Breast Reduction

Large, heavy, hanging breasts can contribute to neck and back pain. Correction is achieved by lifting the breasts, tightening the skin, and reducing the size of the breasts as necessary. This can be accomplished through a variety of incisions, depending on the degree of lifting and reduction necessary. Dr. Bandy specializes in breast lifts and reductions using minimal incision surgery to produce the optimal results with minimal scars. Learn more about Breast Reduction at our Newport Beach, Orange County office.

Before and After Photos

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Who is Breast Reduction recommended for?

There are many factors that contribute to the desire to have a breast reduction. Some of the common reasons include: back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, or pain from bra straps digging into the shoulders; inability to participate in exercise or sports; unproportional body frame; inability to wear certain clothing; and sagging breasts. Whether the reason is aesthetically or medically based, Dr. Bandy is an expert in achieving relief and satisfaction of patients choosing to undergo the procedure.

Pre-operation

How can I prepare?

A patient can prepare for a breast reduction procedure by beginning a vitamin protocol (provided by Dr. Bandy) to aid their body’s healing. We recommend accomplishing all house chores prior to surgery that would require a patient to lift anything over 5 pounds or push or pull anything heavy. During your pre-operative appointment (about 2 weeks prior to your surgery) our nurses will go over all necessary steps to prepare for your surgery.

Will anesthesia be administered?

Yes, the procedure will be performed under a general anesthetic.

Is painful?

Following the procedure patients will be prescribed pain medication in order to minimize discomfort.

What if I am sick before?

If a patient is noted to be sick prior to a procedure, it is advised to contact Dr. Bandy’s office immediately to discuss the best way to move forward.

How long before I see results?

Results of breast reduction can be seen immediately, however, it takes 4-6 weeks or longer until the swelling decreases.

Post-operation

Is scarring expected after?

Along with a breast reduction, a breast lift must be performed in order to remove excess tissue. A breast lift will produce a scar. We aim for the scar to heal to a pencil thin line, however, each body heals differently. The coloring of a scar depends upon the natural color of the patient’s skin and how their own body heals. Our office sells and recommends a medical-grade silicone gel scar cream to apply to the incisions once fully healed to aid in reducing the appearance of the scar.

Can I drive home after?

It is always recommended to have someone assist you in getting home or to your recovery center. If a patient does not have anyone that can assist them at home, we do have a post operative recovery center that we work with that will pick up the patient from our facility.

Should I try avoiding touching the area after?

After surgery it is advised to avoid the incision area. Massaging the breasts following surgery is not required.

What activity should I refrain from after?

Patients typically patients are required to avoid lifting more than 5 lbs within 1 week after surgery, and avoid lifting more than 15 lbs within 4 weeks after surgery. Also, patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity for at least 4 weeks.

Do I need to take any medication after?

A patient is usually prescribed an antibiotic and a pain medication. If a patient is undergoing a general anesthesia, sometimes they are prescribed an anti-nausea medication to combat any feelings of nausea that some patients experience after having a general anesthesia.

Costs

What is the average cost?

The cost for breast reduction surgery is dependent upon the complexity of the case as well as the amount of breast tissue needing to be removed. During your consultation, Dr. Bandy will thoroughly review your history, reasons for reduction, and what type of lift would be best to enhance the appearance of the breasts. During this time our office will also provide you with a quote for the procedure, specific to your surgery.

Are there financing options?

The patient has multiple financing options. For example, the patient can pay for the surgery on credit card, and make monthly payments back to their credit card. Additionally, CareCredit is a financing company specific for cosmetic surgery; patients can apply for CareCredit, and there are multiple options for CareCredit. Sometimes, patients opt to make payments directly to the office. This is a prepayment plan where a patient would pay until he or she pays the entire balance for the surgery; then, they would have their surgery.

Recovery

What is the recovery time and the healing process?

Recovery times vary and are dependent on a patient’s normal daily activities and what they physically do on the job. Most patients will be extremely sore for three days after surgery and are typically advised to take about 3-5 days off of work as a result. We advise patients refrain from strenuous activity for at least 3 weeks, and avoid lifting anything heavier than 15 lbs for 4 weeks after surgery. A more detailed recovery estimate will be discussed during a consultation when more patient information is received. Specific recovery instructions are provided in the pre-op and post-op periods depending on how the patient is healing.

Is there a post-operative recovery facility that you recommend?

We do have a post operative recovery facility that we refer our patients to in Orange County, CA and Los Angeles, CA. In these situations, they will be picked up by the post operative care facility from our recovery room and brought to the recovery center where they are recovered overnight, and then brought back the next day for their follow up appointment.

We are here to listen and address your concerns.

– Dr. Amy Bandy, Over 20 Years of Experience