Breast Reduction

Women whose breasts are too large can have significant problems. You may have neck, back, or shoulder pain, grooves from your bra straps, or difficulty with activities and/or clothing. If you are unhappy with your breast size, breast reduction can improve the size, shape and nipple position of your breasts.

BeforeAfter

Dr. Schwartz is an expert breast surgeon. He is a member of the Mentor Educational Council, and has travelled around the country and around the world to teach other surgeons, and to consult about the newest products and techniques. Patients come from across the country for his skill, artistry and experience.

Your First Consultation

The most important visit with your plastic surgeon besides the surgery itself is your initial consultation. You will be able to discuss your goals, concerns and specific desires. You will discuss the specific details of your surgery including incision type required to achieve your breast goals. Breast Reduction surgery should not interfere with your ability to breast feed in the future, or interrupt your sexual nipple sensation.

Insurance – While our office is not contracted with insurance, we can often work with your insurance carrier to obtain partial coverage of your procedure if it is medically indicated. Our office staff can review your insurance information before your initial consultation to help you estimate your surgical expenses.

You should also be interviewing your prospective surgeon. You should feel your surgeon would care for you as if you were part of his own family. That your surgery was the most important, and that you are unique. It may never be truer that you get what you pay for. Do not shop for price alone.

Breast Reduction Surgery

INCISIONS – Breast reduction can be performed with two types of incisions; these incisions fade after 6-12 months to leave a natural appearance to the improved breast.

1. Vertical – This reduction combines an incision around the nipple and down the front of the breast (lollipop). It can be performed in patients with moderate drooping and excess breast tissue.
2. Anchor or “Wise” incision – The pattern is for patients with severe drooping and more excess breast tissue and very low nipple position.

SURGERY LOCATION – Your surgery can be performed at our new AAAASF accredited Westlake Cosmetic Surgery Center facility. This state of the art surgical center provides the highest standard of care, safety and privacy. Dr. Schwartz also has privileges to perform procedures at Los Robles Regional Medical center, Thousand Oaks Surgical Hospital, and both St. Johns Regional Medical center, and Pleasant Valley Hospitals.

ANESTHESIA – Breast reduction is performed with general anesthesia. Dr. Schwartz only works with Board Certified Physician (M.D.) anesthesiologists who are always present for your entire procedure.

Breast Reduction Recovery

Breast reduction usually requires 2-3 hours of surgery as an outpatient. You will be seen the first or second day after surgery, and can usually shower at that time. Many patients will only require Motrin or Advil for pain control, but stronger medications are available if needed.

Patients can usually drive to their one week appointment and most sutures are absorbable and do not require removal. This is more comfortable and results in a better, less noticeable scar. Patients usually return to work in 5-7 days.

Exercise can resume at three weeks after surgery without restrictions in most patients.

Breast Reduction Risks

While every procedure has risks, it is Dr. Schwartz goal to minimize every possibility of this during your care. You will receive extensive consultation regarding your surgery and any risks during your consultation and pre-op appointments.