Breast Reduction Newport Beach

Large breasts can often cause discomfort or physical ailments that can leave you unsatisfied with your overall appearance. Breast reduction surgery is a procedure that removes the excessive amount of fat, tissue, and skin from the breast and gives patients a more proportionate and shapely figure. During consultation with cosmetic surgeon Dr. Marguerite Bernett, patients from the Irvine area and beyond will have the opportunity to discuss with her their desired size and shape, surgical techniques, outcomes, and much more. Dr. Bernett will also use this time to examine, document, and weigh the breasts to have a better understanding of your needs and goals.

Breast reduction is usually performed after breast development has stopped, since childbirth and breast-feeding may have significant and unpredictable effects on the size and shape of the breasts. Nevertheless, many women decide to undergo breast reduction surgery before having children. Overall, the best candidates for this surgery are women that demonstrate:

• Breasts that are too large in proportion to a woman’s body frame
• Back, neck and/or shoulder pain aggravated by the weight of the breasts
• Indentions (grooving) in their shoulders from tight bra straps
• Restriction of physical activity due to the size and weight of the breasts

During breast reduction surgery, liposuction is often a part of the process. It is important to maintain a good blood supply to the nipple areola complex as there is risk of discoloration and loss of sensation when blood flow is restricted. Our doctor is very careful to ensure that this risk is minimized as much as possible. We will remove the extra loose skin and tightened the underlying to form the newly shaped breasts. During surgery, we may use one of the following incision patterns:

• One around the areola
• One vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the breast crease
• One horizontally in the breast crease

After breast reduction surgery, patients will immediately feel lighter on top. The amount of breast tissue removed during surgery will be based on the initial evaluation and the patient’s preference. Often, the reduction results in a cup or two smaller from the original breast size. For the first several weeks, our doctor will recommend the use of a compression bra to protect the breasts. Patients may go back to work within 7-10 days and may resume physical activities (such as exercise) between 6-8 weeks post-operative. Nipple sensitivity will return gradually within the first year.

There are many factors associated with a breast reduction procedure that may adjust the overall cost. Some of these factors include additional techniques used such as liposuction, a breast lift, etc. The average cost for a breast reduction procedure is between $5,000 to $10,000. Because many patients suffer medical problems due to having heavier, large breasts, insurance typically does cover a portion of this cost. However, it is not guaranteed. Our office will work to makes sure that if coverage is valid, it is applied accordingly.

If you suffer from heavy, large breasts and are considering breasts reduction surgery to help eliminate symptoms, please contact our plastic surgery office today. This procedure not only gives you relief from the discomfort of having excessively large breasts, but it allows you to wear the clothes you have always desired and to feel comfortable in your own skin.