Introduction to Breast Reduction
Women with sagging, overly large breasts may experience a variety of medical problems caused by genetics or excessive weight gain. This can vary from back and neck pain to skeletal deformities and breathing problems. At the Nikolov Center for Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, Dr. Nicholas Nikolov offers Breast Reduction surgery to not only help women feel healthier with less discomfort but also improve their self-esteem.
With over two decades of experience, Dr. Nikolov has helped thousands of patients with breast surgery and always strives to deliver the best and most comfortable results for his Los Angeles & Beverly Hills breast reduction patients. Below, we’ve included our guide to this life-changing procedure, but if you have any questions, or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact us today.
What Is Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction surgery, technically known as reduction mammaplasty, is designed for women to reduce the size of their breasts, which can be both a physical and emotional burden. This surgical procedure removes fat, excess breast tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer. The procedure can also reduce the size of the areola—the darker skin surrounding the nipple. The goal is to give the woman smaller, better-shaped breasts in proportion with the rest of their body.
What are the Benefits of Breast Reduction?
Many women have found the following benefits from getting a breast reduction procedure in Beverly Hills & Los Angeles with Dr. Nikolov:
- Alleviation of back and shoulder pain – the weight of pendulous breasts often results in strain and discomfort in your back, neck, and shoulders
- Better sleep
- Clothing fits better
- Improved aesthetic appearance
- Improved hygiene
- Increased self-esteem
- More active lifestyle
- Nerve pain relief
- Reduced chafing and skin irritation beneath the breasts
Who are the Best Candidates for Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction surgery is usually performed for physical relief rather than simply aesthetic improvement. Most women who have the surgery are troubled by very large, sagging breasts that restrict their activities and cause them physical discomfort.
In most cases, breast reduction isn’t performed until a woman’s breasts are fully developed; however, it can be done earlier if excessively large breasts are causing serious physical discomfort. The best candidates are those who are mature enough to fully understand the procedure and have realistic expectations about the results. Breast reduction is not recommended for women who intend to breastfeed.
What’s the First Step?
If you’re interested in getting a breast reduction in Beverly Hills or Los Angeles with Dr. Nikolov, the first step is to book a consultation. During your initial appointment, it’s important to discuss your expectations with Dr. Nikolov and to listen to his recommendations. Every patient and surgeon has a different view of what is a desirable size and shape for breasts.
During your consultation, Dr. Nikolov will give you a physical examination, and measure your breasts. He will discuss the variables that may affect the procedure such as your age, the size and shape of your breasts, and the condition of your skin. You should also discuss where the nipple and areola will be positioned, as they’ll be moved higher during the procedure, and should be approximately even with the crease beneath your breasts. He will also ask you about your medical history and lifestyle. It is very important to be completely open with Dr. Nikolov during your consultation to remove the possibility of unnecessary risks.
Dr. Nikolov will describe the procedure in detail, explaining its risks, and limitations. We’ll also explain the anesthesia that is used, the facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs.
*Some insurance companies will pay for breast reduction if it’s deemed medically necessary; however, they may require that a certain amount of breast tissue be removed. Check your policy, and have Dr. Nikolov write a “predetermination letter” if required.
Dr. Nikolov may require you to have a mammogram (breast x-ray) before surgery. You’ll also get specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications.
What to Expect on the Day of Breast Reduction
Breast reduction surgery doesn’t usually require a blood transfusion. However, if a large amount of breast tissue will be removed, your surgeon may advise you to have a unit of blood drawn ahead of time. That way, if a transfusion should be needed, your blood can be used.
Your reduction mammoplasty will be performed at our surgical center in Beverly Hills at The Nikolov Center for Plastic Surgery. The procedure itself usually takes two to four hours, but in some cases may take longer.
Breast reduction is nearly always performed under general anesthesia so you’ll be asleep through the entire operation. While you’re making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days if needed.
When performing breast reduction surgery, Dr. Nikolov will make an incision on the breasts. Depending on what was discussed during your consultation, and the plan marked out by Dr. Nikolov, the incision will typically go around the areola, extending vertically from the nipple along the lower portion of the breast, with an additional incision made along the inframammary breast crease (often referred to as an anchor incision). This incision pattern achieves the greatest reduction and lift.
Next, Dr. Nikolov will remove the excess tissue and reposition the nipple and areola, which remain connected to its original blood and nerve supply. If necessary the areola diameter is reduced by removing skin around the perimeter. Underlying breast tissue is reduced and the remaining breast tissue is lifted and shaped.
