Breast reduction is a life-changing surgical breast procedure that can reduce and reshape overly large breasts. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Anthony Miller understands the physical and emotional burden excessively large breasts can impose on women. If you would like to have smaller, lighter, more comfortable breasts, Orange County Cosmetic Surgery can help.
To learn more about breast reduction surgery, contact us today online or at 714-379-9777 to arrange your free, no-obligation consultation. We serve Huntington Beach, Orange County, Newport Beach and nearby areas in California.
Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery
If you suffer from overly large breasts, you already know the significant impact they can have on your life. Oversized breasts are uncomfortable; clothing is difficult to fit; it can be hard to get a good night’s rest. For most patients, breast reduction surgery is about much more than just aesthetics. Benefits of this life-changing procedure include:
- Improved posture
- A better fit in bras, swimwear and eveningwear
- Relief from skin irritation and chaffing
- Relief from shoulder, back and neck pain
- Improved stamina and physical energy
- More exercise and recreational options
- Increased self-confidence
Patient satisfaction rates for breast reduction surgery are among the highest of any cosmetic surgery procedure, and for good reason. Not only will your breasts be reduced in size, offering a wealth of medical benefits, but your nipples will also be repositioned to provide a rounded, perky, youthful look that will improve the way you see yourself in the mirror and boost your overall self esteem.
Candidates for Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction surgery may be a good option for you if you:
- Are unhappy living with overlarge, heavy breasts
- Experience shoulder, neck or back pain due to heavy breasts
- Have indentations on your shoulders from bra straps
- Have skin irritations beneath your breast crease
- Have breasts that, due to size, limit your physical activity
- Are physically healthy
- Have realistic expectations for the procedure and recovery
- Do not smoke
The best way to determine if breast reduction surgery is right for you is to meet personally with Dr. Miller in a free confidential consultation. During your consult, Dr. Miller will review your medical history and discuss your goals and concerns.
Who is Not a Candidate for Breast Reduction
Certain health conditions may prevent patients from becoming suitable candidates for the breast reduction procedure. The following are contraindications to breast reduction:
- Obesity
- Smoking or complications from smoking
- Current pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Irregular mammograms
- Undiagnosed lumps or other types of breast masses
- Diabetes
- Wound healing complications
- History of blood clotting disorders
- Heart or circulatory disorders
How to Prepare for the Procedure
View the slides below to learn more about preparing for breast reduction surgery.
How Breast Reduction Is Performed
At Orange County Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Miller performs breast reduction surgery using one of two primary techniques: the traditional (anchor) incision or the vertical (lollipop) incision. During your personal consultation, Dr. Miller will evaluate your anatomy, the amount of tissue to be removed, and your aesthetic goals to determine which method is best suited for you. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia to ensure your comfort and safety.
Traditional (Anchor) Incision – This approach is ideal for women with very large breasts and significant sagging. The incision pattern encircles the areola, extends vertically down to the breast crease, and then runs horizontally along the crease. This technique provides the greatest access for removing excess tissue, fat, and skin, and allows for precise reshaping and lifting.
Vertical (Lollipop) Incision – Suitable for women with moderately large breasts, this method uses an incision around the areola and a vertical line down to the breast crease, omitting the horizontal incision. It allows for excellent reshaping while minimizing scarring.
In both techniques, Dr. Miller removes excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin to create smaller, more balanced breasts. The nipples and areolae are repositioned to a higher, natural-looking placement, and the areolae can be reduced in size if desired. The result is a more youthful, proportionate, and comfortable breast shape tailored to each patient’s goals.
Breast Reduction Recovery
Recovery after breast reduction is an important part of achieving beautiful, lasting results. Following your procedure, your breasts will be bandaged and supported in a surgical bra to minimize swelling and promote healing. Some bruising, swelling, and soreness are normal and will gradually improve over the first few weeks. Most patients take about one to two weeks off work and should avoid strenuous activity for at least six weeks.
Rest is essential during this time; plan to relax, limit movement, and have someone assist with daily tasks such as cooking and chores. You’ll need to sleep on your back for the first couple of weeks to avoid putting pressure on your incisions and newly shaped tissue. As healing progresses, you’ll transition from a surgical bra to a supportive sports bra, which should be worn around the clock for at least a month to protect your results.
Dr. Miller provides detailed post-operative instructions and monitors your progress closely through follow-up appointments. While most swelling subsides within a few weeks, final results will continue to refine over several months as your breasts settle into their new shape. With proper care, patients can expect smaller, lighter, and more proportionate breasts that look and feel natural.
