Breast Surgery Guide in Beverly Hills, CA

When you decide that you have learned all you can from reading about breast surgeries online, the next step is to have a consultation with a true expert: a board-certified plastic surgeon. It’s natural to be nervous about your consultation, so we’d like to help you understand what your consultation with Dr. Golshani will be like.
During this private consultation, Dr. Golshani will explain how surgery to alter or enhance your breasts can improve your body shape, return your breasts to a pre-pregnancy look, or alleviate discomfort or pain that you have because of large breasts. Dr. Golshani’s consultations are designed to educate you about breast surgery and help you make an empowered decision. You and Dr. Golshani will talk about your hopes for surgery, what options you have, the results you can expect from surgery, important information about potential risks or complications, and what Dr. Golshani recommends as the best approach for you, personally.
Physical Exam for Breast Surgery
Consultations also include a physical examination of your breasts, including the shape, size, nipple position, current breast conditions, signs of skin problems, posture abnormalities and other symptoms. If you are having a breast reduction, measurements will be taken of how much estimated weight to remove from each breast, and photographs of your chest and shoulders may be taken. These pieces of information can help with your approval of insurance coverage for a breast reduction operation.
Your Medical History
To make your first visit with Dr. Golshani as comprehensive and informative as possible, you will be asked for your complete medical history including all current medications, allergies, past surgeries and hospitalizations, family medical history, current health conditions (i.e. high blood pressure, infections, diabetes, psychological problems etc.). If your medical history is extensive, you may want to write everything down prior to your initial consultation. In addition, in order for Dr. Golshani to have a complete picture of your specific situation, you will be asked for your family history of breast problems and your height, weight and correct bra size.
Virtual Consultations for Out of Town Patients
Many of our breast surgery patients have flown in from all over the world to have surgery with Dr. Golshani. If you are interested in surgery but cannot fly in for the consultation, we can help. Please fill out our contact form and we will assist you in setting up a “virtual” pre-consultation work-up which includes a review of your medical history and any “before” photos you can send or email to us.
For patients who decide to travel from out-of-town to see us, we will make every effort to accommodate you and make your experience as comfortable and pleasant as possible.
A True Conversation
It is important to remember that this is your opportunity to describe the troublesome problems you are having and your hopes for your improved body shape. Make sure you share your goals and concerns including the size and shape you may have in mind and even religious, ethnic or cultural concerns. If you are concerned with forgetting to ask your questions, come prepared with a list of them so you can listen carefully without having to worry about overlooking anything. By the end of the appointment, you should have a good sense of Dr. Golshani’s ability to help you. This is your decision to make and will never pressure you to undergo breast surgery. Let us be your guide, answer your questions and provide you with all the information you need so you feel comfortable and excited about this treatment option.
Relationship with your Surgeon
The relationship between you and your surgeon is very important. Yes, your plastic surgeon’s credentials, experience and surgical skills and your own preparation are key factors in determining the success of your breast surgery, but so is this relationship. During your initial consultation with Dr. Daniel Golshani, you should feel free to open up and ask questions and voice any concerns that you or even your family may have. Remember, you get to choose your surgeon, so why not choose one who is understanding, empathetic and honest? We want to make sure that you feel comfortable with us and that you trust us. We think it’s important that you get to know our entire staff as much as it’s important for us to get to know you. We’re here to listen, and help to make your breast surgery experience as pleasant and smooth as possible.
Meet Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
Daniel Golshani, MD, FACS
Dr. Golshani is a double board-certified plastic surgeon who is committed to enhancing your natural beauty. With a focus on balance, harmony, and symmetry, he is passionate about making aesthetic goals a reality at his Beverly Hills practice. We are not only dedicated to your personal cosmetic beauty, but also to ensuring your health, safety, and comfort.
Recovery After Breast Surgery Can Be Optimized With These Steps
For patients who are about to undergo breast surgery – or those who are considering having this procedure – the recovery period can seem frightening. We want to assure you that Dr. Golshani and his team are committed to supporting you all the way through your healing and recovery to make sure you are comfortable, safe, and healthy during all phases of your breast surgery.
