SWIM Breast Reconstruction in West Hollywood, CA

SWIM Breast Reconstruction in West Hollywood, CA, is available just minutes away at Bedford Breast Center, a boutique, women-founded practice in Beverly Hills dedicated to the full continuum of breast care. If you are navigating a breast cancer diagnosis or planning a mastectomy and want reconstruction that honors both your health and your sense of self, our all-female surgical team is here to walk that path with you. Founded by women for women, Bedford Breast Center combines world-class surgical expertise with a compassionate, concierge-style experience designed to support you through every stage of care. 

What You Need to Know About SWIM Breast Reconstruction in West Hollywood

SWIM, which stands for Skin-reducing Wise-pattern Implant Mastectomy, is a specialized breast reconstruction technique designed for women who have larger or more ptotic (drooping) breasts and are undergoing mastectomy. Traditional implant-based reconstruction can be challenging for this group because standard approaches may not account for the additional skin envelope, often producing results that feel aesthetically incomplete.

Co-developed by Bedford Breast Center’s own Dr. Lisa Cassileth and breast surgical oncologist Dr. Richardson, the SWIM technique represents an important advancement in breast reconstruction, opening new possibilities for women who may not have previously been considered ideal candidates for implant-based reconstruction. SWIM addresses this challenge by incorporating a skin-reducing pattern that reshapes and refines the breast envelope at the time of reconstruction, creating the opportunity for a more balanced, natural-looking result. Individual results may vary.

At Bedford Breast Center, SWIM Breast Reconstruction is performed by board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons, including Dr. Lisa B. Cassileth, MD, FACS, an internationally recognized leader in breast reconstruction and co-developer of the SWIM technique, and Dr. Kelly Killeen, MD, FACS. Our approach is guided by a simple belief that eradicating cancer shouldn’t mean eradicating beauty. Through innovation, experience, and personalized care, we help women pursue reconstruction that supports both healing and confidence.

Are You a Candidate for SWIM Breast Reconstruction?

SWIM may be an appropriate option for women with larger or more ptotic breasts who are planning a nipple-sparing or skin-sparing mastectomy and wish to pursue implant-based reconstruction. Ideal candidates are generally in good overall health, have realistic expectations about outcomes, and are committed to the recovery process. Because every patient’s anatomy and treatment plan is unique, candidacy is always determined through a personalized consultation.

Women who may benefit from SWIM Breast Reconstruction in West Hollywood often share certain characteristics. A good candidate is someone who:

• Has larger or drooping breasts that may not respond well to standard implant reconstruction
• Is planning mastectomy as part of breast cancer treatment or risk reduction
• Prefers implant-based reconstruction over tissue flap approaches
• Wants reconstruction that accounts for both symmetry and natural contour
• Is in adequate health to undergo the surgical and recovery process
• Has consulted with both an oncologic and reconstructive surgeon to align their treatment plan

If you are weighing your surgical options, exploring our full range of breast care and reconstruction surgery procedures may help frame the decision. 

What to Expect at Bedford Breast Center

Your journey at Bedford Breast Center typically begins with a consultation where our surgical team reviews your medical history, imaging, and treatment plan. Because we provide prevention, diagnosis, surgical treatment, and reconstruction under one roof, your care is thoughtfully coordinated from the very beginning. Women coming from West Hollywood benefit from a seamless experience where breast surgical oncologists and reconstructive surgeons collaborate closely, ensuring every recommendation supports your overall treatment goals. For patients who have already received a diagnosis elsewhere, same-day consultations may be available for urgent findings, allowing women to move forward with clarity and confidence during a stressful time.

Why Choose Bedford Breast Center for SWIM Breast Reconstruction in West Hollywood?

What distinguishes our practice is the depth of specialization concentrated in a single facility. As a premier destination for breast cancer treatment and reconstruction, Bedford Breast Center brings together nationally recognized experts whose work has helped shape the field.

Our reconstructive surgeons, Dr. Cassileth and Dr. Killeen, are Fellows of the American College of Surgeons and bring extensive experience in advanced breast reconstruction. They work alongside nationally recognized breast surgical oncologists Dr. Leslie Memsic and Dr. Richardson, both with FACS designations.

Dr. Richardson’s partnership with Dr. Cassileth extends beyond patient care. Together, they co-developed the SWIM technique, reflecting Bedford Breast Center’s commitment to innovation and its mission to continually expand reconstructive options for women facing breast cancer. This unique collaboration between surgical oncology and reconstruction allows patients to benefit from highly integrated, forward-thinking care.

Frequently Asked Questions About SWIM Breast Reconstruction in West Hollywood, CA

What makes SWIM different from standard implant-based breast reconstruction?

Standard implant-based reconstruction may not adequately address the needs of women with larger or ptotic breasts. SWIM incorporates a skin-reducing pattern that reshapes the breast mound at the time of reconstruction, which may produce a more proportionate and symmetrical outcome for qualifying patients. Whether SWIM is appropriate for your anatomy is determined during your consultation. Individual results may vary, and your surgical team will explain the specifics of your case.

How many surgeries does SWIM Breast Reconstruction typically require?

SWIM is often performed as a single-stage procedure at the time of mastectomy, which may reduce the total number of surgeries compared to expander-based approaches. However, every patient’s plan is individualized. Some women may benefit from additional procedures to optimize symmetry or address other factors. Your reconstructive surgeon will outline a realistic timeline and sequence of care based on your specific anatomy, treatment plan, and goals.

Will reconstruction affect my cancer treatment, such as radiation?

Reconstruction timing is coordinated with your oncologic team to ensure it does not compromise cancer treatment. For patients who may require radiation, the sequencing of reconstruction requires careful planning. Bedford Breast Center’s integrated model means your surgical oncologist and reconstructive surgeon collaborate directly on your care plan. You can also review our resource on radiation therapy for breast cancer for additional context.

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, which requires most health plans to cover reconstruction. Coverage specifics vary by plan and individual circumstance. Our team can help you understand your options and navigate the process. Visit our insurance and payment options page for more information, or call our office to discuss your situation directly.

Schedule Your SWIM Breast Reconstruction Consultation Near West Hollywood

SWIM Breast Reconstruction in West Hollywood, CA, is within reach at Bedford Breast Center, just minutes away in Beverly Hills. Our women-founded surgical team brings board-certified expertise, a coordinated care model, and a genuine commitment to outcomes that honor your whole self. To take the next step, please call for details or schedule your personalized consultation by completing the online contact form today.