Breast Reduction
Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Los Angeles and Lancaster, CA or by virtual appointment.
Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that is designed to reduce the size of the breasts by removing tissue. (1)
Women seek breast reduction for numerous reasons. Some women may feel their breasts are disproportionately large for their frame, which can create both cosmetic and comfort concerns. Overly large breasts can lead to chronic neck pain, shoulder grooving from bra straps, rashes beneath the folds, and daily discomfort. For many women, breast reduction is not about appearance alone: it is about reclaiming comfort, mobility, and confidence.
Serving the areas of Los Angeles, Lancaster, and beyond, the team at Dr. Sean Satey’s practice approaches each procedure intending to restore balance to the body while reducing the physical burden caused by overly large breasts.
To learn more about breast reduction or to see if you qualify for this procedure, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Satey and his team online or by calling (424) 500-3320.
We proudly serve clients throughout Los Angeles, including nearby neighborhoods and landmarks such as:
- Beverly Hills
- Westwood
- Santa Monica
- Wilshire Blvd
- Miracle Mile
- Mid-Wilshire
- Hancock Park
- Fairfax District
- West Hollywood
- Hollywood
- La Brea
- Koreatown
- Century City
- Culver City
- Melrose Avenue
- La Cienega Blvd
- Sunset Blvd
- Pico Blvd
- Olympic Blvd
If you’re located near any of these areas, our team is just a short drive away.
Contents
- 1 Before and After Photos
- 2 Why Choose Dr. Sean Satey’s Practice for Your Breast Reduction
- 3 Understanding Insurance Coverage for Breast Reduction
- 4 About Breast Reduction
- 5 Benefits
- 6 Candidates
- 7 Preparation
- 8 Procedure
- 9 Recovery
- 10 Results
- 11 Cost of Breast Reduction in Los Angeles
- 12 FAQ
- 12.1 Will insurance cover my breast reduction?
- 12.2 What is “formal excision” for breast reduction, and how is it different?
- 12.3 How much downtime is required after breast reduction?
- 12.4 Will there be visible scars after breast reduction?
- 12.5 Can I still breastfeed after breast reduction?
- 12.6 What size will my breasts be after my breast reduction surgery?
- 12.7 Are the results of a breast reduction permanent?
- 13 References
Before and After Photos
Why Choose Dr. Sean Satey’s Practice for Your Breast Reduction
Dr. Satey’s practice remains a top-tier destination for patients seeking breast reduction. Dr. Satey is a nationally recognized leader in cosmetic surgery known for his expertise, surgical precision, and commitment to education. He is one of only six surgical educators in the country authorized to train other professionals in VASER liposuction technology, and he frequently speaks at conferences held by the California Academy of Cosmetic Surgeons. His advanced training includes a general surgery residency and a cosmetic surgery fellowship through the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.
His practice and team reflect this depth of experience and leadership, offering patients not only aesthetic excellence but the peace of mind that comes from being cared for by a practice led by an expert.
Breast reduction patients are met with our team’s exceptional bedside manner, superior professionalism, and life‑changing outcomes. With a reputation built on meticulous pre‑ and post‑operative care, state-of-the-art techniques, and a warm, supportive environment from consultation to recovery, Dr. Satey’s team ensures patients receive outstanding breast reduction care.
Understanding Insurance Coverage for Breast Reduction
Breast reduction is one of the few aesthetic surgeries that often qualify for insurance coverage, depending on your specific policy and medical history. Many providers recognize that excessively large breasts can lead to issues such as persistent pain, posture imbalance, skin irritation, and restricted mobility. In these cases, breast reduction can be deemed a medically necessary procedure with little to no out-of-pocket expense for the patient (based on your specific insurance plan).
To qualify for insurance, documentation is typically required. This may include a primary care or specialist referral and clinical notes. Some insurers may even require photographs, a history of symptoms, and an estimate of the amount of tissue that will be removed.
Dr. Satey’s office is familiar with this process and will assist you every step of the way. During your personal consultation, his team will help you review your insurance benefits and determine whether your reduction may meet medical necessity guidelines.
About Breast Reduction
Breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that reduces the volume of the breasts by removing excess breast tissue, skin, and fat through direct surgical excision. (2) All contouring and volume reduction is performed through deliberate, strategic incisions to create a more compact, youthful breast shape that complements the frame of each patient.
