What Breast Reduction Surgery at VedaNu Wellness Involves
Dr. Chao performs breast reduction surgery (reduction mammoplasty) under general anesthesia, and the procedure typically takes 3 to 5 hours. We can perform your procedure at VedaNu in San Diego or in a nearby hospital, depending on your medical history and overall health. For some patients, we may recommend an overnight stay.
The procedure begins with the removal of predetermined volumes of tissue and fat, followed by reshaping and skin closure using your chosen incision technique. Your surgeon repositions the remaining tissue and nipple-areola complex for a balanced, proportionate result.
Precise Incision Techniques
Your incision pattern depends on how much tissue needs to be removed and on your individual breast anatomy.
- Anchor (inverted-T) incision: The most common approach for significant reductions. The incision circles the areola, extends vertically to the breast crease, and runs horizontally along the fold. It allows your surgeon to remove a larger volume of tissue and reshape the breast with precision.
- Lollipop (vertical) incision: We use this technique for moderate reductions. The incision circles the areola and extends vertically to the breast crease, skipping the horizontal component. It works well if you need a moderate decrease in size.
In both approaches, your surgeon repositions the nipple and areola to sit higher on the chest wall at a natural location. For San Diego patients with good skin elasticity and moderate-volume reduction goals, liposculpture may complement these techniques to refine the contour with less scarring. Optimized incision placement and refined surgical technique aim to produce the most discreet scars possible. We evaluate your breast composition, skin quality, and goals to determine which approach will deliver the best outcome for you.
Additional Treatment Options
Breast reduction naturally includes a lifting component. As we remove tissue and reshape the breast, the remaining breast mound sits higher on the chest wall. You may not need a separate procedure to achieve the lift you want.
We often perform breast reduction in conjunction with:
- A formal breast lift for a breast reduction and lift approach
- Nipple and areola reduction to refine size and proportion
- Correction of asymmetry for beautifully balanced results
- Breast revision surgery to address concerns from a prior procedure
- Breast augmentation to adjust volume after tissue removal
If you are addressing post-pregnancy body changes, a breast reduction and lift can be part of a mommy makeover, combining breast and abdominal contouring in a single surgical session to reduce your total recovery time.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery?
Candidacy for breast reduction in San Diego at our plastic surgery clinic centers on documented symptoms and stable overall health. During your consultation, we evaluate your anatomy, symptom history, and goals to determine the right approach for your body.
You may be a strong candidate for breast reduction surgery if you:
- Experience chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain that persists through physical therapy, chiropractic visits, and other conservative treatments
- Are at or near a stable, long-term body weight
- Are in good general health
- Have realistic expectations about scarring, recovery, and final outcomes
- Are a non-smoker or willing to temporarily quit smoking before surgery and during recovery
Maintaining your ideal weight after surgery supports a more predictable, long-lasting outcome. If you are currently on a medical weight loss program, we recommend reaching a stable weight before scheduling surgery, since breast size often shifts with weight change.
Your surgeon will walk you through how your specific surgical plan may affect breastfeeding ability, as some approaches can reduce milk production depending on your anatomy.
Juvenile Breast Reduction
In some cases, breast reduction may be necessary for teens who experience disproportionately large breasts at a young age: a condition known as juvenile breast hypertrophy. This can cause both physical and emotional distress, especially as it affects posture, comfort, self-esteem, and the ability to participate in daily activities such as sports.
Juvenile breast reduction is a safe and effective procedure that can dramatically improve the quality of life for teens who have reached or are near their ideal weight. Young candidates in San Diego should understand and accept the possibility of surgical scarring in exchange for the long-term benefits of improved size, shape, and symmetry. The procedure can offer lasting results, but future changes such as pregnancy or weight fluctuation may require additional revision in adulthood.
Recovery After Breast Reduction
Your recovery follows a predictable timeline. We provide you with detailed post-op instructions and monitor your healing at regular intervals.
Week-by-Week Recovery Timeline
Here is what to expect in the days and months following your breast reduction surgery in San Diego:
- Days 1–7 (Initial Healing): Rest at home in a surgical bra or compression garment. Sleep in an upright position. Your surgeon may place drains during surgery to remove excess fluid, and we typically remove them within a few days. Mild to moderate soreness, swelling, and bruising are normal. Avoid lifting.
- Weeks 2–3 (Light Activities): You can return to desk work and shower once we remove the drains. Continue wearing your compression garment. Do not submerge incision sites in water (e.g., bathtubs or hot tubs) for at least 6 weeks.
- Weeks 4–6 (Gradual Return to Exercise): You can begin light exercise and gradually increase intensity. Avoid high-impact activity until your surgeon gives approval. Avoid direct sun exposure on your scars.
- Months 3–6 (Final Results): Swelling fully resolves. Your breast reduction scars continue to fade and soften.
Scar Care and Follow-Up Schedule
Breast reduction scars typically improve significantly over 6 to 12 months. Most scars transition from pink or red to a thin, pale line that blends with the surrounding skin. We place incisions along the natural contour of your breast, so your scars sit in areas concealed by bras and swimwear.
Our San Diego clinic team guides you through scar care protocols, including:
- Silicone sheeting to flatten and soften scar tissue
- Sun protection to prevent darkening or discoloration
- Medical-grade skincare to support long-term healing
We see you at 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, and again at 2, 3, and 6 months after surgery. If you want additional refinement after full healing, our post-op scar treatment program offers targeted protocols to continue improving your results.
Ready to feel and see the difference? A breast reduction consultation in San Diego at VedaNu Wellness gives you a clear picture of your options, your expected recovery, and the relief you can achieve. Book an appointment to take the next step.
FAQs About Breast Reduction Surgery
What Are The Risks In Breast Reduction Surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, breast reduction carries risks, including:
- Bleeding or infection
- Delayed wound healing
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation (temporary or lasting)
- Breast asymmetry
- Difficulty breastfeeding
- Scarring that heals differently than expected
- Rare complications such as partial nipple necrosis
Dr. Chao’s surgical approach prioritizes precision and safety to minimize these risks. Your post-operative care plan supports the smoothest possible recovery.
How Much Does Breast Reduction Cost in San Diego?
The cost of breast reduction in San Diego depends on your surgical technique, the volume of tissue removed, anesthesia, and facility fees. We provide a personalized quote during your consultation. Insurance and financing may offset part or all of the expense.
Does Insurance Cover Breast Reduction?
Health insurance may cover breast reduction in San Diego when medical necessity is documented. Most carriers require evidence of chronic symptoms and a minimum tissue removal amount, often 500 grams or more per breast, based on body-surface-area calculations. Your VedaNu care team walks you through the documentation process and helps coordinate with your insurer.
Will I Have Visible Scars from Breast Reduction Surgery?
Yes. Your breast reduction scars follow your natural breast contour and sit in areas hidden by bras and most clothing. If you want additional refinement after full healing, scar revision and post-op scar treatment options are available at our plastic surgery clinic in San Diego.
Can I Breastfeed After Breast Reduction Surgery?
It depends on the reduction mammoplasty technique and your anatomy. Some San Diego patients retain breastfeeding function, and others experience reduced milk production. Your surgeon discusses this during your consultation.
How Long Before I Can Exercise After A Breast Reduction?
What Is the Difference Between a Breast Reduction and a Breast Lift?
Breast reduction removes excess tissue to reduce breast size and relieve physical symptoms. A breast lift repositions the breast without removing significant volume. Our breast reduction approach provides a lift as part of the reshaping, so you may achieve both goals in a single surgery.