he changed my life. My dream of not having to wear a bra all the time finally came true.”
Patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Claremont, Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Covina and Arcadia, throughout California and the United States choose Dr. Khalil for reduction mammaplasty. To schedule an in-person or virtual consultation with Dr. Khalil and find out exactly what he can do for your breasts, please call (310) 385-8601.
What Is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction, medically known as reduction mammoplasty, removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to create a size that is more proportionate to your body. During the procedure, the surgeon reshapes the remaining tissue and often repositions the nipple and areola so everything looks natural and lifted rather than simply smaller.
For many women, this procedure does double duty. It relieves the physical burden of oversized breasts while also improving the aesthetic shape, since heavy breasts often sag significantly over time. Because of this, breast reduction frequently includes elements of a breast lift as part of the same surgery.
The incision pattern largely depends on the size of the breasts, the degree of sagging and the position of the nipples. Dr. Khalil is careful to place the incision lines in the natural creases of the skin and contours of the breast whenever possible, and he takes other measures to minimize scars as well.
Through the incisions, the breast tissue is reduced, reshaped and lifted slightly higher on the chest. The nipples may be repositioned higher on the breast mound and the areolas can be reduced in size if needed. Excess skin is removed and the remaining skin is brought down and around underneath the smaller breast mound. Sutures are placed within the breast tissue to help support the reshaped breasts. Finally, sutures are used to close the skin. An elastic support bra is placed around the breasts to minimize swelling and support the newly shaped tissues.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Breast reduction tends to be a good fit for women who deal with one or more of the following:
- Chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain linked to breast weight
- Deep, painful grooves in the shoulders from bra straps
- Skin irritation or rashes in the crease beneath the breasts
- Difficulty finding clothing or bras that fit properly
- Trouble staying active or exercising comfortably
- Breasts that feel disproportionately large compared to the rest of the body
- Sagging or drooping caused by the sheer weight of the tissue
There is no single “correct” result here either. Some women want a modest reduction, while others are looking for a more dramatic change. What matters most is discussing your goals honestly during your consultation so your plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills can tailor the surgical plan to what you actually want, not a generic outcome.
How the Breast Reduction Procedure Works with Dr. Khalil
Breast reduction is typically performed as an outpatient surgery under anesthesia. Dr. Khalil generally uses one of a few incision patterns, depending on how much correction is needed:
- Around the circumference of the areola
- Around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease
- Around the areola, vertically down to the crease, and horizontally along the crease
Through these incisions, the surgeon removes the surplus tissue, fat, and skin, then reshapes what remains to create a lifted, proportional contour. Liposuction is sometimes used alongside excision to refine the surrounding area. In many cases, the nipple and areola are also resized and repositioned higher on the breast for a more youthful look. Once reshaping is complete, incisions are closed and the breasts are bandaged for support during initial healing.
Cost of Breast Reduction
The price of breast reduction depends on multiple factors, including the amount of breast tissue being removed as well as whether liposuction or breast lift is included with the procedure. Breast reduction in Beverly Hills typically falls in the $8,000 to $15,000 price range. Financing options are available for patients who wish to make payments toward the total cost of their surgery. Dr. Khalil accepts financing from Prosper Healthcare Lending, CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit.
Although breast reduction is often deemed a cosmetic procedure, the surgery is covered by many health insurance plans for patients who experience chronic pain in their back, neck and shoulders. Patients who have this pain documented in their medical records are more likely to have their surgery approved for health reasons.
Before and After Photos
One of the best ways to become familiar with the great work Dr. Khalil achieves for his patients is by looking at photographs of the surgical outcomes. Click to see some examples of Dr. Khalil’s satisfied breast reduction patients.
How Breast Reduction Relieves Back and Neck Pain
This is one of the most meaningful benefits of the procedure, and it is a big reason insurance sometimes covers it when the pain is well documented. Oversized breasts place ongoing strain on the muscles, ligaments, and spine in the upper body. Over months and years, this extra weight can lead to poor posture, muscle fatigue, and chronic discomfort that radiates into the neck and shoulders.
By removing excess volume, breast reduction takes that pressure off the spine and surrounding muscles. Most patients notice a real improvement in posture and a significant reduction in pain within a fairly short window after healing.
Recovery: What the Weeks After Surgery Look Like
Right after surgery, patients are monitored for a few hours before heading home. Some bruising and swelling is completely normal in the first stretch of recovery, and prescribed pain medication helps manage discomfort during this period.
Most of the swelling resolves within a few weeks, though it can take three to four months for it to fully settle and for the final shape to reveal itself. Most women take about two weeks off from work, and strenuous exercise is generally off limits for six to eight weeks. Short, gentle walks are encouraged early on to support circulation, while heavy lifting, bending, and straining should be avoided until your surgeon clears you.
Wearing a supportive surgical bra as instructed helps minimize swelling and protects the healing tissue as your new shape settles into place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will insurance pay for breast reduction?
Many major health insurance plans offer partial or complete coverage for breast reduction when it is performed to alleviate chronic back or neck pain, rashes or other health problems caused by oversized breasts. Insurance companies usually require proof from a doctor documenting how long you have been experiencing physical pain or problems before coverage kicks in.
Is the procedure painful?
You will not experience any pain during breast reduction surgery. You will receive anesthesia so you will not feel or remember any of the procedure. Post-operative pain and discomfort can be managed with prescription or over-the-counter pain medication.
When can I see results?
Your breasts will look smaller almost immediately after surgery. However, you will not be able to see your final results until all of the swelling has subsided. It can take a few weeks for the initial swelling to subside and up to a few months for all of the swelling to resolve.
Will I have scarring?
You will have scarring on your breasts along the incision lines. Dr. Khalil makes every effort to minimize the size of the incisions and place them in a way that will leave you with the smallest, least noticeable scars possible. Keep in mind that all scarring can be easily hidden beneath a bra or bathing suit top.
Are the results of breast reduction permanent?
Breast reduction is intended to be a permanent procedure. However, the remaining breast tissue can swell after surgery due to hormonal changes, pregnancy and breastfeeding.
What are the risks of breast reduction?
Breast reduction risks include the following:
- Infection
- Hematoma or seroma
- Poor wound healing
- Unfavorable scarring
- Irregular breast contour
- Skin discoloration
- Possible inability to breastfeed
- Temporary or permanent changes in nipple and breast sensation
- Possible need for revision surgery
Dr. Khalil will explain all of the risks of surgery so you can weigh those against the potential benefits. Working with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Khalil and following all of his pre- and post-operative instructions minimizes some of the risk of complications.
Is there an age requirement for breast reduction?
There is no age minimum for breast reduction. Breast reduction can be performed on patients of any age, including teenagers. However, Dr. Khalil recommends postponing breast reduction until the breasts have completely developed; otherwise, a second surgery may be needed later in life.
Should I postpone breast reduction until after I have children?
Breast reduction does not affect the ability to have a healthy pregnancy. Regardless, it might be wise to delay surgery until after you have finished having children, especially if you want to preserve your ability to breastfeed. Furthermore, delaying surgery until after you are done having children and allowed your breast size to stabilize helps Dr. Khalil plan the best surgical outcome.
Should I have breast reduction if I am planning to lose weight?
Losing weight often changes the size of the breasts. It you are planning to lose a significant amount of weight through diet and exercise, it may be preferable to delay breast reduction until after you have reached your goal weight.
How Many Cup Sizes Can You Lose With Breast Reduction?
Your preference is the most important factor in determining how much breast tissue is removed during reduction surgery. Some patients choose to go down a single cup size, while others opt for a more dramatic decrease. It is advisable to select a range within 3 cup sizes to maintain an appealing breast look and shape. However, as long as the surgery leaves sufficient breast tissue to support the nipple, a larger reduction is safe.
Do You Lose Weight After a Breast Reduction?
Because breast fat is removed during this procedure, you will most likely weigh less after your breast reduction surgery. Once you have breasts that are in better proportion to your body, you also tend to look lighter than you did with larger breasts. Furthermore, since physical activity like exercise becomes much easier with smaller breasts, many women report that they have an easier time losing weight after breast reduction.
HOW SOON CAN I WEAR A NORMAL BRA AGAIN AFTER BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY?
Dr. Khalil advises women to wait until their swelling has completely subsided before putting on a normal bra. It also makes sense to wait until the swelling has subsided to purchase new underwear so that you have an accurate measurement of your new breast size.
DO I NEED TO WORRY ABOUT BREAST SENSATION AFTER REDUCTION MAMMAPLASTY?
Dr. Khalil is especially careful with his technique to preserve as much nipple sensation as possible. However, women’s breasts respond differently to incisions and tissue removal, so it is not uncommon for women to notice a change in breast sensation after surgery. For most women, the sensation usually returns within a few months, though it is possible for the sensation change to be permanent.
IS BREAST CANCER LINKED TO BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY?
Although this topic has been studied, experts have found no evidence that having breast reduction surgery in any way affects your chances of developing breast cancer. Your odds of having breast cancer remain the same regardless of whether you have this surgery.
IS BREAST REDUCTION PERFORMED SIMILARLY FOR MEN?
Gynecomastia surgery is the procedure men undergo to reduce the size of their chest. Since most men resent having enlarged breast tissue, it is currently one of the most popular male plastic surgeries. Although Dr. Khalil utilizes some overlapping techniques when performing gynecomastia surgery and (female) breast reduction, the end goal is usually quite different. Women want breasts that are proportional to their frame and lifestyle, while men want a flat, masculine chest with little to no protrusion.
Schedule Your Breast Reduction Surgery with the Best Plastic Surgeon in Beverly Hills
Breast reduction can be genuinely life changing for women who have been dealing with pain, discomfort, and self consciousness for years. Dr. A.J. Khalil, a plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills with extensive experience in breast reduction and reshaping, works closely with each patient throughout Los Angeles to design a plan that relieves physical strain while creating a natural, proportionate result.
If oversized breasts have been holding you back, schedule a consultation with the best plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills by calling (310) 385-8601 is a solid first step toward finally getting some relief.
