Breast Reduction in Huntington Beach

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.

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What are the 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:

woman with oversized breasts pulling at her bra straps which are causing her pain

  • 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.

Am I Candidate 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.

What Are the Contraindications to 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 can I prepare for the breast reduction procedure?

View the slides below to learn more about preparing for breast reduction surgery.

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.

Breast Reduction Before & After

side view of woman’s breasts before breast reduction
side view of woman's breasts after breast reduction, smaller after procedure

View More Before & After Photos

How is breast reduction surgery performed?

An infographic showing the benefits of breast reduction surgeryGenerally, Dr. Miller uses two methods for breast reduction: the traditional incision or the vertical incision. During your consultation, he will discuss with you which method he feels best suits your unique situation and goals for your reduction. This procedure is performed with the patient under general anesthesia.

  • Traditional incision method — For women with extremely large breasts where a good deal of sagging skin and tissue need to be removed, the traditional incision allows the most access. The incision, also called the “anchor incision,” circles the areola, runs down to the breast crease, and then follows the breast crease a few inches in each direction.
  • Vertical incision method — This incision follows the same path as the anchor incision, without extending along the breast crease. The shape of this incision is more like a lollipop. It can work for women with moderately large breasts.

In both methods, excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin are removed. The nipples and areolae are usually moved to a higher position on the chest. The areolae can also be reduced in size.

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 plastic 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 2 to 4 hours, depending upon the amount of sagging skin that needs to be removed and if Dr. Miller needs to downsize the nipple/areola complex.

What is recovery like after a breast reduction?

These are involved surgeries, and Dr. Miller does a good deal of tissue repositioning. Plus, the incisions are lengthy. This creates bruising, swelling, and soreness. When you return home, your breasts will be fully bandaged and in a surgical bra. You’ll have to take it easy for the first one to two weeks and avoid strenuous activity for about six weeks. You’ll need to take at least one, and more likely two, weeks off work.

It's important to simply rest and lay low in your recovery nest. This is no time to push your recovery and be up and about. Get some help around the house. Have someone else cook for you. No chores or house stuff. One really low-key first week can help your entire healing process go as smoothly as possible.

You’ll have to plan for sleeping, as Dr. Miller asks his breast reduction patients to sleep exclusively on their back for a full two weeks after their surgery. You don’t want to place any pressure on your incision and the tissue that has been repositioned. Sleeping in a recliner is one great method. In bed, you’ll need strategically placed pillows to ensure you don’t roll over or onto your side.

Supporting your reduced breasts is a very important part of your recovery. You’ll transition from a surgical bra to a support bra and then finally to a strong sports bra. These must be worn 24 hours a day for at least one month. These can seem tedious, but it’s necessary to avoid placing any stress on your incisions. By being diligent with this your scars will stay as thin as possible and will heal better. It’s usually necessary to move the nipples with this procedure. Dr. Miller makes every effort to maintain nipple sensation and breastfeeding function after breast reduction, but this is not always possible.

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?

These procedures are very similar to a breast lift. Dr. Miller simply removes more tissue to decrease the size of the breasts, in addition to removing the excess sagging skin. Breast lifts are a common surgical procedure, and they don’t involve a lot of risk beyond the risks involved with any surgery. Reduction surgeries are much the same.

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 — 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.

Why Choosing Orange County Cosmetic Surgery is the right choice

When considering cosmetic surgery, your choice of surgeon matters. It’s important to choose a breast reduction surgeon who has undergone specialized training in the field of cosmetic surgery. Dr. Miller is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon and has met rigorous standards of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgeons. 

At Orange County Cosmetic Surgery, we are dedicated to providing fully individualized care with a focus on your safety and satisfaction. When you choose us, you will be treated like a member of our family and enjoy results that are balanced, beautiful and natural-looking.

FAQs

Will Insurance Cover The Cost of Breast Reduction Surgery?

 Insurance coverage for breast reduction will vary. If the surgery is being performed for medical reasons, such as back pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain, it may be covered under your insurance policy. 

However, if you are having breast reduction surgery for cosmetic reasons, your insurance may not cover the procedure. It is important to check with your insurance carrier and even obtain a letter of medical necessity from Dr. Miller, if necessary. 

How Long Will The Results Last?

While the results of breast reduction surgery are considered permanent, lifestyle changes, such as weight fluctuations, hormonal changes, and the natural aging process, can affect the results. That is why maintaining your weight and living a healthy lifestyle is recommended to help extend your results. 

What Should I Expect During My Consultation?

When you meet Dr. Miller, he will discuss your medical history and assess your breast shape and size. He will also explain the surgical technique, the benefits and risks, and the expected outcome of your surgery. During your consultation, it is important to discuss any concerns and ask any questions you may have. 

What Is The Best Age to Have Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast reduction surgery can be performed at any age as long as the breasts are fully developed. However, it is important to consider your future plans for pregnancy and whether or not you want to breastfeed. The decision to have surgery should also factor in the patient’s overall health, emotional maturity, and how having a breast reduction will impact their quality of life. 

What Should I Consider Before Breast Reduction Surgery?

Prior to having breast reduction, you need to consider the risks and benefits, recovery time, possible physical discomfort, and even the possibility of needing future surgeries. A board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Miller can help you decide whether breast reduction surgery is right for you. 

Will I Be Able to Breastfeed After Breast Reduction Surgery?

The ability to breastfeed after breast reduction surgery varies between patients. Some types of breast reduction techniques are more likely to preserve milk ducts, allowing you to breastfeed future children. However, it is important to discuss with Dr. Miller if you plan on expanding your family and want to breastfeed in the future. 

How Do I Choose a Surgeon For Breast Reduction Surgery?

The surgeon you choose should be board-certified and have extensive experience in breast reduction surgery. You should always verify their credentials, ask to see before-and-after photos of previous patients, and read past reviews. It is equally important to consult with at least two or three plastic surgeons where you can discuss your goals and expectations. 

Are There Alternatives To Breast Reduction Surgery?

While losing weight may reduce your breast size slightly, it may not reduce the size of overly large breasts. In addition, simply losing weight will not result in a more youthful-looking appearance. A breast reduction can help you achieve your aesthetic goals by reducing breast size to create a more uplifted appearance. 

Schedule Your Free Breast Reduction Consultation Today

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.