After you wake up, a family or friend will be there to listen to your post-op instructions with you and drive you home. We will make sure you are educated on:
- How to care for the surgical sites
- Concerns to look for at the surgical sites or in overall health
- Emergency contact information
- When to follow-up with Dr. Golshani
- Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection
In order to ensure a safe, successful and speedy recovery, it is important to carefully follow all of Dr. Golshani’s instructions.
Expectations after Breast Surgery
The following are normal and expected symptoms of your body and new breasts after breast surgery:
Swelling & Bruising
- Moderate swelling and bruising are normal.
- However, severe swelling and bruising may indicate bleeding or possible infection.
Discomfort & Pain
- Mild to moderate discomfort or pain is normal after any surgery.
- If the pain becomes severe and is not relieved by pain medication, please contact us right away. This could be a sign of a complication.
Color
- Because your body is building new blood vessels and increasing blood flow and oxygen to your breasts, do not be alarmed if you have pinkish breasts and increased warmth of the breast skin.
Shape & Size
- You will not be able to see your new breast shape right after surgery, especially because of the swelling. As the swelling subsides and your breast skin starts to settle, a more natural, rounded breast shape will begin to develop.
- As the swelling goes down and healing progresses, your breasts may show a slight decrease in size.
Nipples
- After surgery, it is common for one or both nipples to have some numbness. This usually subsides within a couple of weeks to several months.
Incisions
- Crusting along the incision lines is to be expected as small amounts of bleeding and drainage is common. We usually treat this with antibiotic ointment.
- Incisions are usually completely healed in two to six weeks.
- Full strength to the incisions will return by six months after surgery.
Numbness
- Small sensory nerves to the skin surface are occasionally cut when the incision is made or interrupted by undermining of the skin during surgery.
- The sensation in those areas gradually returns – usually within 2 or 3 months as the nerve endings heal spontaneously.
Itching
- Itching and occasional small shooting electrical sensations within the skin may occur as the nerve endings heal.
- Skin moisturizers and gentle massages are frequently helpful.
- These symptoms are common during the recovery period.
Scar Appearance
- All new scars are red, dark pink, or purple.
- Scars on the breasts may take a year or longer to fade completely.
- Some scars may be initially raised and become flat after the wound matures.
Breast Surgery Recovery Concerns
If you experience any of the following problems, please notify us!
- Fever over 100°F
- Excessive bleeding accompanied by a noticeable enlargement of one or both breasts or increasing pain
- Foul odor and drainage
- Purple, blue or gray nipples that are cold to touch
- Continuous vomiting
- Dark urine
Every breast surgery patient needs to develop a new body image. This won’t happen overnight or in a few days. It may take weeks or even months to feel a sense of well-being. This is normal. Right after surgery, you may feel extremely excited and relieved, but before you begin to feel increased self-confidence, you may feel confused or disappointment. Unexpected feeling and fears may arise. These anxieties are normal and will disappear with time.
Dr. Golshani and his team are here to support you throughout your recovery from breast surgery. Please contact us if there is anything we can do to help you.
Healing After Breast Surgery
Initial healing may include some swelling and discomfort which can be controlled with proper medication, nutrition and resting. An elastic bandage or support bra should be worn for the first few weeks to minimize swelling and support the breasts as they heal. Your drains will be removed one to two days after surgery and you may shower 48 hours after your drains are removed. It is extremely important to keep the incision sites clean with gentle antibacterial soap and water. Within 10 days following surgery, all sutures will be removed.
Most often, we will advise you that you do not need to stay in bed. In fact, this can slow your healing. You will likely be instructed to engage in light walking as soon as possible in an effort to minimize the potential for certain complications (e.g., blood clots). Usually within a few days of surgery, a return to light activity is possible for those patients who feel ready. Many patients are often ready to return to work and resume normal activity within a week or two, depending on their surgery and the nature of their work.
It is important to remember that you should not engage in any heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for approximately one month after surgery. Specifically, patients need to avoid lifting arms above the shoulders or pulling and lifting heavy objects for four to six weeks after surgery. This includes lifting small children, so we recommend you arrange for help around the house if you will need it.
Healing will continue for several weeks as swelling dissipates and breast shape and position settle. You should continue to follow Dr. Golshani’s instructions and attend all follow-up visits. Remember that even if you don’t feel any pain or discomfort, your body is still healing and you may not have your usual amount of energy for a couple of weeks. Take it easy and gradually increase your level of activity until you are back to normal.