Breast Reduction

Conveniently located to serve the areas of San Diego, CA

Reduction mammoplasty, or breast reduction surgery, is a procedure that removes breast tissue and excess fat to reshape the breasts. Reducing volume of the breasts creates a more proportional and aesthetically pleasing shape. Breast reduction surgery can alleviate pain stemming from oversized breasts, improve posture, and facilitate easier movement.

At Alexus Surgery Center & Medspa we have helped thousands of patients attain long-lasting results at our state-of-the-art facility. Led by Dr. John Alexander, our experienced team specializes in several advanced breast reduction techniques to achieve natural-looking results. Our surgical team focuses on enhancing the lives of our patients. We achieve optimal outcomes with custom tailored treatment plans.

Dr. Alexander is triple board-certified and carries on a legacy of excellence. He stays up-to-date with new technologies and advanced procedures that bring superb outcomes for our patients.

Dr. Jordan Kaplan is board-certified with a keen eye for detail. His compassionate nature supports patients throughout their whole transformation.

To explore your breast reduction options, please schedule a consultation online or call our San Diego office at (888) 463-9532. During your consultation, we will customize your treatment plan based on your anatomy, goals and potential outcomes. Our patient-centered approach focuses on ensuring you are prepared, comfortable, and achieve magnificent results.

About Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery frequently creates positive impacts in patients’ lives. Most patients enjoy less pain, more comfortable physical movement, and boosted self-esteem after their procedure. In 2024 alone, more than 76,000 patients achieved functional relief and aesthetically pleasing outcomes. (1)

There are many physical, psychological, and medical benefits to undergoing a breast reduction. Large breasts can cause pain, skin issues, and impact your ability to live an active lifestyle. Reducing their overall volume and weight can immensely improve your quality of life and your emotional well-being.

Benefits

There are many wide-ranging benefits our patients report after breast reduction surgery. (2) Many patients enjoy improved quality of life from:

  • Alleviated pain: By reducing volume and weight, Dr. Alexander and Dr. Kaplan can decrease pain that is common in the back, neck, head, and shoulders.
  • Improved physical function: Patients enjoy improved posture, mobility, and an increase in physical ease.
  • Reduced skin issues: Patients see improved skin health and reduction of chronic rashes from eliminating excess skin and friction under the breast.
  • Improved aesthetics: We utilize advanced techniques creating firmer breasts, more symmetrical shape, reduced skin sagging, and a more proportional figure.
  • Boosted self-confidence: Alexus Surgery Center & Medspa has empowered countless patients to feel better, experience better clothing fit, and have reduced negative emotions. (3)

Candidates

There are a wide range of patients that experience improved daily life with breast reduction surgery. (4) If your breasts are excessively large, heavy, hang low, or you have sagging skin, a breast reduction can bring welcome improvements.

With many specialized treatments options, there are many reasons candidates seek breast reduction. Schedule your consultation with our team at Alexus Surgery Center & Medspa as the first step to finding relief from:

  • Enduring pain and discomfort in the head, neck, shoulders, and back caused by weight of your breasts
  • Limited physical activity and range of motion due to the size of your breasts
  • Restricted daily functioning due to pain and movement limitations
  • Skin irritations and rashes along the inframammary fold (crease under breasts)
  • Deep grooves and shoulder indentations caused by bra straps supporting heavy breasts
  • Feeling your breasts are too large or heavy
  • Struggling to find clothes that are proportional and well-fitting
  • Loss of firmness or increase in sagging over time
  • Experiencing insecurity or negative self-esteem

Patients of all ages find relief from breast reduction surgery. Patients should be reasonably healthy to undergo their procedure. Patients who are planning to expand their family should delay their procedure until after their pregnancy, and all patients should be at a stable, maintainable weight, as fluctuations can compromise outcomes. Finally, all patients should hold realistic expectations about achievable results.

Based on your current anatomy and desired outcomes, Dr. Alexander or Dr. Kaplan will discuss if breast reduction is correct for you and which technique will safely provide optimal, natural-looking results.

Personal Consultation

Your personalized treatment plan lays the foundation for a successful breast reduction procedure. During your consultation, your surgeon will perform a comprehensive baseline health assessment and openly discuss goals and lifestyle. We will review your medical history, physical symptoms, risks, expectations, and possible outcomes to determine if a breast reduction is a good fit for you.

After your evaluation, our skilled team will develop your customized plan based on the discussion and health history. With many advanced surgical techniques, Dr. Alexander or Dr. Kaplan will match your needs and anatomy to the technique that will create the best possible outcome.

Begin your breast reduction journey by calling (888) 463-9532 or scheduling online now.

