Almost all of my patients ask me this. The short answer is, yes. I cannot perform surgery without cutting through your skin and tissue, which will heal into a scar. There is no such thing as “scarless surgery.” However,I think the more important question to ask is, “What will my scar look like and why?”. Ideally, we want scars to heal into a thin, pale line or are camouflaged or imperceptible. I design my incisions so that the final scar will be hidden in natural skin folds, wrinkles or creases, along hair lines or hidden by clothing. Scars are the body’s natural way of healing and repairing damaged tissue. The great thing about elective surgery is that the damage to tissue is controlled. I am making a linear cut with a scalpel and dissecting carefully, constantly analyzing the surgical area. The tissue is not being damaged by an unpredictable trauma such as a fall or a burn. The process of any scar formation, known as wound healing, typically occurs in several stages: Hemostasis: The body initiates a process called hemostasis to stop bleeding. Platelets in the blood form a clot at the site of the injury, which helps to seal the wound and prevent further blood loss. Inflammatory phase: Following hemostasis, the body triggers an inflammatory response to remove debris and bacteria from the wound. Inflammatory cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages, help clean the wound and promote tissue repair. Proliferative phase: During this phase, new tissue is generated to fill in the wound. Fibroblasts, specialized cells responsible for producing collagen, migrate to the wound site and lay down a framework of collagen fibers, which provide strength and structure to the healing tissue. Blood vessels also grow into the wound to supply nutrients and oxygen to the developing scar tissue. Remodeling phase: In the final stage of wound healing, the scar tissue undergoes remodeling to strengthen and refine the wound site. Collagen fibers are reorganized and cross-linked to improve the integrity of the scar. Over time, the scar may become flatter, lighter in color, and less noticeable. This phase can last 1 -2 years. The appearance and quality of a scar depends on various factors, including the size and location of the wound, the individual’s skin type and genetics, surgical technique, activity and movement of the area, and how well the wound is cared for during the healing process. After surgery, I will focus on optimizing the remodeling phase so that your scars mature as seamlessly as possible. To help improve the appearance, I may recommend sun protection, silicone gel sheets or paper taping for several months, scar massage, topical tretinoin, microneedling with SkinPen, decreased activity or compression garments, corticosteroid injections, laser therapy or even surgical revision. During your consultation, I will review all of this in detail with you and establish your expectations.

Breast Reduction

Reduce the size of your breasts

A breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, is a procedure designed to reduce the size of your breasts by tightening the surrounding skin, lifting the nipple-areola complex, and removing breast tissue (or parenchyma). Similar to a mastopexy, there are several incision patterns that can achieve these goals, and it all depends on your anatomy and your desires. During your consultation, I will explain all of this in more detail, according to what you see and feel and your anatomy.

Breast Reduction & Lift

The main difference between a breast lift and reduction is that in a reduction, I will also remove breast tissue, which reduces the size of the breasts. A breast reduction has a breast lift built into the procedure. Your nipple-areola complex stays attached to your chest wall and its blood supply while the skin and surrounding tissue are reshaped. Similar to a mastopexy, the possible incision patterns are:

Significant Breast Sagging & Volume

Anchor or inverted-T incision: Incision around the areola, vertically down the breast, and horizontally along the breast crease, resembling an anchor or inverted-T shape. Allows the most extensive tissue removal and reshaping.

Moderate Breast Sagging & Volume

Lollipop or Vertical Incision: Incision around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease, resembling a lollipop shape. Can result in less scarring compared to the anchor incision.

Mild Breast Sagging & Volume

Periareolar or Donut Incision: Incision made only around the edge of the areola. May not provide enough lift for significant ptosis. Scar remains only around the areola and is at increased risk for widening or thickening.

Feel Like Yourself

Natural, Elegant Results

What defines excellence in breast reduction? An artist’s eye for symmetry and balance. A delicate touch and skilled hand. I look forward to fulfill your dreams and wishes with natural, elegant results.

What To Expect

I pride myself on reducing or enhancing the size, shape, and/or appearance of the breasts while keeping a natural look and feel.

Reducing the size of your breasts aims to enhance confidence and self-esteem while maintaining a harmonious balance with your overall figure. While some breast procedures prioritize achieving a noticeably augmented appearance, a natural breast reduction and lift focuses on subtle enhancements that blend seamlessly with your natural anatomy.

My key aspects when performing a breast reduction

Proportional Enhancement

My goal is to provide a reduction that complements the patient’s body frame and proportions. This involves a reduction and breast lift that is in balance with the patient’s chest width, breast width, and overall body shape.

Attention to Detail

I pay meticulous attention to details such as symmetry, and nipple-areolar complex placement. These factors play a crucial role in achieving a natural-looking outcome that blends seamlessly with the patient’s anatomy.

Patient-Centric Approach

Most importantly, I take into account the patient’s preferences, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals. I work closely with my patients to understand their desired outcome and tailor the surgical plan so that it aligns with their expectations.

What is the right option for me?

I will guide you through this journey, educate you on the latest techniques, and support you during recovery.

The right option for breast reduction is one that makes you feel comfortable and confident. The beauty of plastic surgery lies in its versatility—there’s no single way to achieve your goals. The decision is tailored to your expectations, vision, health, and anatomy. During your visit, we will explore all options to create a plan that fulfills your dreams.

