Breast Reduction
Conveniently located to serve the areas of San Diego, CA
Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, removes excess fat and glandular tissue from the breasts to reshape the breast mounds for a more proportional appearance. Breast reduction can also alleviate discomfort associated with overly large breasts and improve your self-esteem. Dr. John Alexander and his team at Alexander Cosmetic Surgery are well-known for their innovative procedures that have helped thousands of patients achieve results. Dr. Alexander can help you improve your figure with personalized treatment plans based on your underlying anatomy. The effective treatment has helped thousands of patients. In 2023, specialists performed more than 76,000 treatments to help patients improve their figures. (1)
Contact Alexander Cosmetic Surgery online to schedule a consultation, or reach us by calling (858) 455-7557.
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Breast Reduction
Breast reduction can address changes to your breasts from pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and breastfeeding to help you feel more comfortable in your daily life. (2) Overly large breasts can cause some women to develop health-related conditions that affect their physical and/or emotional well-being. The weight of excess breast tissue can impair your ability to lead an active life. The emotional discomfort and self-consciousness often associated with having large breasts are as important an issue to many women as the physical discomfort and pain. When the breasts are large, they can change significantly with age, losing their youthful shape and firmness.
Breast reduction reduces the size of the breasts and raises their position by removing excess skin. During the procedure, Dr. Alexander also tightens the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. If the areola has become enlarged, Dr. Alexander can reduce it for a natural-looking appearance.
Benefits
There are several benefits to breast reduction, which include:
- Improved breast symmetry: If you have asymmetrical breasts, Dr. Alexander can customize the procedure for a more balanced appearance. (3)
- Increased comfort: Dr. Alexander can reduce the size of the breasts to address back, neck, and/or shoulder pain for a smoother look.
- Better posture: Dr. Alexander can help you improve your posture by reshaping the breasts to alleviate discomfort.
- Improved ability to exercise: You can enjoy improved mobility, and many people find that participating in exercise is easier after breast reduction.
- More clothing options: You can enjoy better-fitting bras and feel more comfortable in different types of clothing.
- Fewer rashes: Removing droopy skin can reduce uncomfortable rashes affecting your appearance.
Candidates
Breast reduction surgery is a highly individualized procedure, and you are likely a good candidate if you:
- Are physically healthy
- Have realistic expectations
- Do not smoke (or are willing to quit nicotine throughout treatment)
- Feel that your breasts are too large
- Have breasts that limit your physical activity
- Experience back, neck, and shoulder pain caused by the weight of your breasts
- Have regular indentations from bra straps that support heavy, pendulous breasts
- Struggle with skin irritation along the lower breast fold (inframammary crease)
If your breasts hang low and your skin has become stretched, breast reduction can enhance your appearance for natural-looking results. If your nipples rest below the breast crease when your breasts are unsupported and/or you have enlarged areolas caused by stretched skin, the procedure can also help you enhance your appearance for lasting results.
Consultation
Breast reduction techniques have become more varied and advanced in the last 20 years. To ensure the most natural-looking results, Dr. Alexander will recommend the procedure that most appropriately matches your needs and offer realistic expectations for post-surgery outcomes. Breast size and shape are important, so you will need to be honest and open about your expectations. The success and safety of your breast augmentation procedure depend very much on your being completely candid during your consultation. Dr. Alexander will ask you questions about your health, desires, and lifestyle.
Be prepared to discuss:
- Why do you want the surgery, your expectations, and desired outcome
- Medical conditions, drug allergies, and medical treatments
- Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drugs
- Previous surgeries
- Any family history of breast cancer, if applicable, and the results of any mammograms or previous biopsies
We may also:
- Review before and after photos of other patients
- Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
- Examine your breasts and take detailed measurements of their size and shape, skin quality, and placement of your nipples and areolas
- Take photographs for your medical record or insurance company
- Discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment
- Discuss likely outcomes of breast augmentation surgery and any risks or potential complications
- Discuss the anesthesia options available
The decision to have breast reduction surgery is extremely personal. Dr. Alexander personalizes each procedure based on your underlying anatomy. (4)
Preparation
Before surgery, you must:
- Take certain medications and/or adjust your current medications
- Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements, as they can increase bleeding
- Stop smoking well in advance of surgery (if applicable)
- Receive a baseline mammogram (depending on your age) before surgery to detect any future changes in your breast tissue
During a preoperative appointment, usually 1-2 weeks before surgery, Dr. Alexander will:
- Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
- Tell you what to do on the night before and morning of surgery
- Discuss the use of anesthesia during your procedure
- Explain post-operative care and follow-up, and what help you will need after the procedure
Procedure
An anesthesiologist will administer general anesthesia, which is nearly always required for this procedure. Breast reduction surgery typically begins with marking your skin and making incisions to remove the excess fat and/or glandular tissue. Dr. Alexander can remove the excess fat with liposuction and excise the excess tissue, depending on the composition of your breasts. Your skin may need up to 6-12 months to retract and adjust if Dr. Alexander only performs liposuction. Dr. Alexander will determine the best technique based on your specific aesthetic goals and breast composition.