Preparation

During your pre-procedure appointment, our experienced team will review all treatment details with you to have a safe and effective procedure. Preparation may include:

Medical and Lifestyle Review

  • Our team will ensure your general health and well-being
  • Your surgeon will review your medications (adjust if necessary)
  • Stop nicotine use (including smoking, vaping, and smokeless)
  • Schedule a mammogram (if age appropriate)
  • Obtain any lab results or additional physical examinations (if necessary)

Home and Recovery Setup

  • Arrange for a ride from your procedure and for someone to stay with you the night after your procedure
  • Meal prep in advance
  • Fill any medication prescriptions you may need
  • Prepare clothing including front close shirts and soft, supportive bras
  • Set up your home to be a relaxing and recuperating environment

Operational Instructions

  • Discuss the specific timing and what to do the night before and morning of your procedure
  • Review your procedure plan details, including anesthesia, techniques, timelines, and safety protocols
  • Finalize your customized recovery plan to optimize results based on your specific techniques. This will include: pain management, recovery timelines, and incision care

Procedure

Pre-op Preparations

When you initially arrive, you will get settled in and we will review your procedure details, recovery, and any other concerns you may have. During these preparations, your breasts get marked with precise guidelines. Next, you will receive general anesthesia before the procedure begins, so you will be asleep and pain-free during treatment.

Procedure

Your surgeon begins with the incision. Depending on the specific technique and your unique breast shape and size, there are several common incision types: Anchor (Inverted T), Donut (Periareolar), Lollipop (Vertical). Your anatomy, the scale of your procedure, and your specific reduction goals will dictate which incision pattern is employed.

Next, Dr. Alexander or Dr. Kaplan enhances the shape of your breast. They may use liposuction or excise tissue to reduce fat and remove excess skin. They then reposition your nipple and areola to a higher, more proportional position.

Finally, your surgeon completes the reshaping by closing the incisions. They use internal dissolvable sutures to create structure and support before closing the incisions and applying the appropriate dressings.

Post-Op

Immediately after your procedure, we will monitor you briefly. Once you have woken up and initially recovered at the center, your chest will be wrapped in a compression dressing. You may receive a small thin drain to remove liquid during your first night. Once you have stabilized, you will be released to recover in the comfort of your home.

Recovery

Monitoring throughout your recovery will ensure comfort and lasting, harmonizing results. Following your customized recovery plan will be the key to success.

Acute Recovery

Following your procedure, you will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first night. Your focus is on rest during the first days after the procedure. Initially, you may experience some moderate pain, swelling, and bruising. You will be prescribed pain medication to manage symptoms in the early days. After 48 hours, most patients can remove their dressings and take a cool shower. Afterward, you will use a soft, structured bra to support your breasts.

Long-Term Healing

Over the following weeks, you will see reduced swelling, bruising, and pain. You can begin returning to light activities in 2-3 weeks. Typically, final outcomes begin to emerge around 4-6 weeks, and by this point, you can resume most normal activities. As your breasts settle into their new shape you will see improved lift, significantly less swelling, and scars fading. Within 6-12 months you will see final results.

Results

Your breast reduction results will be long-lasting. Most patients report high aesthetic satisfaction (5) and feel relief with improved physical function. Along with the physical improvements, a breast reduction procedure often brings boosted self-confidence.

Aging and weight changes can impact results over time, so maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle is vital to preserving improvements.

Corresponding Procedures

Breast reduction surgery usually includes a mastopexy. A mastopexy, or breast lift, raises and reshapes the breast by removing excess skin. This ensures an end result of natural, well-positioned breasts.

Cost of Breast Reduction in San Diego

Dr. Alexander or Dr. Kaplan will provide a personalized quote after your initial consultation. Financing options are available to make treatment more accessible. Explore payment options by calling our San Diego office at (888) 463-9532 or scheduling your consultation online.

FAQ

What is the recovery time after a breast reduction?

Your personal recovery time will vary, depending on your specific treatment plan. Short-term recovery is often up to a few weeks, with full recovery and results after a few months. We will discuss this during your consultation.

Will there be visible scarring after a breast reduction?

Dr. Alexander will use precise incision placement to minimize scarring. Your scar shape will depend on how much tissue is removed and where the incision is. In most cases, incisions follow natural breast contours to hide easily. Over time, the scar will fade to softer, thinner lines that are much closer to your natural skin tone.

How long does a breast reduction last?

Your breast reduction will be a long-lasting change. Aging and weight changes can shift results over time, but the tissue removed in your procedure will not grow back.

How many cup sizes can you lose through breast reduction?

Individual results will vary. Most patients see an average reduction of 2-4 cup sizes after their procedure.

References

  1. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2024 ASPS Procedural Statistics Release. 2024:7. Accessed August 11, 2026. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2024/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2024.pdf
  2. Sachs D, Szymanski KD, Hattingh G. Breast Reduction. StatPearls Publishing; 2021. Accessed August 11, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441974/
  3. Faris A. The Impact of Breast Reduction Surgery on Mental Health and Well-Being: A Systematic Review. Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum2026;8. Accessed August 11, 2026. https://academic.oup.com/asjopenforum/article/doi/10.1093/asjof/ojag067/8654701
  4. Frankeny A. Breast Reductions: A Look at This Trending Procedure and What It Entails. 2024. Accessed August 11, 2026. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/articles/breast-reductions-a-look-at-this-trending-procedure-and-what-it-entails
  5. Bai J, Rosen C, Ngaage L, et al. Longevity of Outcomes Following Reduction Mammoplasty. National Library of Medicine. July 23, 2019. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6659223/#S3