SWIM Breast Reconstruction in Manhattan Beach, CA in Beverly Hills

SWIM Breast Reconstruction in Manhattan Beach, CA, is available through Bedford Breast Center, a boutique, women-founded breast health practice located in Beverly Hills. For women in Manhattan Beach navigating a breast cancer diagnosis or mastectomy decision, Bedford Breast Center offers a genuinely different path forward, one where advanced surgical technique and compassionate, personalized care work together. Our all-female physician team has extensive experience in aesthetic-forward reconstruction, and we welcome patients from Manhattan Beach and across the South Bay.

SWIM Breast Reconstruction in Manhattan Beach: What You Need to Know

SWIM, which stands for Skin-sparing, Wise-pattern, Immediate, Muscle-sparing reconstruction, is a specialized mastectomy and reconstruction technique developed to address a gap that traditional approaches often leave unresolved. Many women with larger or more ptotic breasts were historically told they were not ideal candidates for nipple-sparing mastectomy or immediate reconstruction. SWIM was pioneered to change that.

The technique combines a skin-sparing mastectomy with a Wise-pattern incision design, the same approach used in breast reduction surgery, allowing the surgeon to remove breast tissue, reshape the skin envelope, and place a definitive implant in a single procedure. The result is a reconstructed breast with natural contour and significantly reduced drooping, achieved without the need for tissue expanders in most cases.

At Bedford Breast Center, SWIM Breast Reconstruction is performed by board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons with deep specialization in oncologic reconstruction. Dr. Lisa B. Cassileth, MD, FACS, is a pioneer in aesthetic-forward reconstruction and co-founder of the practice. Dr. Kelly Killeen, MD, FACS, is double board-certified by both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery. For Manhattan Beach patients, Beverly Hills is a straightforward drive up the coast, and our team is experienced in coordinating care for patients throughout the South Bay and beyond.

To explore whether this approach may be right for you, review our full breast care and reconstruction surgery options or contact our office directly.

Are You a Candidate for SWIM Breast Reconstruction?

SWIM Breast Reconstruction may be a strong option for women who are planning a mastectomy and who have larger breast volume or natural ptosis (sagging) that would make standard nipple-sparing techniques more challenging. It is also appropriate for women who prefer immediate, single-stage reconstruction and want to avoid a multi-step process involving tissue expanders.

Candidacy is always determined through a thorough consultation with one of our board-certified surgeons. Factors considered typically include breast size and shape, skin quality, cancer staging, and overall health. Individual results may vary, and not every patient will be suited to this specific technique.

For many patients, SWIM may offer meaningful advantages, including:

• Single-stage reconstruction completed at the time of mastectomy
• Aesthetic contouring suited to larger or more ptotic breast anatomy
• Preservation of the skin envelope for a more natural result
• Avoidance of tissue expanders in appropriate candidates
• Coordination of oncologic and reconstructive surgery in one procedure
• Care from an all-female, FACS-designated surgical team with specialized expertise

If you are a Manhattan Beach patient considering your reconstructive options, our breast reconstruction surgeons in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills are available to walk you through every possibility.

What to Expect at Bedford Breast Center

Your journey at Bedford Breast Center begins with a comprehensive surgical consultation. During this appointment, your surgeon will review your medical history, imaging, and oncologic treatment plan. She will explain the SWIM approach in detail, discuss alternatives such as single-stage direct-to-implant reconstruction, and help you understand which technique aligns best with your anatomy and goals. Questions are encouraged, and no detail is too small.

On the day of your procedure, your mastectomy and SWIM reconstruction are performed together, typically under general anesthesia. Most patients are discharged within one to two days following surgery. Recovery timelines vary by individual, but most patients can expect to return to light activity within a few weeks. Your care team will provide detailed aftercare instructions and remain accessible throughout your recovery.

One concern we hear often from Manhattan Beach patients considering traveling to Beverly Hills for surgery is whether they will feel supported after they return home. At Bedford Breast Center, follow-up care is thorough and thoughtful. Your surgeon and clinical team will monitor your healing closely, and we are reachable between appointments for any questions that arise.

For patients who have had prior reconstruction and are seeking revision or refinement, we also offer breast reconstruction revision services as part of our comprehensive surgical program.

Why Choose Bedford Breast Center for SWIM Breast Reconstruction in Manhattan Beach?

Bedford Breast Center is the practice that originated SWIM Breast Reconstruction, developed right here in the Los Angeles area. For Manhattan Beach patients, that distinction matters. Rather than traveling out of state or working with a surgeon who performs this technique occasionally, you have access to the team that helped pioneer it, located approximately 12 miles from Manhattan Beach in Beverly Hills.

The practice serves women throughout the South Bay and greater Los Angeles region, including Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, El Segundo, and Hawthorne, as well as patients from Santa Monica, Malibu, and across Southern California. Many patients also travel from outside California specifically for SWIM reconstruction and other specialized procedures offered here.

Every physician at Bedford Breast Center is female. The practice was founded by women for women, with the explicit belief that eradicating cancer should not mean eradicating beauty. Castle Connolly recognized several of our physicians as Top Doctors from 2018 through 2022.

The facility itself is designed to feel nothing like a traditional hospital, because we believe the environment in which you receive care matters as much as the care itself.

Frequently Asked Questions About SWIM Breast Reconstruction in Manhattan Beach, CA

What makes SWIM Breast Reconstruction different from other reconstruction techniques?

SWIM combines a skin-sparing mastectomy with a Wise-pattern incision, the same design used in breast reduction surgery. This allows surgeons to reconstruct a breast with natural shape and contour in a single stage, without tissue expanders, for patients whose anatomy may not be well-suited to standard nipple-sparing techniques. Individual results may vary based on anatomy, health history, and surgical factors specific to each patient.

How long does recovery from SWIM Breast Reconstruction typically take?

Recovery timelines vary by individual. Most patients return to light daily activity within two to three weeks following surgery. More strenuous activity is typically restricted for six weeks or longer. Your surgeon will provide personalized aftercare guidance based on your specific procedure and health status. Attending all follow-up appointments is an important part of a smooth recovery.

Is SWIM Breast Reconstruction covered by insurance?

Breast reconstruction following mastectomy is generally covered by insurance under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998, which requires most group health plans to cover reconstruction. Coverage specifics vary by plan, and our team can help you understand your benefits and navigate the process. We encourage patients to review our insurance and payment options page for additional guidance.

What other reconstructive options does Bedford Breast Center offer?

In addition to SWIM Breast Reconstruction, Bedford Breast Center offers single-stage direct-to-implant reconstruction, breast reconstruction with sensation-preserving mastectomy, the Goldilocks Mastectomy, and breast reconstruction revision for patients seeking to refine prior outcomes. Our surgical team will help you understand which approach best fits your anatomy, oncologic plan, and personal goals. You can review a full list of procedures on our breast care and reconstruction surgery page.

Schedule Your SWIM Breast Reconstruction Consultation Near Manhattan Beach

If you are a Manhattan Beach patient exploring SWIM Breast Reconstruction in Manhattan Beach, CA, Bedford Breast Center is ready to help you take the next step with clarity and confidence. Our all-female team of board-certified surgeons brings specialized expertise, genuine compassion, and a commitment to outcomes that honor both your health and your sense of self. Complete the online contact form to schedule your consultation today.