Schedule Consultation

Turn your dreams into reality

Get in-depth personal consultation where I will review your goals, anatomy, and medical history to formulate a plan that is specific to you.

I am located in a beautiful and classic San Francisco neighborhood called Pacific Heights.

Directions: Apple | Google

Phone: 415-981-3911

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I have scars?

Almost all of my patients ask me this. The short answer is, yes. I cannot perform surgery without cutting through your skin and tissue, which will heal into a scar. There is no such thing as “scarless surgery.” However,I think the more important question to ask is, “What will my scar look like and why?”. Ideally, we want scars to heal into a thin, pale line or are camouflaged or imperceptible. I design my incisions so that the final scar will be hidden in natural skin folds, wrinkles or creases, along hair lines or hidden by clothing.

Scars are the body’s natural way of healing and repairing damaged tissue. The great thing about elective surgery is that the damage to tissue is controlled. I am making a linear cut with a scalpel and dissecting carefully, constantly analyzing the surgical area. The tissue is not being damaged by an unpredictable trauma such as a fall or a burn.

The process of any scar formation, known as wound healing, typically occurs in several stages:

Hemostasis: The body initiates a process called hemostasis to stop bleeding. Platelets in the blood form a clot at the site of the injury, which helps to seal the wound and prevent further blood loss.

Inflammatory phase: Following hemostasis, the body triggers an inflammatory response to remove debris and bacteria from the wound. Inflammatory cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages, help clean the wound and promote tissue repair.

Proliferative phase: During this phase, new tissue is generated to fill in the wound. Fibroblasts, specialized cells responsible for producing collagen, migrate to the wound site and lay down a framework of collagen fibers, which provide strength and structure to the healing tissue. Blood vessels also grow into the wound to supply nutrients and oxygen to the developing scar tissue.

Remodeling phase: In the final stage of wound healing, the scar tissue undergoes remodeling to strengthen and refine the wound site. Collagen fibers are reorganized and cross-linked to improve the integrity of the scar. Over time, the scar may become flatter, lighter in color, and less noticeable. This phase can last 1 -2 years.

The appearance and quality of a scar depends on various factors, including the size and location of the wound, the individual’s skin type and genetics, surgical technique, activity and movement of the area, and how well the wound is cared for during the healing process.

After surgery, I will focus on optimizing the remodeling phase so that your scars mature as seamlessly as possible. To help improve the appearance, I may recommend sun protection, silicone gel sheets or paper taping for several months, scar massage, topical tretinoin, microneedling with SkinPen, decreased activity or compression garments, corticosteroid injections, laser therapy or even surgical revision.

During your consultation, I will review all of this in detail with you and establish your expectations.

What is recovery like?

I have developed a program that will make your recovery as seamless as possible. This involves a combination of nausea prevention, pain control, and activity modification. I also perform a special numbing procedure to decrease your need for opioid pain medications. I will provide specific instructions on how to stay ahead of any discomfort, how to be mindful of and listen to your body, and how to modify your activity while you recover. Most of my patients tell me they almost never need to take prescription pain medications and are ready to return to work sooner than one week after surgery.

Other Breast Procedures

Dr. Nguyen understands that any surgery or procedure can be a life-changing event that requires thoughtfulness on the part of both surgeon and patient, and she never takes this for granted.

Breast Augmentation

My goal is to provide an augmentation that complements the patient’s body frame and proportions. This involves selecting implant sizes, shapes, and profiles that are in balance with the patient’s chest width, breast width, and overall body shape.

VIEW PROCEDURE >

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

A breast lift, medically known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to lift and reshape sagging breasts. This procedure involves removing excess skin, tightening the surrounding tissue, and repositioning the nipples to create a more youthful and uplifted appearance.

VIEW PROCEDURE >

Breast Augmentation Revision

Breast augmentation revision surgery encompasses a wide range of issues from a previous breast augmentation. These can include malpositioned implants, contracture, unevenness, hardness, rippling, or lack of roundness. All can be effectively addressed with revision surgery.

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Nipple & Areola Reduction

Nipple reduction surgery is a sought-after procedure among individuals who were born with large nipples or areolas or due to changes like weight gain or piercings. These large nipples can cause discomfort and embarrassment. Many patients prefer the aesthetic of smaller nipples and less prominent areolas, as they are less noticeable under clothing. There is a simple, safe, and effective procedure to reduce your nipples to the size you desire.

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Tuberous Breast Correction

Tuberous breasts, also known as tubular breasts or constricted breasts, are a congenital condition where the breasts fail to develop fully during puberty. This condition is characterized by breasts that are elongated, narrow, and often have a constricted base, giving them a tubular or tube-like appearance. Tuberous breasts may also have a higher-than-normal breast crease and areola herniation, where the areolas protrude outward more than usual.

VIEW PROCEDURE >

My Approach

I am committed to the highest standards of patient care and plastic surgery. I believe in developing a strong relationship with my patients in order to best serve their needs and desires.

Furthemore, I am committed to the art and science of plastic surgery and believe that the best results come from a combination of technique, knowledge of patient anatomy, and artistry. My goal is to achieve excellence with a natural aesthetic and elegance while matching the patients’ desires to what is surgically possible so that they can radiate from the inside out. I look forward to meeting you.

Patient Testimonials