Dr. Satey’s practice often employs one of two incision patterns, based on your anatomy and goals:
- Anchor incision (Wise pattern): This approach involves incisions around the areola, a vertical line down the lower pole of the breast, and a horizontal incision along the inframammary fold. It is ideal for patients requiring significant volume removal or reshaping. (3)
- Lollipop incision (Vertical scar): This method includes incisions around the areola and vertically down to the breast fold, with no horizontal component. It is typically appropriate for moderate reductions. (3)
Benefits
Although each patient has a unique journey, most report a dramatic improvement in both physical well-being and quality of life after receiving a breast reduction at Dr. Satey’s office. Some of the most commonly cited benefits from his patients include:
- Reduced chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain
- Relief from painful bra strap indentations
- Resolution of rashes or irritation beneath the breast fold
- Improved ability to exercise and move freely
- Better posture
- Expanded wardrobe options
- Enhanced confidence and self-esteem
Candidates
While every individual deserves a tailored approach, the best candidates for breast reduction at Dr. Satey’s office generally include:
- Women experiencing pain or discomfort due to breast size
- Those whose breast size interferes with exercise, posture, or daily function
- Individuals who feel self-conscious or limited in clothing choices
- Non-smokers, or those willing to cease nicotine consumption for some time
- Patients in good health who understand what can be achieved with the procedure
- Patients with stable weight, as significant fluctuations can affect results
Dr. Satey and his team would be happy to help you explore whether a breast reduction is right for you during your personal consultation. You can schedule yours online today or call (424) 500-3320.
Preparation
Once you decide to move forward with breast reduction, your surgeon will provide you with thorough preoperative instructions. Preparation steps may include:
- Discontinuing blood-thinning medications or supplements, as advised by your doctor
- Avoiding nicotine use for several weeks before and after surgery
- Completing any required lab work or clearances
- Planning time off work and arranging transportation
Your surgeon will also explain what to expect on the day of surgery, including anesthesia, incision sites, and early recovery. The philosophy at Dr. Satey’s office is to facilitate a comfortable, empowering patient experience through transparent education and trusted expertise.
Procedure
Breast reduction at Dr. Satey’s practice is performed with the patient under general anesthesia. All breast reduction procedures take place at Dr. Satey’s fully accredited surgical facility. The procedure typically takes two to four hours, depending on the extent of the reduction.
Your surgeon will make the planned incisions, remove excess breast tissue through formal excision, provide internal support, and lift the nipple-areolar complex into a more youthful position. If necessary, your surgeon can also reduce the size of the areola for improved proportions.
They will close incisions in layers with fine sutures and provide dressings and a supportive surgical bra.
Recovery
After surgery, you will be monitored for a period before being approved to recover at home. Before you leave the facility, you will receive a set of guidelines that will include additional information about the recovery process.
Most patients return to non-physical work within a week or two. However, patients must avoid lifting, strenuous activity, and overhead arm movement for several weeks, or until the surgeon approves. Swelling and bruising are normal in the early stages and typically subside gradually over six to eight weeks.
We will help you schedule regular follow-up visits so that our team can monitor your healing progress and address any concerns.
Results
Breast reduction, especially when performed by an expert surgeon, is often described as a life-changing procedure. In most cases, patients experience relief from pain and a renewed ability to enjoy physical activity, different clothing styles, and enhanced daily comfort.
Cost of Breast Reduction in Los Angeles
The cost of breast reduction surgery varies based on surgical complexity, facility fees, and whether your procedure is covered by insurance. Because of the impact overly large breasts can have on one’s quality of life, breast reduction is often considered a medically necessary procedure by insurance companies. For patients who qualify, insurance may significantly reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs. Our team can help guide you through the process of submitting claims and determining eligibility for insurance coverage.
FAQ
Will insurance cover my breast reduction?
Insurance might cover your breast reduction; however, this depends on several factors. Many insurance providers will cover breast reduction if it is deemed medically necessary due to symptoms such as chronic pain or skin irritation. Dr. Satey’s office can assist you with the documentation and submission process, as well as help you navigate your insurance policy.
What is “formal excision” for breast reduction, and how is it different?
Formal excision is the direct surgical removal of breast tissue through incisions. Unlike liposuction, it allows for more controlled reshaping and is preferred for patients with larger breasts or significant sagging. All breast reduction procedures at Dr. Satey’s office are performed via formal excision.
How much downtime is required after breast reduction?
Most patients return to work in about one or two weeks, depending on the physical demands of their job. However, strenuous activity should be avoided for several weeks or until the surgeon approves. Full recovery can take several months.
Will there be visible scars after breast reduction?
Scarring is inevitable after most surgical procedures requiring incisions. However, your surgeon will use careful incision placement and closure techniques to minimize their visibility. Scars tend to fade significantly over time as well.
Can I still breastfeed after breast reduction?
It is often possible to breastfeed after breast reduction, though it may be affected depending on the amount of tissue removed and the surgical technique used.
What size will my breasts be after my breast reduction surgery?
This depends on your aesthetic preferences! Your surgeon can customize the size of your breasts according to your goals and anatomy. Your surgeon will collaborate with you to determine an appropriate size that prioritizes both relief and proportion.
Are the results of a breast reduction permanent?
Yes, the results of a breast reduction are essentially permanent. However, aging, weight changes, and pregnancy/breastfeeding can alter breast shape over time. Maintaining a stable weight can help preserve your results.
References
- Sachs D, Szymanski KD. Breast Reduction. PubMed. Published 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28723003/
- Purohit S. Reduction mammoplasty. Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery : Official Publication of the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India. 2008;41(Suppl):S64. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2825129/
- Faulkner HR, Merceron T, Wang J, Losken A. Safe Reproducible Breast Reduction. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2023;11(9):e5245. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000005245
