Breast size and shape can be a source of discomfort for many women. While some women may desire bigger breasts, others may want to reduce the size of their breasts or lift sagging breasts. Two surgical procedures that can address these concerns are breast reduction and breast lift. While the two procedures may seem similar, they are very different. plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides breast reduction and breast lift procedures to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding locations.

Breast Reduction

Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that involves removing excess breast tissue and skin to reduce the size of the breasts. The procedure is typically performed on women with large breasts that cause discomfort, pain, or other health problems.

During the procedure, the surgeon will make incisions around the areola and down the breast to remove excess tissue and skin. The nipple is then repositioned higher on the breast to improve its appearance. The procedure takes around three to five hours, and patients are typically required to stay in the hospital overnight.

Breast reduction surgery can provide a range of benefits, including:

• Relief from back, neck, and shoulder pain
• Improved posture
• Reduced risk of skin irritation and rashes
• Increased ability to participate in physical activities
• Improved self-esteem and body image

Breast Lift

Breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that involves reshaping and lifting sagging breasts. The procedure is typically performed on women who have lost breast volume due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, or aging.

During the procedure, the surgeon will make incisions around the areola and down the breast to remove excess skin and reshape the breast tissue. The nipple may also be repositioned higher on the breast to improve its appearance. The procedure takes around two to three hours, and patients are typically able to go home the same day.

Breast lift surgery can provide a range of benefits, including:

• Improved breast shape and position
• More youthful-looking breasts
• Improved self-esteem and body image

What’s the Difference Between Breast Reduction and Breast Lift?

While breast reduction and breast lift may sound similar, they are actually quite different. Breast reduction is designed to reduce the size of the breasts by removing excess tissue and skin, while breast lift is designed to reshape and lift sagging breasts.

Breast reduction is typically performed on women with large breasts that cause discomfort or health problems, while breast lift is typically performed on women with sagging breasts.

The incisions made during breast reduction surgery are typically larger than the incisions made during breast lift surgery, as more tissue and skin must be removed. Breast reduction surgery also typically involves repositioning the nipple to a higher location on the breast.

Breast lift surgery focuses on reshaping and lifting the breast tissue, rather than reducing the size of the breasts. The incisions made during breast lift surgery are typically smaller than the incisions made during breast reduction surgery.

Do I Need a Breast Lift or a Breast Reduction?

Determining whether you need a breast lift or a breast reduction depends on your individual needs and goals. If you have large breasts that cause discomfort, breast reduction may be the right choice for you. If you have sagging breasts, breast lift may be the right choice for you.

It’s important to speak with a plastic surgeon to determine which procedure is right for you. During your consultation, the surgeon will examine your breasts, discuss your goals, and recommend a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs. plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides breast reduction and breast lift procedures to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding locations.

Schedule a Consultation with Beverly Hills California Plastic Surgeon Dr. Kim

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim.  Click here to contact us today.

Also visit beverlyhillsplasticsurgery.com

Serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and surrounding areas.

One of the biggest decisions you will make when undergoing breast augmentation will be on the size of your breast implants. During your initial consultation, your plastic surgeon will help you choose an implant size that best suits your aesthetic goals as well as fit your lifestyle. plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides breast augmentation to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding locations.

Factors to Consider

Some key factors to consider when choosing the size of your breast implants will be your lifestyle, your aesthetic preferences, your anatomy, and your future. 

Lifestyle: If you are someone that runs or regularly does high-intensity exercises, you may want to avoid very large implants for your comfort. 

Aesthetic Preferences: You may want to consider how you dress and how you would like your breasts to appear when you wear your clothing. Think about whether you want a subtle change in your appearance, or if you want noticeable volume. 

Anatomy: Every woman’s anatomy is different, and some may require larger or smaller implants to achieve the best-looking results. If you require a breast lift to reduce excess, sagging skin, this could also affect the size of the implants best for you. Your surgeon will perform a physical examination during your consultation to help you determine this.

