The next time you look in the mirror, see a voluptuous pair of breasts staring back at you. Do you ever wonder how they got there?
In this blog post, we’ll be discussing breast reduction surgery in San Diego and why it’s a great option for women who are looking to minimize their breast size. In this article we also discuss How these metrics are calculated
Breast reduction surgery, or reduction mammoplasty, is a procedure that helps women who have large breasts or breasts that are disproportionate to their bodies. This can be caused by the natural aging process or from pregnancy and breast-feeding.
Breast Reduction Surgery In San Diego
BREAST REDUCTION
William Umansky, MD and Jeffrey Umansky, MD of Umansky Medical Clinic, La Jolla – San Diego, are very experienced Breast Reduction surgeons practicing in Southern California.
In order to deliver the best possible breast reduction results for each patient, Drs. William and Jeffrey Umansky begin by creating individualized treatment plans that take into account each individual’s medical needs and aesthetic desires. William Umansky, MD and Jeffrey Umansky, MD and their staff take the time to explain all proposed procedures and techniques, in an approach that helps patients feel at ease.
WHAT IS BREAST REDUCTION?
Breast reduction, also known as Reduction Mammaplasty, is a procedure to remove excess breast tissue and skin to achieve a breast size in proportion with the individual’s body and to alleviate the discomfort associated with overly large breasts.
WHEN TO CONSIDER BREAST REDUCTION
Excessive breast size can interfere with normal daily activities or exercise, and may be the cause of feeling self-conscious. This can lead to decreased self-confidence.
Breast Reduction surgery is ideal for women whose breasts are too large for their body frame and cause back, neck and shoulder pain, poor posture, bra strap indentations, chafing under the breasts, etc. This surgical option also works well for women who have heavy breasts with nipples and areolas (pigmented skin surrounding the nipples) that point downward, or who have one breast much larger than the other.
When considering Breast Reduction surgery options, rest assured in knowing that the goal is to help each patient achieve beautiful and natural-looking results, as well as to make the surgical experience as easy and comfortable as possible.
HOW IS A BREAST REDUCTION PROCEDURE PERFORMED?
Breast Reduction surgery, which usually takes about three hours to perform, is done under general anesthesia. It is performed on an outpatient basis.
Incisions are made around the pigmented area (the nipple-areolar complex) and extend vertically below the nipple and in the fold under the breast. Each patient’s incision pattern will depend on the size of breasts, how much breast droopiness and where the nipple-areola complex is positioned. With each technique, the nipples are raised and the areolae are made smaller if they are too large.
The size and shape of the breasts and how much reduction is desired are factors that will help in determining the best technique per patient. In some cases it will be possible to avoid the horizontal incision underneath the breast. Liposuction is often combined with the procedure to help contour the sides of the breasts.
Recuperation Following Breast Reduction Surgery:
- Incisions are covered with tapes and a bra dressing is used.
- The change in breast size will be noticed immediately, but there will be swelling which, in most cases, will remain for weeks or even months.
- Initial discomfort can be controlled with oral medication.
- Scars take 6-12 months to fade and mature.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS AND POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS?
Fortunately, serious risks of breast reduction surgeries are rare and the satisfaction rate with this procedure is high. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk; however certain risks can be minimized by following both the pre- and post-op advice and instructions provided by the staff at Umansky Plastic Surgery.
Some of the potential complications of all surgeries include:
- Hematoma or seroma (an accumulation of blood or fluid under the skin that may require removal)
- Infection
- Changes in nipple sensation
- Hypertrophic scarring
- Rarely, loss of skin or nipple tissue
BREAST REDUCTION IN SAN DIEGO, CA
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 San Diego
Large or ‘hypertrophic’ breasts leave women susceptible to a number of physical issues such as neck and back pain, shoulder grooving from bra straps, and chronic skin irritation. As one of the top board-certified plastic surgeons in San Diego, California, Dr. Vincent Marin can address these problems with a breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty), which is the surgical removal of excess breast tissue and skin.