Why Choose Orange County Cosmetic Surgery
At Orange County Cosmetic Surgery, patients can expect exceptional care, artistry, and precision in every procedure. Located in Huntington Beach, our state-of-the-art practice offers a full range of surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures to enhance the face, breasts, body, and skin. Led by Dr. Anthony Miller, a board-certified cosmetic surgeon, the practice blends advanced surgical skill with an artistic eye to create elegant, natural-looking results. Dr. Miller’s approach is founded on compassion, confidence, and a deep respect for each patient’s unique goals. From your first consultation to your final result, our team provides a warm, welcoming environment designed to help you feel comfortable, confident, and fully informed.
Dr. Miller brings a modern perspective to aesthetic medicine, informed by thousands of procedures performed during his training and career. He proudly serves patients throughout Huntington Beach, Orange County, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and beyond, offering customized treatment plans that prioritize safety, satisfaction, and individualized beauty.
Breast Reduction Before & After
Frequently Asked Questions
How small can you go with a breast reduction?
There isn’t any limitation to the decrease Dr. Miller can make to your breasts, but most patients seek to keep their breasts proportional with the rest of their figure. The goal isn’t size reduction as much as weight reduction and the removal of excess, sagging skin. The goal is to make your breasts proportional, alleviating their negative impact on your life.
When you meet with Dr. Miller for your consultation, you will detail how much you’d like to reduce your breasts. Most of our patients from across Orange County opt to reduce their breasts by one to two cup sizes.
Can you combine a breast reduction with other procedures?
Yes, it is possible and safe to combine a breast reduction with other procedures as long as the patient is in overall good health and ready to recover from more than one surgery at once. Other cosmetic surgery procedures such as liposuction, a tummy tuck, and a breast lift are most commonly performed in addition to a breast reduction to help patients achieve optimal, natural-looking results.
Can a breast reduction lower the risk of breast cancer?
According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine, evidence shows that breast reductions have been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer in patients by decreasing the amount of breast tissue where cancer cells may develop.
How long does the breast reduction procedure take?
These procedures take from two to four hours, depending upon the amount of sagging skin that needs to be removed and if Dr. Miller needs to downsize the nipple/areola complex.
When should I see my doctor for a recovery complication?
Even when proper aftercare guidelines are followed, patients may still experience recovery complications after surgery. Serious complications such as blood clots, difficulty breathing, infection, fever, or long-lasting pain that is felt at any time during your recovery should be tell-tale signs that you should visit your doctor immediately.
What will my scarring be like after having breast reduction?
Due to the need to remove both excess glandular tissue and excess skin, the incisions necessary for breast reduction are extensive. In most cases, to gain the access necessary Dr. Miller uses the anchor incision described above. This incision circles the areola, drops down to the breast crease, and usually moves outward in both directions along that crease. As with any surgical incision, this will leave a scar. The scars will lighten over time, but they will always be there.
When weighing the value of smaller, more manageable breasts against having some scarring, our reduction patients are happy to make that tradeoff.
What can I expect from my breast reduction?
These surgeries have extremely high rates of satisfaction: over 95 percent of women who’ve had breast reduction are satisfied with their results. Women who’ve had reduction tell us how they now love shopping for clothes and swimsuits. They’ve joined exercise classes they formerly wouldn’t have considered. They’ve taken up sports or hobbies that they’ve always thought about doing but avoided. In most cases, our breast reduction patients develop a completely new body image, one based in confidence rather than being continually self-conscious.
For women who’ve been saddled with overly large natural breasts virtually their entire life, these are life changing procedures. Recovery isn’t easy, but the end result is worth it.
What are the risks associated with breast reduction?
The biggest potential side effect is the loss of nipple sensation and possible loss of the ability to breastfeed. Dr. Miller does his best to mitigate these possibilities, but with the amount of tissue removal and repositioning some disturbance can occur.co
When you consider the health issues caused by overly large breasts, such as back and neck pain, nerve damage, migraine headaches, and the like, not to mention the psychological toll, the rewards gained with breast reduction far outweigh any minimal risks.
At what age can someone have breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction is typically recommended once breast development is complete, usually around age 18. However, in cases of significant physical discomfort or emotional distress, it may be considered earlier.
Can I choose my new breast size?
You can discuss your desired size with your surgeon, but the final result depends on your anatomy, body proportions, and tissue health. Dr. Miller will help determine a size that looks natural and balanced for your frame.
How do I know if I need a breast reduction or a breast lift?
If your breasts are overly large and cause discomfort, a reduction may be appropriate. If your main concern is sagging without excess volume, a lift may be the better option. Some patients benefit from a combination of both procedures.
Feel Lighter and Free with Breast Reduction Surgery in Huntington Beach, CA
If you live in or around Huntington Beach, Orange County or Newport Beach and would like to reduce the size of your breasts, call Orange County Cosmetic Surgery today at 714-379-9777 to schedule your free initial consultation with cosmetic surgeon Dr. Anthony Miller.
