Breast Reduction Surgery in Los Angeles

A breast reduction, or reduction mammaplasty, is a procedure that reduces breast size and also gives a surgical breast lift. When women have overly large breasts, also known as macromastia, it can lead to a variety of health problems and daily discomfort. Back pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain are all common, as are rashes and irritation in the skin below the breasts. Many Los Angeles macromastia patients have difficulty exercising comfortably or finding clothes that fit properly. Reduction mammaplasty in Los Angeles can significantly improve these issues by removing excess skin and breast tissue. Dr. Elliot Hirsch is a highly experienced breast reduction surgeon and has performed hundreds of breast reduction procedures for patients in Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks, and surrounding areas such as Bakersfield, Fresno, San Diego, and Temecula. When board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Elliot Hirsch performs a breast reduction, the end result is a perky, lifted breast with a more youthful, proportionate breast appearance.

Who Is a Candidate for Breast Reduction?

Any woman with macromastia that desires smaller breasts is a candidate for breast reduction surgery. In addition, you may be a candidate for breast reduction surgery if your large breasts are causing ongoing physical symptoms or daily limitations.

Common symptoms that macromastia patients experience include:

• Chronic neck, back, or shoulder pain
• Shoulder grooves from bra straps
• Rashes or skin irritation beneath the breasts
• Difficulty exercising comfortably
• Trouble finding properly fitting clothing or bras

During your consultation with breast reduction specialist and board certified Los Angeles and Sherman Oaks plastic surgeon Dr. Elliot Hirsch, he will review your medical history, discuss your ideal breast size, and discuss your goals and reasons for undergoing a reduction mammaplasty. Breast reduction is not a one-size-fits-all procedure! Dr. Hirsch tailors every reduction to goals of each patient. Based on what you are trying to achieve with this procedure, Dr. Hirsch will recommend a specific type of reduction for you and explain the details of this procedure as well as recovery time. To schedule a free consultation with Dr. Hirsch, you can call or request a consultation online.

What Happens During the Reduction Mammaplasty Procedure

Dr. Hirsch currently performs breast reduction procedures at Providence Ceders Sinai Tarzana Medical Center and Avalon Surgery Center. During a reduction mammaplasty, Dr. Hirsch will remove breast tissue to decrease the size of the breast and will remove skin to tighten the breast shape and achieve a surgical breast lift. The specific technique that Dr. Hirsch uses depends on each patient’s anatomy, breast size, and treatment goals. Several approaches may be considered to safely remove excess tissue while improving breast shape. In some cases, liposuction may also be used to further contour the breast shape and create a balanced result.

Common breast reduction techniques include:

• Donut breast reduction
• Lollipop (vertical) breast reduction
• Anchor pattern or Inverted T breast reduction
• Breast reduction with mesh (internal bra)

Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery

The benefits of breast reduction surgery include both physical relief and aesthetic improvement. Often, the improvement in neck and back pain is immediate and noticeable even in the recovery room after surgery. Many Los Angeles breast reduction patients experience immediate improvement in symptoms as well as long-term quality of life benefits such as improved posture and physical comfort, easier participation in exercise and physical activity, and better fitting clothing and bras.

How Breast Reduction Can Relieve Pain and Improve Quality of Life

By removing excess skin and breast tissue, breast reduction surgery can reduce the physical strain that contributes to chronic discomfort. For many women, this can lead to meaningful relief from back, neck, and shoulder pain, as well as fewer issues with shoulder grooves and skin irritation beneath the breasts.

Beyond physical relief, breast reduction surgery may improve confidence and overall quality of life. Many patients also find it easier to be active and more comfortable in clothing once their breast size is reduced and reshaped. You can view breast reduction before and after photos to see real patient results.

Breast Reduction Recovery

Breast reduction recovery is typically straightforward. The procedure is often performed as an outpatient surgery, allowing most patients to return home the same day. Recovery is generally smooth, with pain or discomfort usually remaining minimal.

Many women are able to return to normal daily activities within 1–2 weeks. Dr. Hirsch provides detailed post-operative instructions to support proper healing and a comfortable recovery.

• Week 1: Rest and focus on following your post-operative instructions. Keep activity light and allow your body time to heal.
• Week 2: Many patients are able to return to normal daily activities as recovery progresses, depending on the type of work and comfort level.
• Weeks 3–6: Gradually increase activity as directed by Dr. Hirsch. Strenuous exercise is typically resumed later in recovery, based on how healing is progressing.

Recovery Guidelines

• Keep activity light early on and follow your post-operative instructions
• Avoid heavy lifting until cleared by Dr. Hirsch
• Attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing
• Gradually resume exercise based on how healing is progressing

For existing patients, please download post-operative instructions

Insurance Coverage and Care

Insurance coverage for breast reduction can vary depending on your plan and the facility used. In many cases, breast reduction may be covered by insurance when it’s deemed medically necessary. If you are exploring insurance approval, reviewing your specific PPO plan requirements can help you understand what documentation may be needed and what criteria your plan may use.

Dr. Hirsch serves patients from Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, the Conejo Valley, and throughout California, as well as nationally and internationally. He is able to work with most major PPO insurance plans, including Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare, depending on the facility used.

Breast Reduction Insurance Coverage (PPO Plans)