The final step in the breast reduction surgery is to close the incision. The incisions are brought together to reshape the now smaller breast. Sutures are layered deep within the breast tissue to create and support the newly shaped breasts. Absorbable sutures are then used to close the incisions and dressings are applied.
Breast Reduction Recovery
Following breast reduction surgery, you’ll be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a surgical bra over gauze dressings. A small tube may be placed in each breast to drain off blood and fluids for the first day or two.
As an outpatient surgery, you will be able to return home after your surgery to recover in a more comfortable setting. You will need a family member or friend to drive you home, and even stay with you for the first 24 to 48 hours of your healing process. You may feel some mild discomfort for the first couple of days to two weeks—especially when you move around or cough. Dr. Nikolov will prescribe medication to help lessen the physical pain.
The bandages will be removed a day or two after surgery, though you’ll continue wearing the surgical bra around the clock for several weeks until the swelling and bruising subside. Your stitches will be removed in one to three weeks.
If your breast skin is very dry following surgery, you can apply a moisturizer several times a day, but be sure to keep the suture area dry.
Your first menstruation following surgery may cause your breasts to swell and hurt. You may also experience random, shooting pains for a few months. You can expect some loss of feeling in your nipples and breast skin, caused by the swelling after surgery. This usually fades over the next six weeks. In rare conditions, however, it may last a year or more, and occasionally be permanent.
Although you may be up and about in a day or two, your breasts may still ache occasionally for a couple of weeks. You should avoid lifting or pushing anything heavy for three or four weeks.
Dr. Nikolov will give you detailed instructions for resuming your normal activities. Most women can return to light work and social activities in about two weeks. You’ll have much less stamina for several weeks, so you will need to avoid any strenuous exercise and should limit yourself to stretching, bending, and swimming until your energy level returns. You’ll also need a good athletic bra for support.
You may be instructed to avoid sex for a week or more since sexual arousal can cause your incisions to swell, and to avoid anything but gentle contact with your breasts for about six weeks.
A small amount of fluid draining from your surgical wound, or some crusting, is normal. If you have any unusual symptoms, such as bleeding or severe pain, don’t hesitate to call us.
The Breast Reduction Expertise of Beverly Hills surgeon, Dr. Nikolov
- Dr. Nikolov has successfully performed over 1,000 aesthetic surgeries in his career
- Dr. Nikolov is an active member of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons and The Aesthetic Society
- Dr. Nikolov is a Beverly Hills TopDoc
- A graduate of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA, and continued his training with the plastic surgery program at University in Durham, NC
- Dr. Nikolov has been consulted for numerous TV productions on CNN, CBS, NBC, and the Discovery Health Channel
- Dr. Nikolov is a board-certified plastic surgeon in both Beverly Hills, CA, and Madrid, Spain with over 20 years of experience
Breast Reduction at a First Glance in Los Angeles
- Surgery Time: Surgery time is 2-3 hours
- Price: Please book a consultation for the most up-to-date costs. In some cases, insurance can cover the costs of a breast reduction
- Recovery: Most patients return home on the day of surgery and return to their regular routine in 2 – 3 weeks
- Results: Patients will notice immediate results, but will not see their final breast reduction results until the swelling has gone down
Why Choose Dr. Nikolov?
Dr. Nikolov is a trusted board-certified plastic surgeon who is world-renowned for his keen aesthetic sense and subtle changes to create a fresh appearance. His primary goal is to help his patients achieve better harmony, feel youthful, and gain more confidence in their appearance while retaining a natural look. He has been an authority in the plastic surgery field for more than two decades and has been a consultant for many television programs and publications over the years. He has published and lectured extensively in his field and often hosts other doctors to help them learn about his techniques and procedures.
How Much Does Breast Reduction Cost in Beverly Hills?
The cost for a Breast Reduction in Beverly Hills & Los Angeles will vary on a multitude of factors, such as how much and what kind of work is needed to be performed. When you have your consultation with Dr. Nikolov, he will be able to give you a full examination and determine the best surgical plan for your needs. Our patient coordinator will take this information and provide you with a detailed breakdown of the costs.
Get in Touch
Choosing to get a breast reduction in Beverly Hills and the greater Los Angeles area by Dr. Nikolov can be a life-altering decision, for countless women providing more comfort and self-confidence. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, call us at (310) 247-1932, or schedule a breast reduction consultation online.
