Breast Reduction in San Diego, CA

If your breasts are disproportionately heavy and large, or if you experience back, neck, or shoulder pain caused by the weight and volume of your breasts, consider a breast reduction procedure at Pollack Plastic Surgery, conveniently located in the Hillcrest area of San Diego, where breast reduction surgery is provided for residents of La Jolla, Alpine, and nearby communities in California.

What is Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction surgery essentially reduces the size, weight, and volume of one or both breasts. Although the results of breast reduction surgery are considered permanent, such factors as gravity, hormonal changes, and the natural aging process may cause eventual increases in breast volume over time. If you are looking to also reduce sagging caused by overly large breasts, a breast reduction will accomplish this as well.

Will health insurance cover Breast Reduction surgery?

In cases where breast reduction surgery is required to correct medical or structural conditions, it may be covered in full or in part by some health insurance providers; although, if it is determined that the procedure is performed for strictly cosmetic reasons, insurance carriers won’t typically cover it. At Pollack Plastic Surgery, easy financing, as well as flexible payment options, are provided to help our patients manage the costs of breast reduction and other cosmetic procedures. In general the cost for Breast Reduction is no more than ranging between $5,000 – 9,000.

Why consider Breast Reduction?

Over time, the weight of excessively large breasts may negatively impact your health, causing thoracic kyphosis, which alters the spine and may become very painful. In some cases, making it difficult to breathe. Rashes and skin irritations underneath the breast may be exacerbated by friction caused by the weight of excessively large breasts against the body. The appearance of excessively large breasts may also impact your self-esteem. Many patients undergo breast reduction surgery to alleviate these and other problems caused by breasts that are disproportionately large and heavy. The procedure may help relieve pain in the neck, shoulder, and back, as well as improve one’s appearance and self-esteem.

Who is the ideal candidate for Breast Reduction surgery?

Breast reduction may be suitable for almost any healthy adult to correct the following conditions:

Overly large breasts appearing disproportionate to your frame.
Breasts that hinder physical activity or cause physical discomfort due to excessive volume and weight.
Neck, shoulder, or back pain caused by excessive weight and volume of the breasts.
Chafing or rashes in the area underneath your breasts caused by the breasts’ excessive weight and volume.
One breast that is considerably larger than the other.

How is Breast Reduction performed?

Each procedure is highly customized to each patient and depends on the individual’s body, desired results, and our expert surgeon’s assessment and recommendation.

Typically, local anesthesia is used to numb the area in combination with general anesthesia to prevent any discomfort during the procedure. The most common technique used to perform breast reduction surgery involves an incision around the areola running vertically to the crease under the fold of the breast, one incision underneath the breast, and one running horizontally beneath the breast following the natural crease. This can be thought of as an upside down “T” incision. An alternate technique uses only an incision around the areola and a single vertical incision extending to the natural crease underneath the breast.

The procedure removes excess fatty and glandular tissue as well as excess skin; the nipple and areola may be shifted to a higher position, and the size of the areola reduced. In most cases, the nipple is not removed, although it may be shifted to a higher position, maintaining its original blood supply. The procedure also tightens the skin around the breasts.

Breast Reduction Recovery

It is normal to experience soreness and swelling immediately following surgery. Your chest will be wrapped in dressings and bandages, which will be removed a few days following surgery, at which time you will be allowed to shower.

Surgical drains are not used by Dr. Robert Pollack for breast reduction. You may resume non-strenuous work and light physical activity about 2 weeks after surgery. You will need to wear a compressive bra for a period of three to four weeks, after which bruising, swelling, and discomfort naturally diminish. Following the surgery, you may experience a temporary loss of sensitivity in the nipple and areola, which in most cases is restored gradually and naturally over time. After a few months, your breasts will settle into their new shape, and you will begin to experience the full results of your procedure as incision lines begin to fade, and back, neck, and shoulder pain is alleviated.

If you’re ready to learn more about breast reduction and how it may alleviate symptoms caused by excess weight and volume in the breasts, contact Pollack Plastic Surgery, conveniently located in the Hillcrest area of San Diego, serving residents of La Jolla, Alpine, and surrounding areas in California.