Step 1 – Marking
While you are sitting up, Dr. Alexander makes careful measurements and markings on the breast. This is arguably the most important part of the procedure and requires skill, patience, experience, and a good eye for symmetry and detail.
Step 2 – Liposuction
After injecting the breast with saline tumescent solution, Dr. Alexander will perform liposuction to remove fatty tissue from the breasts. If your breast is dense and mostly composed of glandular tissue, liposuction may not be necessary.
Step 3 – The incision pattern
There are three common incision patterns. Which is used in your case depends on how much tissue needs to be removed:
- Donut (Periareolar): Dr. Alexander can make an incision around the areola for more minor reductions.
- Lollipop (Vertical): Dr. Alexander can make an incision around the areola and vertically down from the areola to the breast crease (inframammary fold) for moderate breast reductions.
- Anchor (Inverted T): Around the areola, vertically down from the breast crease, and horizontally along the breast crease. This method is best for more extensive breast reduction.
Step 4 – Removing tissue and repositioning
Dr. Alexander can reposition the nipple and reduce the size of the areola by removing the excess skin. Dr. Alexander will reduce, lift, and shape the underlying breast tissue.
Step 5 – Closing the incisions
Finally, Dr. Alexander will bring the incisions together to reshape the breast. Dr. Alexander will layer sutures deep within the breast tissue to create and support the newly shaped breasts before closing the incisions with adhesives and/or surgical tape.
Recovery
After your procedure, Dr. Alexander will wrap the chest with a snug bandage. Usually, you will remain wrapped for 48 hours, after which you can remove the wrap, take a cool shower, and support the breasts with a soft bra. You may receive a small, thin tube (drain) to remove fluid during the first night of your recovery.
You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least the first night following surgery. Pain from a breast reduction varies but is usually moderate. Patients are given pain pills to alleviate the discomfort, but usually only need them for several days. Following our instructions is key to the success of your surgery. The surgical incisions mustn’t be subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve, and incision lines will fade. Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover.
Results
The results of breast reduction surgery will be long-lasting. Many patients find it easier to wear certain styles of clothing and swimsuits. You can also enjoy an improvement in your self-image and confidence. If you experience changes to your breasts over time from aging, weight fluctuations, and/or hormonal factors, Dr. Alexander can enhance your appearance with a touch-up appointment.
Cost of Breast Reduction in San Diego
A quote will be provided to you after your consultation. Dr. Alexander also offers financing options to help make your treatment more accessible. You can begin your treatment by scheduling a consultation online or calling our San Diego office directly at (858) 455-7557.
FAQ
How long does the recovery from breast reduction take?
Recovery time varies depending on your specific treatment plan, and we can answer any questions you have during your consultation.
Will I have scars after breast reduction?
We take care to make incisions along the natural curves of your skin to minimize the appearance of scarring. The type of incision we perform will depend on the type of breast reduction surgery you need to achieve your aesthetic goals.
Is breast reduction covered by insurance?
If medically necessary, some insurance companies cover breast reduction. This will depend on your specific insurance policy.
Can I undergo breast reduction if I am planning to lose weight or become pregnant?
If you are planning to become pregnant, we recommend that you wait to undergo breast reduction because pregnancy can affect your results. Weight loss can also affect your figure. We can answer any questions you have during your consultation.
References
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
- Sadiq KO, Ruiz Cota P, Creamer R, Mahedia M, Dobke MK. Reduction mammaplasty relieves depression in women with macromastia: A systematic review. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. 2024;99:502-505. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2024.10.011
- Purohit S. Reduction mammoplasty. Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery: Official Publication of the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India. 2008;41(Suppl):S64-S79. Accessed March 7, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2825129/
- Waltho D, Gallo L, Gallo M, et al. Outcomes and Outcome Measures in Breast Reduction Mammaplasty: A Systematic Review. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2019;40(4):383-391. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjz308