Breast Reduction in Long Beach & Los Alamitos, CA

Abnormally large breasts can create social, functional, and physical problems for women. Furthermore, uneven and very large breasts can lead to self-confidence issues and overall embarrassment, as well as physical pain. Dr. William P. Aiello is a triple board-certified plastic surgeon in Los Alamitos, CA who continues to help countless women get back their confidence and feel more comfortable through surgical reduction of the breasts. This breast surgery at Ocean Plastic Surgery Center removes excess breast fat and skin, as well as unhealthy tissue, to redefine and reshape the breasts to a smaller size. Breast reduction surgery also reshapes the size of the nipples/areolas and moves them so they are symmetrical with the new size. In most situations, breast lifts are also implemented to produce a more taut and younger-looking appearance.

If you are challenged with oversized breasts that create obstacles in your everyday life, breast reduction surgery may be what you need to get the size you wish for. Breast reduction is helpful for women who experience anxiety or find it difficult to live a fulfilled and active life because of the weight of their breasts. If you also deal with consistent skin irritations (as well as back or neck pain), breast reduction surgery can eliminate these medical conditions. It's crucial that patients are at a normal weight before this procedure. Also, it is extremely important to choose a trained surgeon, like Dr. Aiello, who listens to patients' desired outcomes and has the aptitude to create pleasing and natural results.

Surgical breast reduction is an outpatient process and is conducted with the patient under general anesthesia. The length of the surgery depends on a few factors, including the complexity of the incisions, the general reduction technique, and finally, how much reduction is required. The areola and nipple area repositioning is also a factor.

Though each case is assessed individually, Dr. Aiello generally prefers a breast reduction technique that is very similar to a full mastopexy:

1) Incisions outline the areas of the excess tissue to be removed (around the areola, vertically down to the crease, then along the crease horizontally).

2) Excess skin and fat are removed. The nipple and areola are then moved to a new higher position.

3) The incisions are brought together to reshape the now smaller breast.

4) Sutures are placed around the areola and can extend downward and horizontally under the breast crease.

Surgical skill and advanced techniques have led to a noticeable reduction in the visibility of scarring. 

Once surgery has been completed, you will be monitored closely in our comfortable recovery room and then discharged home to begin the healing process. A small, tube-like draining device is usually inserted near the incision area to reduce bleeding and swelling. A compression bra will be required for a few days that will boost blood circulation to the breasts during the immediate recovery. In a month or so, the breasts will position themselves and settle, and the post-surgery effects will fade away. The majority of our patients at Ocean Plastic Surgery Center say they feel much lighter and more reassured. Following surgical breast reduction, you can enjoy the clothes you could not wear before and feel enthusiastic about your new look. Keep in mind, it is important to maintain a healthy body weight so that the outcomes are not affected in a negative way.

How much does breast reduction surgery cost?
Your cost for breast reduction surgery can be reviewed with Dr. Aiello in your consultation. When he has created your treatment plan, it is easier to calculate your costs, including surgical fees, anesthesia, and more. Reduction surgery usually leads to a dramatic improvement in all aspects of life, which is why our staff will help you find low-interest financing to make your treatment easy to afford. We will also help you talk to your insurance provider to see if your policy covers some of your expenses.

Will my insurance cover breast reduction?
Your health insurance might pay part of the cost of your surgery if it's considered medically necessary. If you want to use your insurance, talk to Dr. Aiello so he can help with your claim. You should contact your provider to find out if your policy might pay for the surgery and the information they need. Your insurance might need measurements, like your weight, height, body surface area, and body mass index (BMI).

Why were implants recommended with my breast reduction?
In some select cases, we do breast augmentation at the time of the breast reduction. This may seem counterintuitive. The reason is that although some women have heavy, pendulous breasts, most of the breast tissue is below the level of the nipple. Despite the elevated position on the chest after the breast reduction, there is very little upper breast volume left to give women the fullness they want with a smaller breast. This procedure is not done by many plastic surgeons, but in certain cases, Dr. Aiello recommends it. At Ocean Plastic Surgery Center, we have been doing breast reductions with augmentations for years with great success!

How common are complications with breast reduction?
Although complications are rare with this procedure, there are a few that are of concern. It is worth noting that smoking can seriously contribute to these concerns. In patients with extreme cases of very large, pendulous breasts, there is a risk of nipple necrosis (when part or all of the nipple does not survive). This is due to blood circulation problems, and smoking can seriously compromise the healing process. Another rare but valid concern are hypertrophic and keloid scars. These usually manifest in genetically predisposed individuals. To minimize this, we watch you closely and can prophylactically put you on medications.

Can my breasts regrow after surgery?
Following reduction surgery, your breasts may get smaller or bigger with dramatic weight changes or pregnancy. This is why it is better to be at a healthy weight that you can easily maintain prior to your surgery. In your consultation at Ocean Plastic Surgery Center, Dr. Aiello will discuss the best ways to prepare for your reduction and what you can do afterward to help make sure your results last.

Dr. Aiello has helped so many women regain their body, mind, and spirit for a more engaging life with surgical reduction of the breasts. During your consultation at Ocean Plastic Surgery Center, Dr. Aiello will go over all of the steps to attain your aesthetic desires and tailor a customized surgical plan to fit your goals. There's no reason to continue simply accepting the lack of confidence or discomfort that can accompany large breasts. Please call our office in Los Alamitos, CA to understand more about this life-changing breast reduction surgery.