Breast Reduction
Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in La Jolla and Carmel Valley, San Diego
Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and tissue from the breast to reduce size and refine shape. (1)
It is normal for breasts to come in all sizes and shapes, but disproportionately large breasts can create several concerns, including chronic pain, difficulty finding tops and bras that fit well, impacted exercise, and even emotional distress. Why continue to struggle with these concerns when Dr. Daniel Brown can help?
Dr. Brown is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. He has performed thousands of breast reductions and knows exactly how to adjust his approach for different patients’ unique concerns.
To start working with Dr. Brown, please contact us online or call us at (619) 461-1500.
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Breast Reduction
A breast reduction is a procedure that eliminates excess skin, tissue, and fat from the breasts to reduce their size and weight, restoring a more balanced and comfortable appearance.
Overly large breasts can cause several problems to develop, including chronic neck, back, or shoulder pain, deep grooving from bra straps, or even difficulties performing certain tasks or movements. (1) With a breast reduction, Dr. Brown can address each of these concerns and more, allowing you to restore your sense of comfort, confidence, and quality of life.
The Bellesoma Method
BOSS Magazine recognized Dr. Brown for his Bellesoma technique. Dr. Brown is one of five doctors in the world who perform this technique.
The Bellesoma technique promotes minimal scarring and delivers attractive, natural-looking results. It allows Dr. Brown to rejuvenate the breasts without leaving any unattractive, excessive scarring—instead, he hides the incisions within the natural contours of the breasts.
Dr. Brown will use the Bellesoma software during your consultation to analyze the physical volume and dimensions of your breasts by pinpointing twenty-five points on each breast. The software then creates a 3D map of the breasts. Using this map, you and Dr. Brown will work together to customize your treatment plan. The technology will allow you to see the results of your treatment plan so you can better understand what your potential outcomes will be.
Bellesoma is known for being revolutionary in the world of plastic surgery. With these technologies and techniques, Dr. Brown can remove your excess tissue with precision and efficiency.
Candidates
You may be a suitable candidate for breast reduction if you have been experiencing pain, discomfort, or irritation from heavy, enlarged, or pendulous breasts. This can include chronic neck, back, or shoulder pain, rashes from chafing breast skin, headaches, or grooving from bra straps. You may also find this procedure beneficial if you have found it difficult to perform physically demanding activities due to your breasts or have started noticing postural changes and concerns.
If you are interested in undergoing breast reduction, you should be in good general health and maintain realistic expectations regarding your results. You should ideally be nonsmoking, or at the very least be willing to control your smoking habits before and after treatment. It is also important that you possess a healthy lifestyle and stable weight, as fluctuations may alter your long-term results.
Personal Consultation
Your personal consultation with Dr. Brown will be a great opportunity to talk with him about your personal concerns and cosmetic goals. He will review your medical history, listen attentively as you discuss your physical concerns, and ask questions about your desired outcomes. He will conduct a physical examination to evaluate the anatomy of your breasts, test your skin elasticity, perform measurements, and take photographs. This information will help him have a better understanding of your health and how a breast reduction will help you achieve your goals.
If you are ready to schedule this consultation, please contact us online or call our office at (619) 461-1500.
Preparation
In anticipation of your procedure, Dr. Brown will provide you with a set of detailed pre-operative guidelines to guide you. These instructions may vary depending on your medical history and treatment plan, but you can expect him to direct you to:
- Discontinue taking medications or supplements that may thin your blood.
- Arrange a ride home after the procedure.
- Prepare to take time away from your responsibilities to focus on healing.
- Cease all nicotine use in the weeks before your procedure (if applicable).
- Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages for several days before and after your appointment.
- Ask a friend or family member to stay with you the first night of your recovery to help assist you.
- Fill any prescriptions you may need during your recovery.
Procedure
Dr. Brown performs breast reductions on an outpatient basis while the patient is under general anesthesia. Each procedure will take place at either an accredited surgical center or in a hospital setting. It takes Dr. Brown approximately 2 to 5 hours to perform a breast reduction, with the duration of procedures varying depending on the case.
When you arrive for your procedure, Dr. Brown and his team will review the procedure with you and answer any last-minute questions you have.
Dr. Brown will then perform your breast reduction by creating incisions near your breasts using one of three incision patterns. These include the circumareolar pattern, the vertical pattern, or the inverted-T pattern. Dr. Brown will predetermine the technique during your consultation, so you understand which approach will be used ahead of time.
From there, Dr. Brown will proceed to remove excess tissue and skin from around the breasts, reducing their weight and volume. He may also reshape and reposition your nipples to a more natural shape and location, all while ensuring they remain connected to their blood and nerve supply. In some cases, Dr. Brown may also use liposuction techniques if there is an excess amount of fatty tissue in the breasts.
Recovery
Dr. Brown utilizes the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocol to help you recover as quickly as possible, so that you can get back to your routine.
You will be sent home with a surgical support bra to minimize swelling and protect your breasts while they heal.
Typically, Dr. Brown will have placed drains in certain areas to help facilitate the fluid drainage that occurs while your tissues heal.
You will likely be able to return to light activities and desk work after about two weeks. However, you will need to refrain from engaging in strenuous or physically demanding activities until Dr. Brown has cleared you to do so.
Results
You will immediately notice the results of your breast reduction, although it will take a few months for your breasts to completely heal. You will then be able to enjoy the appearance of smaller, more balanced breasts that suit your natural frame and figure. Along with this, you will also be able to experience improvements in your daily comfort and functionality after Dr. Brown removes the excess tissue from your chest.
A breast reduction provides long-lasting results. These results will remain consistent with a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle.
Cost of Breast Reduction in San Diego and La Jolla, CA
The cost of your breast reduction will vary depending on several factors, including the types of surgical techniques Dr. Brown is using, the complexity of your procedure, and whether Dr. Brown is incorporating any additional procedures into your treatment plan. Once Dr. Brown has discussed each of these details with you during your consultation, he will give you a cost estimate. He also offers financing to make treatment more accessible.
To learn more about the cost of your procedure, please schedule a consultation online or call our office at (619) 461-1500.
FAQ
Will I be able to breastfeed after my breast reduction?
You might be able to breastfeed after a breast reduction, although Dr. Brown recommends waiting until you have completed breastfeeding to undergo this procedure. If you plan on having children or breastfeeding in the future, we ask that you discuss these plans with Dr. Brown so he may tailor your treatment plan accordingly.
Will I lose sensation in my nipples after breast reduction?
You may experience temporary changes in your nipple sensation as you recover, but these effects typically subside with time.
How long will it take Dr. Brown to perform my procedure?
Dr. Brown takes between 2 and 5 hours to perform a breast reduction, with the exact timing of your procedure varying based on your treatment plan.
Can Dr. Brown perform my breast reduction alongside another procedure?
Yes, your breast reduction may be paired with another procedure to either enhance your results or address other concerns. To learn more about the other procedures you may be eligible for, we recommend scheduling a consultation.
References
- Sachs D, Szymanski KD. Breast Reduction. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441974/
- Faulkner HR, Merceron T, Wang J, Losken A. Safe Reproducible Breast Reduction. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2023;11(9):e5245. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000005245