Your Future: You will want to consider whether you will be happy with the size of your breast implants later on in life, so think about how your life may change 5-10 years down the line when contemplating sizes.

Your Consultation

Ultimately, if you come to your consultation with your goals clearly in mind, your surgeon will be able to help you choose your implants. Think about the factors above, and maybe bring in some photos of breasts you find ideal to help your surgeon understand your expectations. Some patients may choose to bring a friend or someone close to them to their consultation to help with comfort and communication. The best thing you can do is to make a list of your goals and priorities prior to your consultation and be sure to see a plastic surgeon to ensure you’re receiving the highest quality care and expertise. plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides breast augmentation to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding locations.

Schedule a Consultation with Beverly Hills California Plastic Surgeon Dr. Kim

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim.  Click here to contact us today.

Also visit beverlyhillsplasticsurgery.com

Serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and surrounding areas.

Patients considering breast augmentation may not be aware that breast implants must be removed or replaced at some point in the future. While this could appear to be a disadvantage of the process, silicone breast implants are very durable, typically lasting between 10-20 years. plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides silicone breast augmentation to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding locations.

Choosing Your Implants

During your consultation, your surgeon will perform a physical examination and discuss your goals with you. Some patients may bring in pictures of their ideal breasts to help the surgeon understand the look they are hoping to achieve. Depending on the size and shape of your breasts and what size you would like, your surgeon will propose suitable implants for you to choose from.

Silicone Breast Implant Procedure

Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. During the procedure, your surgeon will create incisions either under the fold of the breast, near the armpit, or in the area around the areola. The implants are inserted into the chest either above or beneath the muscle before the incisions are sutured closed and the procedure is complete.

Can I Go Without Replacing My Implants?

There are many reasons silicone breast implants may need to be removed or replaced, such as capsular contracture (when the chest creates scar tissue around the implants, making it thick, distorted, and painful), implant rupture or rippling, and aging (when the breasts droop and the implants don’t have the same appearance they once did). To guarantee safety, it is advised to replace or remove the implants if there is a rupture or capsular contracture, as overlooking it can lead to critical health problems. plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides silicone breast augmentation to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding locations.

Schedule a Consultation with Beverly Hills California Plastic Surgeon Dr. Kim

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim.  Click here to contact us today.

Also visit beverlyhillsplasticsurgery.com

Serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and surrounding areas.

Breast augmentation with saline or silicone implants is the most common procedure that women seek to enhance the size and shape of their breasts. This procedure involves placing the implants into the chest, either above or below the chest muscle. Despite its rarity, capsular contracture is the most serious complication that can arise from this surgery. plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides treatment of capsular contracture to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding locations.

Signs of Capsular Contracture

Both silicone and saline breast implants can cause capsular contracture, although it is more common with silicone implants. The body naturally forms a capsule of scar tissue surrounding the implants as a response to foreign objects being introduced. Usually, scar tissue stays soft and supple, but sometimes it can harden and constrict the implant, causing capsular contracture. This can happen at any time after the operation and it may take months or years for the patient to identify the symptoms. Signs of an encapsulated breast implant include:

• Breasts appearing higher up
• Breasts feeling hard and tight
• Pain in the breasts
• Shape deformation of the breasts

Types of Capsular Contracture

There are 4 grades of capsular contracture, and a physical examination is required to determine the type of contracture a patient may have. In Grade I contracture, the capsulation around the implant is not detectable and the breasts look and feel natural. In Grade II contracture, the breasts begin to feel firm but still appear natural. Your surgeon may recommend massage and prescribe medications to help treat the capsule. In Grade III, the breasts become deformed and feel firm. The breasts become more severely deformed and become painful in Grade IV. Surgical intervention is required to treat both Grade III and IV capsulations.