Dr. Marin has successfully performed hundreds of successful breast reductions throughout his career and also offers revision surgery to women who are not satisfied with the result of their initial procedure.
Cost & Financing
In San Diego, breast reduction costs between $12,000 – 15,000. The final price can depend on:
- The location of your surgical procedure and other miscellaneous medical expenses
- The incision and specific restoration techniques used
- The amount of skin and fat to be removed from your breast
Marin Aesthetics accepts cash, personal checks, and all major credit cards. Unfortunately, most insurance providers may not cover breast reduction surgery costs unless the procedure is medically necessary. We provide financial assistance to our patients through Care Credit and Alphaeon Credit.
Techniques & Recovery
Dr. Vincent Marin utilizes different techniques for individual patients to achieve the best results from breast reduction surgery.
Liposuction for Breast Reduction
Breast reduction with liposuction is ideal for younger women with good skin elasticity who wish to reduce their cup size by at most one to two cup sizes.
Recovery: Scars are very small and easily concealed. You should be able to return to work and resume normal activities (driving, chores, light exercise) in about 1 week. Your breasts will remain swollen for 2 – 6 weeks. Final results settle within 3 months.
Vertical or “Lollipop”
The “lollipop” reduction limits scarring and are well suited for women who may not have strong skin elasticity or suffer from breast ptosis. This approach is often necessary for women who require a modest reduction in their breast size. Liposuction is still used to take away fat from the side and refine the lateral breast. An incision is made around the nipple and then extended vertically down towards the breast fold. The lower breast tissue is removed, and the resulting scar is shaped like a lollipop.
Recovery: The length of the recovery period depends on the size of your breasts and the amount of tissue removed. Most patients can return to work after 1 – 2 weeks. It can take up to 6 weeks for scars to be fully healed. Final results will take about 1 year to mature and will continue to improve over the years.
Inverted T or “Anchor”
The incision type results in both a vertical line and an “anchor” shape that runs under the breast at the breast crease. An anchor breast reduction provides Dr. Marin with the greatest degree of flexibility during surgery as it allows for the most significant reduction in combination with a breast lift.
Recovery: Final results yield breasts that are significantly smaller, lifted, and more youthful. Due to the extended incision, it will take up to 2 weeks before you can return to work and normal activities. Final results can be seen after 3 – 6 months.
Before & During the Surgery
- Anesthesia
Breast reduction can be done with either local or general anesthesia. Vertical and inverted techniques will require general anesthesia as well as additional numbing fluids on the breasts. - Your Team
An ASMG Scripps Memorial La Jolla board-certified anesthesiologist will be responsible for your anesthesia. Meanwhile, a licensed RN who will serve as a circulating nurse. Finally, an experienced Scrub Tech will assist Dr. Marin throughout the operation. - Surgery Time
It takes about 2 – 4 hours to perform a reduction mammoplasty, depending on the complexity of the technique being used. Surgery will continue until Dr. Marin deems that your desired result has been achieved.
Are you interested in learning more about breast reduction? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Marin now to best prepare for your procedure.
WHAT TO EXPECT FOR YOUR
BREAST REDUCTION
LENGTH
2 – 4 hours
RISKS
Pain, bleeding, infection, asymmetry, recurrence, nipple sensation changes, incomplete correction
FINAL APPEARANCE
2 – 3 months for swelling to completely resolve
ANESTHESIA
General or local with sedation
RECOVERY
Back to work: 1 – 2 week
Strenuous activities: 3 – 4 weeks
DURATION OF RESULTS
The permanent reduction depends on skin elasticity and quality.
IN/OUTPATIENT
Outpatient
SIDE EFFECTS
Temporary swelling, mild bruising, and some pain.
Caring for Your New Breasts
Breast reduction surgery is done on an outpatient basis, and you may return home as soon as Dr. Marin has cleared you.
It is highly recommended to avoid showering for at 24 – 48 hours. Dr. Marin also requires the use of a surgical bra for 3 – 6 weeks after the operation. It is recommended to use only sports bras after this period, for up to 3 months. This ensures that the shape of the breasts will settle as expected with the least amount of irritation to the incisions.
Driving may resume after 1 – 2 weeks or as soon as it is no longer painful to wear a seatbelt. You may also begin light exercises and chores at this time. After 6 weeks, you may resume heavier physical exercises, grocery shopping, and other strenuous activities.
Additional follow-up visits must be scheduled for the next several weeks to months to ensure you recover with minimal complications. Stitches should dissolve, and any that do not must be removed by Dr. Marin.
Scars will fade over time and are easily concealed in most clothing.
Testimonial
“Dr Marin and his staff were absolutely amazing A lot to be said about a doctor and staff that take the extra time to make you feel like more than just a number Dr Marin himself is a very well educated man that is an expert in every service he has to offer It is very evident that he does not cut…”
“After researching consulting many doctors in three different states I opted to go with Dr Marin because he was the only doctor that not only offered his professional opinions but truly considered my personal concerns expectations He knows what hes doing he truly cares about his patients I…”
“I cant say enough amazing things about Dr Marin and his incredible staff I had a consultation at a different place a year prior and thought it went well until I met Dr Marin and was completely blown away They care so much and I felt so comfortable and confident There is no other place I will e…”
“I could not be more pleased with not only my results but Dr Marin and his whole staff My overall experience has been amazing I would do it all over again My only regret is not having had the courage to do it sooner I spent a year pondering on whether or not plastic surgery was for me A whole y…”
“Doctor Marin and his staff have been outstanding They have been excellent throughout my initial consultation surgery and post op I can not express how grateful I am to Dr Marin His surgical skills have changed my life Im 2 weeks post op already my results are incredible I had severe deformit…”
“Dr Marin and his staff were absolutely amazing A lot to be said about a doctor and staff that take the extra time to make you feel like more than just a number Dr Marin himself is a very well educated man that is an expert in every service he has to offer It is very evident that he does not cut…”
“After researching consulting many doctors in three different states I opted to go with Dr Marin because he was the only doctor that not only offered his professional opinions but truly considered my personal concerns expectations He knows what hes doing he truly cares about his patients I…”
“I cant say enough amazing things about Dr Marin and his incredible staff I had a consultation at a different place a year prior and thought it went well until I met Dr Marin and was completely blown away They care so much and I felt so comfortable and confident There is no other place I will e…”
“I could not be more pleased with not only my results but Dr Marin and his whole staff My overall experience has been amazing I would do it all over again My only regret is not having had the courage to do it sooner I spent a year pondering on whether or not plastic surgery was for me A whole y…”
“Doctor Marin and his staff have been outstanding They have been excellent throughout my initial consultation surgery and post op I can not express how grateful I am to Dr Marin His surgical skills have changed my life Im 2 weeks post op already my results are incredible I had severe deformit…”
“Dr Marin and his staff were absolutely amazing A lot to be said about a doctor and staff that take the extra time to make you feel like more than just a number Dr Marin himself is a very well educated man that is an expert in every service he has to offer It is very evident that he does not cut…”
The Ideal Candidates
The ideal candidates for breast reduction surgery are women who:
- Are in good health
- Are within their ideal body weight with excessively large breasts
- Experience a premature “droop” to their breasts
- Experience sagging and/or asymmetrical breasts
- Have good skin elasticity
- Have ceased smoking at least 6 weeks before surgery
Your New Look After Breast Reduction
Once final results have settled, your new breast size will continue to stay the same unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight. Most women who undergo this plastic surgery procedure feel fantastic about the size of their new breasts. They find it easier to wear well-fitting clothes and enjoy dressing up far more than before.
Back, shoulder, and neck pain is also reduced due to the weight removed from the breasts, allowing women to engage in more physical activities and exercise. Patients also report healthier back posture and decreased spine problems due to the newfound balance that comes with having smaller breasts.