Breast Reduction San Diego
- What is breast reduction?
- Am I a Candidate?
- Benefits of Breast Reduction
- Procedure
- Safety
- Recovery Time
- Results
- Cost of Breast Reduction
- FAQs
Breast Reduction for Comfort & Confidence
Breast reduction is not just about making the breasts smaller, it’s about improving comfort, restoring proportion, and helping you feel more confident in how you look and move. Many patients experience relief from neck, back, and shoulder pain, along with improved posture and the ability to enjoy everyday activities more comfortably.
Dr. Brian Reagan is a board-certified plastic surgeon in San Diego who specializes in breast reduction surgery to relieve physical discomfort while creating a natural, balanced breast shape that fits your body.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Reagan
Choosing the right breast reduction surgeon is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The procedure is not only about improving appearance, it’s about relieving physical discomfort and improving quality of life. Dr. Reagan is known for delivering results that address both function and aesthetics with a thoughtful, patient-centered approach.
What sets Dr. Reagan apart:
- Board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced training in breast and body procedures
- Castle Connolly Top Doctor, representing the top 7% of physicians nationwide
- Recognized by San Diego Magazine as a Top Plastic Surgeon
- Extensive experience in breast surgery, including reduction, lift, and complex reshaping techniques
- Focus on symptom relief and function: Addresses common concerns such as neck, back, and shoulder pain, while improving posture and mobility
- Advanced surgical techniques: Designed to reduce breast weight while preserving natural shape, proportion, and nipple position
- Natural, balanced results: Avoiding an over-reduced or artificial appearance
- Detail-driven, personalized approach: Every procedure is tailored to your anatomy, goals, and desired outcome
You can also explore real patient experiences through patient reviews and view results in the breast reduction before and after gallery.
QUICK SUMMARY
BREAST REDUCTION
Purpose:
Remove excess fat, tissues, and skin from breasts
Procedure Length:
2-4 hours
Anesthesia:
General
In/Outpatient:
Outpatient
Recovery Time
Back to work 1-2 weeks, strenuous activities 3-4 weeks
Final Appearance:
2-3 months
Duration of Results:
Long lasting depending on skin elasticity
Average Cost
$7,000 to $12,000
*Individual patient results may vary. Examples presented are not to be interpreted as a promise or guarantee.
What Exactly is Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction, or reduction mammaplasty, removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to create a smaller, lighter, and more proportionate breast size.
It is often performed to relieve symptoms caused by overly large breasts, such as neck, back, and shoulder pain, skin irritation, and limitations with physical activity. In addition to improving comfort, breast reduction also enhances body balance and can boost confidence by creating a shape that better fits your frame.
Breast reduction may be performed for both medical and cosmetic reasons.
Am I a Candidate?
Breast reduction candidates typically have a history of discomfort caused by large breasts, and excess breast tissue may also impact their self-esteem. Women considering the procedure should be in good overall health, be non-smokers, and have realistic expectations.
Common symptoms include neck, back, and shoulder pain, shoulder indentations from bra straps, and skin irritation or rashes beneath or between the breasts. Breast reduction can be performed for women of all ages, but it is generally recommended to wait until breast development is complete.
If you plan to use insurance to cover the cost of your breast reduction, your provider may require medical documentation of your symptoms dating back a year or longer.
Benefits of Breast Reduction
Breast reduction is one of the most life-changing procedures for many patients, offering both physical and emotional benefits:
- Increased confidence and body balance
- Relief from neck, back, and shoulder pain
- Reduced skin irritation and bra strap grooves
- Improved posture and mobility
- Greater comfort during exercise and daily activities
- Better clothing fit
The Procedure & Dr. Reagan’s Approach
Breast reduction is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. Dr. Reagan’s approach focuses on reducing excess weight while preserving a natural breast shape that is proportional to your body.
During surgery, he carefully:
- Removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to reduce size and relieve discomfort
- Reshapes and lifts the breasts for a more youthful, supported contour
- Repositions the nipple and areola to a natural, balanced position
- Places incisions strategically to keep scarring as minimal and discreet as possible
Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, Dr. Reagan customizes each procedure based on your anatomy, skin quality, and goals. His focus is not just on making the breasts smaller, but on creating a lighter, more comfortable feel while maintaining a natural, proportionate appearance.
Breast Reduction Patient Review
Breast Reduction/lift, Tummy Tuck – San Diego, CA
“I was sent to changes plastic surgery through my insurance with sharp and I’m so glad I was! I was referred for a breast reduction that gave me back and shoulder pains since I was 16 years old, and breastfeeding two babies only added to the problem. At my consult I decided to have a tummy tuck as well. The surgery schedulers are awesome and so quick to return calls and help you with anything!”
