11190 Warner Avenue, Suite 400
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
361 Hospital Road, Suite 324
Newport Beach, CA 92663
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Breast
CLICK HERE TO VIEW BEFORE & AFTER PHOTOS
 Overview
If you feel that your breasts are too large and out of proportion with the rest of your body, a breast reduction may be the answer. Women with unusually large breasts may feel physical discomfort and a breast reduction is often performed for physical relief rather than simply cosmetic improvement. The weight of large breasts may cause back and neck pain and skin irritation. Bra straps may leave indentations in their shoulders. Emotionally, women may feel extremely self-conscious about their bodies because of the size of their breasts. Breast reduction surgery produces breasts that are smaller, better-shaped, and more proportionate with the rest of your body.
The Consultation
Your consultation with the doctor is complimentary and there will never be any charges for office visits. During your initial consultation, you will be asked to give information about your medical history, prior procedures, medications, allergies, and your motivations for seeking plastic surgery. It is very important that you be thorough when providing your medical history, as this information helps to prevent complications during your care. When asked about medications, be sure to include any vitamin or herbal supplements, as these can affect your blood pressure and clotting ability. You also need to let the doctor know if you use any tobacco products, alcohol, steroids, or street drugs, as these may have a profound impact on your recovery period and your ability to heal following your procedure. After reviewing your medical history, Dr. Nguyen will discuss your desired results, your concerns, and your priorities. He will then explain the options that are available to you and explain the advantages and disadvantages of those options. In the end, he will present a surgical plan to help you achieve the appearance you desire.
After your consultation with the doctor, your patient coordinator will provide you with a written quotation for the cost of your procedure. At this time, you will also have the option to schedule your procedure if you so choose. We understand how important this decision is to you and you will not be pressured to make a decision. You are also encouraged to bring your spouse, significant other, family member, or a friend to your consultation.
The Procedure
The procedure takes between 2 to 3 hours and is performed as an outpatient surgery under general anesthesia. We use only board certified anesthesiologists to care for our patients. During the procedure, an anchor-shaped incision that circles the areola, extends downward, and follows the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast will be made. The surgeon will then remove excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin, and move the nipple and areola into their new position. The skin from both sides of the breast will be brought down and around the areola, shaping the new contour of the breast. The size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple, may also be reduced at the time of surgery. Liposuction may be used to remove excess fat from the armpit area.
After surgery, you will recover in the recovery area for approximately one hour, until you are alert enough to go home. You will be wearing a supportive bra that you will continue to wear for several weeks after surgery. There will be tapes over the incision which should remain intact for 2 weeks. You may also have drainage tubes to help prevent fluid accumulation in the abdominal area.
Preparing for Surgery
On the day of your consultation, you will receive instructions on how to optimize your health before surgery. This will include what medications to stop and what testing will be required before surgery. If you are over 40, you will need a mammogram within one year of surgery for any breast procedure. If you are 45 years of age or older, or if you have any health problems, you will need to see your primary care physician to have bloodwork, an EKG, and obtain surgical clearance stating that there are no counterindications for you having surgery. You should not take aspirin containing products or smoke for two weeks before surgery. If you have health problems or a history of health problems, you may require additional testing or clearance.
For full details on our pre-operative requirements, Click Here To Download
"Optimizing Your Health Before Your Cosmetic Surgery."
If you do not have a primary care physician, we recommend Dr. Chi Phan, located at 4050 Barranca Pkwy Suite 210; Irvine, Ca 92604 Phone: 949-654-7833. Dr. Phan accepts most insurance. For those who do not have insurance, Dr. Phan charges approximately $120 for surgical clearance, including EKG & bloodwork.
The Day of Surgery
While you're making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home and be with you overnight. Your surgery will be performed in our outpatient surgery center at 11190 Warner Avenue, Suite 400; Fountain Valley, CA. You will not be allowed to have anything to eat after 9pm the evening before surgery or drink after midnight the night before surgery. You should have clean, dry hair. Wear no makeup or moisturizers on your face. Do not use any moisturizers, deodorant, or perfumed products. You should not bring jewelry, contact lenses, or valuables on the day of surgery. Wear loose, comfortable clothing with a shirt that buttons or zips in the front (we don’t want to put anything on over your head when you get out of surgery). Arrive two hours prior to surgery.
After Surgery
For the first day or two you will rest most of the time and limit your upper body activity. You should sleep with your head elevated (approximately 45 degree angle) so that you can get in and out of bed without using your arms. You will begin taking pain medication and antibiotics after surgery. Each time you take your pain medication, you should have a snack as the medication can be irritating to your stomach. For the first 24 to 48 hours you will have a sensitive stomach and you should eat mild foods such as you would normally eat if you had the flu (soups, crackers, etc.). Dr. Nguyen also strongly suggests Gatorade to replenish your fluid levels.
You will be able to return to most of your normal (light) activities within a couple of days. You will be able to shower once you feel comfortable being up for extended periods of time without lightheadedness, usually on the third day. If you have drains in, you will need to wait to shower until 24 hours after the drains are removed. The tapes over your incision will remain intact for 2 weeks and protect the incision from the soap and water so you may shower as normal and pat the tapes dry. You will return to the office at two weeks for suture removal. Patients with an office job are often able to return to work within 14 days. More strenuous jobs may require work restrictions for eight weeks, which you may request a certifying letter from the receptionist.
During the first eight weeks you will wear a supportive bra with no underwire. You may continue to wear the one we provide or purchase an alternative such as a soft sports bra with hooks or a zipper in the front. During this recovery period, you will also reduce your activities by eliminating strenuous aerobic exercise, limit lifting (to no more than 5 lbs), and reduce the amount of work you do with your arms. More strenuous activities may be reintroduced after eight weeks. You should ask your doctor about specific activities.
For the first several weeks, you can expect some loss of feeling in your nipples and breast skin, caused by the swelling after surgery. Most feeling should return within eight weeks. Future breast-feeding may not be possible, since the surgery removes many of the milk ducts leading to the nipples. Incisions may remain lumpy and red for months, then gradually become less obvious, sometimes eventually fading to thin white lines. Although the procedure does leave noticeable, permanent scars, they will most likely be able to be completely covered by your bra or bathing suit.
Your Results
More than any other cosmetic procedure, breast reduction offers instantaneous results. Immediately, your breasts will be smaller, better-shaped, and more proportionate with the rest of your body. Many of the physical symptoms caused by having very heavy breasts will be alleviated and your clothing will fit you better. Your results will be long lasting as long as you do not become pregnant or gain a significant amount of weight. It does take most women several months to get used to their new shape; but in the end, most women are very pleased with their new body image.
The Cost
These fees are approximate and are only to give you an idea of what you can expect. Fees may change without notice. An official binding quote (valid for 30 days) will be given on the day of your consultation. These fees include Surgeon’s Fee, OR Fee, Anesthesia Fee, Implants (if required), Surgical Bra, and Follow-Up Visits.
Breast Reduction $7,300
With Saline Implants $8,300
With Silicone Implants $9,800
Will Insurance Cover Breast Reduction?
Some insurance companies will pay for breast reduction if it is medically necessary. For women with very large breasts, breast reduction is often performed for physical relief rather than simply cosmetic improvement. The weight of large breasts may cause back and neck pain and skin irritation. Bra straps may leave indentations in their shoulders. During your consultation, you will be evaluated to determine whether or not the procedure may be considered medically necessary by insurance standards. The surgeon will examine and measure your breasts, and will photograph them for use in the processing of your insurance coverage. In order for insurance coverage, insurance will require that a certain amount of breast tissue be removed.
Reduction of the breast may be covered if the weight of the breast is causing pain and/or other health issues. A minimum amount of breast tissue (approximately 500g) must be removed to show medical necessity. Documentation from your primary physician of the neck and/or upper back pain, rashes, yeast infection of the skin under the breast, or other physical symptoms may be required. Also, documentation may be necessary to show that conservative measures have been attempted and have failed to alleviate symptoms. These measures may include chiropractor visits, pain medications, topical ointments for skin infections and rashes, etc. Photos will be taken at the time of consult to show the severity of the drooping, skin rashes/lesions, or shoulder grooving.
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