Breast

Breast Procedures

Aesthetic and reconstructive breast care shaped by anatomy, health, safety, and personal goals.

Breast Augmentation

Increase breast volume and refine shape or symmetry with implants or selected fat-transfer approaches.

Breast augmentation adds volume with saline or silicone implants, or in selected cases with a patient's own fat. Implant shape, size, profile, and placement are individualized.

The consultation includes a balanced discussion of goals, anatomy, monitoring, future surgery, and device-related considerations—not simply a choice of cup size.

Who it may help

Healthy adults seeking increased volume, improved symmetry, or restoration after volume loss may be candidates. Stable expectations and a willingness to understand implant maintenance are important.

What it entails

Augmentation is generally performed under anesthesia in an accredited surgical setting. Implant placement, incision location, and duration vary with anatomy and the selected technique.

Recovery

Soreness, swelling, and chest tightness are common early. Many patients return to light routines within days, with gradual return to exercise over several weeks as directed.

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Raise and reshape breasts affected by pregnancy, weight change, aging, or gravity.

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A breast lift removes excess skin, reshapes supporting tissue, and repositions the nipple and areola to a higher position.

The procedure changes shape and position more than volume. Augmentation may add fullness, while reduction may decrease breast weight when either is appropriate.

Who it may help

Patients with breast sagging, downward-facing nipples, stretched skin, or asymmetry may be candidates. Stable weight, overall health, and future pregnancy plans are part of the discussion.

What it entails

Mastopexy is performed with anesthesia in an accredited surgical setting. Incision pattern and duration depend on the degree of lift and whether augmentation or reduction is combined.

Recovery

Swelling, bruising, and temporary tightness are expected. Light activity often resumes within days, while lifting and strenuous exercise are limited for several weeks.

Breast Reconstruction

Rebuild breast form after mastectomy or lumpectomy through coordinated, individualized care.

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Breast reconstruction may use implants, a patient's own tissue, or a combination, and often unfolds across more than one stage. Timing may be immediate or delayed according to cancer care, health, and preference.

Dr. DeLong approaches reconstruction with a focus on restoring form and supporting function while coordinating with oncology teams and appropriate UCLA hospital facilities.

Who it may help

People considering or recovering from mastectomy, lumpectomy, radiation, or prior breast reconstruction may seek consultation. Cancer treatment, available tissue, health, and personal priorities shape candidacy.

What it entails

Reconstruction can range from implant-based procedures to complex autologous tissue transfer. It is performed with anesthesia in a hospital or accredited surgical setting; duration and length of stay vary substantially by approach.

Recovery

Recovery ranges from several weeks to longer for complex flap surgery, with staged refinements sometimes planned later. Cancer treatment and individual healing can change the timeline.

Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammaplasty)

Reduce breast weight and improve proportion, comfort, and daily function.

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Breast reduction removes excess tissue, fat, and skin while reshaping the breast and repositioning the nipple and areola.

For some patients, reducing breast weight can ease neck, back, and shoulder discomfort or make exercise and clothing more comfortable. Emotional relief may be meaningful, but experiences differ.

Who it may help

Patients with heavy breasts, activity limitations, skin irritation, shoulder grooves, or disproportion may be candidates. Health, breast imaging, future breastfeeding goals, and desired size are reviewed.

What it entails

The operation is performed under anesthesia in an accredited surgical setting. Incision pattern and duration depend on breast size, tissue quality, and the amount of reduction.

Recovery

Soreness, swelling, and temporary changes in sensation are common. Light activity often resumes within days, while lifting and strenuous exercise are restricted for several weeks.

Breast-Implant Revision

Address implant concerns or update a prior augmentation or reconstruction plan.

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Revision surgery can exchange or remove implants and address concerns such as rupture, capsular contracture, rippling, malposition, asymmetry, or symmastia.

Existing incisions can often be reused, though additional work on the implant pocket, capsule, breast tissue, or skin may be needed. Timing is individualized; some concerns are observed until swelling settles, while rupture or significant asymmetry may warrant earlier evaluation.

Who it may help

Patients with discomfort, shape change, a known implant issue, dissatisfaction, or changing preferences may benefit from assessment. Imaging, implant history, tissue quality, and goals inform the plan.

What it entails

Revision is performed with anesthesia in an accredited setting. Complexity and duration vary widely depending on whether implants are exchanged or removed and whether capsule, pocket, tissue, or skin work is required.

Recovery

Recovery may resemble initial augmentation or be more involved. Swelling and soreness generally improve over weeks, while breast shape continues to settle over several months.

Fat-Transfer Breast Reconstruction

Use a patient's own fat to restore or refine breast volume, contour, and symmetry.

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Fat transfer harvests fat with liposuction, prepares it, and places small amounts into selected breast areas. It may serve as a reconstructive option or complement implants and flap reconstruction.

The technique can soften contour irregularities and improve selected asymmetries. Because only part of the transferred fat establishes a lasting blood supply, more than one session may be appropriate.

Who it may help

Candidates need suitable donor fat and realistic goals about achievable volume. Prior surgery, radiation, breast health, and reconstructive plans are reviewed closely.

What it entails

The procedure is performed with anesthesia in an accredited setting and includes both liposuction and careful fat placement. Duration depends on treatment area and volume.

Recovery

Bruising and swelling occur in the donor and breast areas. Many patients resume light routines within days to a week, while final contour and retained volume take months to assess.

Gynecomastia (Male Breast Reduction)

Reduce excess male breast tissue for a flatter, firmer chest contour.

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Gynecomastia surgery treats enlarged male breast tissue using liposuction, gland excision, or both, depending on what creates the fullness.

The concern can carry a significant emotional burden. Consultation is discreet and supportive, with attention to possible medical causes and realistic contour goals.

Who it may help

Men with persistent chest fullness despite stable weight may be candidates after appropriate evaluation. Health, medications, hormonal factors, skin quality, and tissue type influence planning.

What it entails

Treatment is performed with anesthesia in an accredited setting. Small incisions are used for liposuction and/or gland removal; duration depends on the extent and whether excess skin needs attention.

Recovery

Compression, swelling, and tenderness are typical early. Many patients return to desk work within several days, while chest exercise and heavy lifting are restricted for several weeks.

Individual results vary. All procedures carry risks, which Dr. DeLong will review during consultation. This content is educational and not medical advice.

Discuss your goals with Dr. DeLong.

A consultation is the right place to review options, risks, recovery, and what may be appropriate for you.

Book a Consultation (310) 267-5518