Choose a Surgeon

It is always possible to have unanticipated outcomes after breast augmentation, but it is more probable that you will get satisfactory results by selecting a plastic surgeon who is qualified to carry out the process. If you have any concerns about the possibility of a capsulation, make an appointment with our office to be seen right away. plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides treatment of capsular contracture to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding locations.

Schedule a Consultation with Beverly Hills California Plastic Surgeon Dr. Kim

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim.  Click here to contact us today.

Also visit beverlyhillsplasticsurgery.com

Serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and surrounding areas.

In some cases, patients seeking breast augmentation may also need to undergo breast lift to achieve desired results. The best way to determine whether you would benefit from breast lift in addition to implants is to have a consultation and examination with your surgeon. plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides breast augmentation to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding locations.

Breast Lift Considerations

During breast augmentation, the implants are inserted into the patient’s chest and the skin is repositioned over it. When the skin is repositioned, the nipple should ideally be as centered over the implant as possible. If the patient has loose, sagging skin that cannot be lifted enough by the implant alone, a breast lift is required to correctly position the breasts and nipples for the best looking results.

Procedure

Breast augmentation is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. During surgery, small incisions are made in discrete areas, such as under the fold of the breast. The implants are then placed into the chest, either above or below the muscle. If the breasts need to be lifted, your surgeon will trim excess skin away from the appropriate areas and reposition the nipple and areola. The incisions are then closed and your procedure is completed.

How do I know if I need a lift?

If your nipple naturally rests beneath the fold of your breast, you may benefit from a breast lift. The best way to determine whether you will need a lift with your breast implants will be to schedule a consultation to be examined by your surgeon. plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides breast augmentation to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding locations.

Schedule a Consultation with Beverly Hills California Plastic Surgeon Dr. Kim

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim.  Click here to contact us today.

Also visit beverlyhillsplasticsurgery.com

Serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and surrounding areas.

Patients interested in breast augmentation have a major decision to make when considering whether to have silicone or saline breast implants. During your initial consultation, your surgeon will educate you on the difference between the two types of implants and help you make an informed decision. plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides breast augmentation to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding locations.

Appearance

Silicone implants hang over the natural curvature of the breasts just as natural fat tissue would, and therefore have a more natural appearance. Saline breast implants are usually “over-filled” and appear more round, full, and firm.

Texture and Touch

Silicone and saline breast implants each feel different, with silicone implants feeling closer to soft, natural fat in the breasts. Saline implants feel firmer.

Surgical Incisions

Saline and silicone breast implants are placed in different areas of the chest, involving different types of surgical incisions. Silicone implants come pre-filled from the manufacturer, requiring a larger incision to be placed into the chest. Saline implants are put into the chest before they are filled during surgery, only requiring a smaller incision.

Which Last Longer?

Both saline and silicone implants are meant to be long-lasting, and are found to last about the same amount of time. Both implants will need to be removed or replaced after a number of years in the patient.

Rippling and Rupture

Although uncommon, it is possible for breast implants to rupture. Silicone implants can be dangerous in the case of a rupture, as the fluid may seep into the body and cause health issues. Saline implants are safer, as the saline solution is simply absorbed by the body. Rippling can occur due to capsular contracture or incorrectly sized implants, and is an equal risk with the use of either saline or silicone implants. In severe cases, rippling can be seen on the surface of the skin. plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides breast augmentation to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding locations.

Schedule a Consultation with Beverly Hills California Plastic Surgeon Dr. Kim

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim.  Click here to contact us today.

Also visit beverlyhillsplasticsurgery.com

Serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and surrounding areas.

Breast Reduction Surgery

Cost is an essential factor in any elective cosmetic surgery procedure, including breast reduction surgery. You may need to bear the complete costs as an out-of-pocket expense, which makes it critical for you to know how much you would be required to pay. Discuss your budget and goals candidly with the plastic surgeon during the initial consultation. This will allow them to recommend the best surgical option.

Insurance providers may cover the cost of breast reduction procedure in some cases. You should discuss your eligibility for insurance coverage with the surgeon. plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides breast reduction surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding locations.

Cost Factors in Breast Reduction Procedure

There are several factors which may affect the cost of a breast reduction procedure. This includes:

• Hospital fee
• Anesthesia
• Surgeon fee

• Medications
• Post-surgical bra and breast compress
• Testing
• Miscellaneous costs

Generally, breast reduction plastic surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure. You may need to pay more if you are required to spend the night in hospital. Other factors that determine the cost of procedure include:

• Practice location has a significant impact on the estimated costs since real estate and overhead expenses are higher in urban areas. This is in comparison with rural towns.
• Experience and qualifications of the surgeon will impact the overall cost
• Additional procedures, like liposuction may increase the overall price tag
• Technique used for the surgery has an impact on the overall cost

Cost Components to Consider

Surgeon’s fee is an essential aspect of the breast reduction procedure cost. Experience, skills, and experience of the surgeon performing the procedure determine the overall monetary amount. Generally, the procedure is performed under general anesthesia. You should include the anesthetic team’s cost as well.

Surgical venue is another vital cost component. Breast reduction procedure costs more in case of large breasts. This is because the surgeon will need to work harder in removing surplus tissue and relocating or reshaping the areola and nipple.

Eligibility for Insurance Coverage

Excessively large breasts or asymptomatic macromastia is a recognized medical condition that requires therapeutic management. Breast reduction surgery in certain cases become necessary because of pain in the shoulders, back and neck. It may cause other symptoms that compromise a patient’s quality of life.

Insurance will cover the procedure when you require it for medical reasons. However, they may not offer coverage when you want it performed for purely cosmetic reasons.

Insurance Coverage Requirements

Patients should review the medical insurance policy carefully if they are considering a breast reduction surgery. Reduction mammaplasty is covered in various cases. You would require a letter from the plastic surgeon listing all health symptoms, physical findings, and estimated reduction in the weight of breasts to get insurance coverage.

Patients need to note that an insurance provider is not obliged to pay for the surgery without advance authorization. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and nearby areas for breast reduction surgery.

Schedule a Consultation with Beverly Hills California Plastic Surgeon Dr. Kim

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim.  Click here to contact us today.

Also visit beverlyhillsplasticsurgery.com

Serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and surrounding areas.

Breast Implant Replacement

Breast implant exchange plastic surgery involves replacement of breast implants. This revision surgery is conducted after a preliminary examination by the surgeon to determine the cause of complications. They will advise breast implant replacement only when it is the best course of action.

plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides breast implant exchange or breast implant replacement surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding communities.

Advantages of Breast Implant Replacement Procedure

• Restores breasts to a desired shape and size
• Positions the implants to a proper location in harmony with the natural breasts
• Lifts your breasts and removes loose skin
• Replaces deflated or old implants with new advanced ones

Suitable Candidacy for Breast Implant Replacement

You may be a suitable candidate for a breast implant replacement cosmetic surgery if any of the following scenarios apply to you:

• You want to improve your breast appearance
• You want to change the breast size
• Existing breast implants have shifted and are not properly positioned anymore
• Your breasts appear asymmetrical or uneven
• Your implants are ruptured or leaking
• Your implants are over 15 years old

Breast Implant Replacement Procedure

These are a few steps that are common to all breast implant replacement plastic surgery:

1. An incision will be made, usually where the original incision was made to reduce scarring.
2. The surgeon will remove old implants completely. They may also remove a part of or complete scar capsule from the previous implants. This scar capsule will be sent for further testing to a lab.
3. The surgeon will create a suitable space or pocket after removing the old implants and capsule. This is where the new implants will be inserted. This may be a completely new layer or in the same layer as previous breast implants. This will be discussed in the pre-operative consultation.
4. The new implants will be carefully inserted and positioned in the new spaces made.
5. The surgeon will suture the incisions carefully.

Getting a Different Breast Implant Size

Many patients want a different sized implant after their primary breast augmentation procedure. This can either be larger or smaller. Generally, women switch implants after a few years of getting the first surgery performed. Natural breast size and volume may change because of pregnancy, weight fluctuations, breastfeeding, childbirth, and aging or gravity.

The same incision, whether in the armpit, below the nipple, or in the breast crease, can be used for moderate changes (larger or smaller) in implant size. Breast revision surgery is usually less painful and easier with a faster recovery. The surgeon may need to modify the breast capsule or pocket for accommodating size changes when they are significant. This is regardless of whether they are larger or smaller implants. This may require a slightly longer recovery period.

You may require breast lift as an additional procedure if you are changing to a smaller implant. However, this is necessary only in certain cases. Your surgeon will understand your individual needs before recommending the best course of action.

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and nearby areas for breast implant exchange or breast implant replacement surgery.

Schedule a Consultation with Beverly Hills California Plastic Surgeon Dr. Kim

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim.  Click here to contact us today.

Also visit beverlyhillsplasticsurgery.com

Serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and surrounding areas.

Breast Reduction

Breast reduction is a plastic surgery procedure in which tissue, skin, and fat is removed for reducing the size of the breasts. The procedure can improve the quality of your life by reducing pain the neck, back, and shoulders. It can be useful in allowing a woman to enjoy a youthful-looking bust line.

You no longer have to be self-conscious about how you look and you are free to wear a wide selection of clothing styles according to your choice. plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides breast reduction surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding locations.

Traditional Anchor Pattern Technique

This is among the most common types of breast reduction procedures performed. It has several advantages. However, this method of reducing breast size is also the most invasive. Incisions are horizontally made under the breast crease in traditional breast reduction surgery. The incisions extend upwards vertically around the nipple in an anchor pattern.

A major advantage of this incision technique is that resulting scars are usually hidden under low-cut tops and bathing suits. This is even when the incisions are extremely invasive. The technique is recommended for women with extremely large breasts since the anchor pattern allows for both vertical and horizontal removal of excess skin.

Vertical Incision Technique

This incision technique is also known as LeJour breast reduction or short scar technique. It allows for less scarring and shapelier breasts as compared to anchor pattern breast reduction surgery. This type of surgery is becoming more popular than traditional procedures in women that don’t want extensive tissue and fat removal.

Incisions in this technique are made around the areola and vertically downwards to the breast crease. The resulting pattern is why the procedure is also known as ‘lollipop’ pattern breast reduction. There is no need for horizontal incisions because of the vertical incision. This causes much less scarring as compared to traditional breast reduction surgery.

In addition to a more natural breast shape and less scarring, vertical incision breast reduction often takes lesser time to perform as compared to standard breast reduction procedures.

Liposuction Technique

Breast reduction cosmetic surgery can also be performed through liposuction. This will result in the removal of excess fatty tissue for reducing overall volume. The skin should shrink and fit the new breast volume naturally following the plastic surgery procedure. Breast reduction through liposuction can provide solid results when the breasts possess more fatty tissue as compared to glandular tissue.

Advantages of Breast Reduction

Physical Comfort

Breast reduction surgery reduces the weight of a woman’s breasts and makes them proportionate to her overall frame. This allows a woman to correct her posture and removes strain from her shoulders, neck, and back. This can enhance the quality of life by reducing the overall pain that goes into moving around with breasts that are too large.

Improved Appearance

Breast reduction plastic surgery procedure can improve your appearance by:

• Creating contours that are more proportionate to your body
• Correcting any breast asymmetry
• Delivering firmer and smaller breast contours as achieved by a breast lift

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and nearby areas for breast reduction surgery.

Schedule a Consultation with Beverly Hills California Plastic Surgeon Dr. Kim

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim.  Click here to contact us today.

Also visit beverlyhillsplasticsurgery.com

Serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and surrounding areas.