Incisions Options
The incision technique used for breast reduction depends on the amount of tissue being removed, as well as your anatomy and desired outcome. There are three primary incision types:
- Around the areola: A circular incision made around the areola to access breast tissue, with placement designed to help conceal scarring within natural contours.
- Lollipop (keyhole) incision: An incision around the areola that extends vertically down to the breast crease (inframammary fold), allowing for more access to remove excess tissue and reshape the breast.
- Anchor (inverted “T”) incision: Combines an incision around the areola, a vertical line to the breast crease, and an additional incision along the fold. This approach is typically used for more significant breast reductions.
Your Safety Is Our Top Priority
Choosing to undergo breast reduction is a personal decision, and Dr. Reagan is committed to making the process as safe, comfortable, and well-informed as possible. As a board-certified plastic surgeon operating in an accredited surgical facility, he takes every precaution to minimize risk and ensure the best possible outcome.
As with any surgery, there are potential risks, including changes in sensation, delayed healing, or asymmetry. While complications are uncommon, Dr. Reagan will take the time to review all considerations with you during your consultation and answer any questions you may have so you feel confident moving forward.
Brian Reagan, MD, FACS
Dr. Brian Reagan is a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of True Beauty San Diego Aesthetic Surgery & Medicine. Dr. Reagan is renowned for his surgical skills and commitment to patient satisfaction. Dr. Reagan has been featured on local media outlets, including ABC 10, and recognized as one of the “Best Plastic Surgeons in San Diego” by San Diego Magazine, and “Best Plastic Surgeons in La Jolla” by La Jolla Light Newspaper.
Recovery Time
Recovery after breast reduction is typically straightforward, with most patients returning to normal routines within a couple of weeks. Dr. Reagan and his team will provide clear guidance to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery.
- Most patients take 1–2 weeks off from work and daily activities
- Swelling, bruising, and soreness are normal initially
- A supportive garment is worn to aid healing
- Light activity is encouraged early, with exercise gradually resumed
Dr. Reagan will guide your recovery and monitor your progress closely.
BREAST REDUCTION RECOVERY
Immediately After:
Patients are sent home with post operative instructions. With breast reduction surgery, drains are often placed and should be emptied as instructed.
One to Two Weeks After Surgery:
Incisions are checked, and sutures are trimmed. Most of the sutures are dissolvable. Limit exercise to just walking. Continue to wear support garment.
Three to Four Weeks After Surgery:
Incisions are checked. Silicone scar therapy is begun. Able to return to gym. Typically, underwire bra during day and soft supportive bra at night.
One to Two Months after Surgery
Most of the swelling should be gone. Patients begin to get an idea of their final results.
Final Results:
In most cases, visible results are seen in 2-3 months, but may continue to improve and heal over next several months.
*Individual patient results may vary. Examples presented are not to be interpreted as a promise or guarantee.
When Will I See Results?
You’ll notice a reduction in size and weight immediately after surgery, along with early relief from discomfort. As swelling improves, your results will continue to refine over time.
- Immediately: Smaller, lighter breasts and improved comfort
- 1–2 weeks: Swelling and bruising begin to improve
- 3–4 weeks: Most patients resume normal routines and light exercise
- 1–2 months: Majority of swelling subsides and shape becomes more defined
- 2–3 months: You’ll have a good sense of your final results, with continued refinement over time
Results are long-lasting, especially with a stable weight. Many patients experience a significant improvement in both comfort and confidence.
Cost of Breast Reduction
The cost of breast reduction in San Diego varies depending on the complexity of your procedure, your anatomy, and your individual goals. In some cases, breast reduction may be combined with other procedures, such as liposuction to refine surrounding areas or a breast lift to further enhance shape, which can also impact overall pricing.
During your consultation, Dr. Reagan will evaluate your needs, discuss whether any complementary procedures may help you achieve your desired result, and provide a clear, personalized cost estimate. If your procedure is considered medically necessary, insurance may cover part or all of the cost, and our team can help guide you through that process.
Breast Reduction FAQs
Will there be visible scars?
Some scarring is expected, but incisions are carefully placed and typically fade over time. Dr. Reagan uses advanced techniques to minimize visibility.
Will I need a breast lift as well?
In most cases, a lift is included as part of the breast reduction to improve shape and position.
Can I breastfeed after breast reduction?
Some patients are still able to breastfeed, but it may be affected. This will be discussed during your consultation.
How do I choose the right size?
Dr. Reagan will guide you based on your body proportions and goals to ensure a natural, balanced result.
How long do results last?
Results are long-lasting, though factors like weight changes, aging, and pregnancy can affect breast shape over time.
Schedule a Breast Reduction Consultation
True Beauty is committed to making your breast enhancement journey safe, comfortable and successful. To learn more about breast reduction, schedule an in-office consultation. Contact us by calling (858) 454-SKIN (7546) or sending us an email today.
