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Breast Reduction in Orange County, California

Excessively large breasts can cause chronic neck and back pain, shoulder aches, headaches, skin irritation, and emotional distress. Breast reduction surgery removes excess breast tissue while reshaping and lifting the breasts to create a lighter, more balanced contour. Women often choose this procedure to regain physical comfort, enjoy standard clothing sizes, and feel more confident in their appearance, making everyday activities and exercise far easier and more enjoyable.
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Serving Orange County Since 2012

About Breast Reduction

Procedure Quick Facts:

  • Duration of Procedure:
2-4 hours
  • Anesthesia:
General anesthesia
  • Recovery:
Back to work in 7-14 days; exercise in 4-6 weeks
  • Results Duration:
Long-lasting, with results maintained for years

What is Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure that creates a more proportional upper body through the reduction of excess breast tissue and lifting and reshaping of the reduced breast. This procedure helps women reduce the weight and size of overly large breasts and achieve a more beautiful, balanced breast shape. During surgery, excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin are removed, the nipple-areola complex is repositioned, and the remaining breast mound is sculpted into a round, uplifted form. Incision patterns vary depending on breast size, skin quality, and the amount of tissue to be removed.

Why Undergo Breast Reduction?

If you are experiencing chronic pain, skin irritation, or self-consciousness due to overly large breasts, please get in touch with South Coast Plastic Surgery to set up a consultation. Dr. Kyle Song or Dr. Paige Benyamein will work closely with you to develop a breast reduction plan to deliver your desired look and feel. Imagine wearing any outfit comfortably, participating in sports without discomfort, and feeling proportionate—breast reduction can transform your daily life.
  • Relief from physical discomfort
    Removing excess weight alleviates neck, shoulder, and back pain, allowing you to stand taller and move freely.
  • Enhanced body proportions
    A smaller, lifted breast shape brings balance to your frame, making clothing fit better and enhancing overall silhouette.
  • Improved posture & mobility
    Lighter breasts reduce strain on the spine and shoulders, encouraging better posture and easier participation in exercise and sports.
  • Reduction of skin irritation
    Eliminating folds and moisture beneath the breast helps prevent rashes, infections, and chronic skin discomfort.
  • Boosted self-confidence
    Many patients feel a renewed sense of confidence and satisfaction with their appearance after achieving a natural, proportionate contour.
  • Expanded wardrobe options
    Standard bra and clothing sizes become accessible, letting you enjoy fashion choices previously out of reach.

Breast Reduction Videos

Watch our videos to see real patients results, learn from our experts, and discover what makes South Coast Plastic Surgery a trusted choice in Orange County.

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Key Benefits of Breast Reduction in Orange County, California

Alleviates chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain
Creates lighter, uplifted breasts with youthful shape
Enables unrestricted physical activity and exercise
Improves clothing fit and overall body confidence

Types of Breast Reduction

Uses a circular incision around the areola and a vertical line to the breast fold. Ideal for moderate breast size reduction with significant lift, resulting in minimal scarring that fades over time.

Combines periareolar, vertical, and horizontal fold incisions to remove larger volumes of tissue and skin. Best for substantial reductions or significant sagging requiring maximum reshaping.

When breast size is due mostly to fatty tissue and skin elasticity is good, liposuction alone may reduce volume through tiny hidden incisions, offering faster recovery and minimal scarring.

Adds an internal support layer (surgical mesh or sutures) to an inverted-T pattern, maintaining upper-pole fullness and long-term lift for patients needing extra support.

Modifies the vertical technique to shorten the horizontal fold incision, reducing scar length while still providing significant lift and tissue removal.

Specialized breast tissue and fat removal in male patients to create a flatter, masculine chest contour through limited incisions and liposuction.

Combines cancer-related lumpectomy with cosmetic breast reduction and lift to achieve oncologic safety and aesthetic symmetry in a single surgery.

Not sure which option is right for you?

Meet your Breast Reduction surgeons

At South Coast Plastic Surgery, our acclaimed plastic surgeons, Dr. Kyle Song and Dr. Paige Benyamein, will perform your breast procedure. Their artistry and skill in this delicate procedure have led to a reputation for outstanding outcomes. You can expect your procedure to be 100% customized, with a focus on achieving a beautifully balanced figure and natural-looking results.

Why Choose South Coast Plastic Surgery for Your Breast Reduction in Orange County, California?

Beauty Inside-Out

We treat beyond the visible, caring for your inner wellness as much as your outer beauty. Every aesthetic treatment is provided with warm and exceptional care to elevate your well-being and confidence.

Unmatched Predictability

Visualize your potential results with cutting-edge Crisalix 3D imaging, ensuring clarity and confidence from the start of your cosmetic journey. Our transparent planning process covers every detail, from realistic expectations to comprehensive pricing.

Expert Healing

Your personalized care plan doesn't end when you leave the operating room. Adoreal's automated recovery prompts guide you through a personalized healing journey, including 24/7 access to your surgical team to address questions or concerns. Track your aesthetic recovery progress in real-time, receive important reminders, and experience peace of mind knowing that expert support is always available.

Protected Investment

We stand behind our work with comprehensive warranty coverage that protects your aesthetic outcomes long after your final follow-up. Your care includes up to 5 years of medical complication protection, a 2-year satisfaction guarantee for minor adjustments, and lifetime implant monitoring for eligible cases. Combined with ongoing access to your complete medical records and continued support from our team, you can trust that your journey to confidence is backed by expertise, technology, and a genuine commitment to your long-term well-being.

A Customized Approach to Breast Procedures in Irvine & Ladera Ranch

Breast reduction is a highly individualized procedure that addresses both physical discomfort and breast shape. At South Coast Plastic Surgery, planning begins with understanding how breast size affects your daily life. Your anatomy, breast tissue composition, skin quality, and nipple position are carefully evaluated to determine how much tissue can be safely removed while maintaining balance, sensation, and a natural-looking contour.

Before your consultation, you can complete a brief personalized assessment from home, helping us understand your specific goals, concerns, and timeline. During your visit, we'll use advanced 3D imaging to show you a realistic preview of your potential results, giving you confidence and clarity in your decision. 

What to Expect During Your Breast Reduction Consultation

Your consultation is a one-on-one discussion designed to determine whether breast reduction is appropriate for you and what outcomes are realistic.

When you meet with your surgeon, you’ll discuss:

  • Physical symptoms related to breast size
  • Desired reduction and overall breast proportion
  • Changes you hope to see in comfort, posture, and activity level
  • Incision patterns required for safe tissue removal
  • Nipple position and sensation considerations
  • Recovery timeline and activity limitations
  • Insurance requirements, when applicable

Your surgeon will also assess breast volume, skin elasticity, chest wall anatomy, and degree of sagging. Together, you’ll develop a surgical plan that prioritizes symptom relief, safety, and long-term comfort.

Schedule your Consultation

See Your Future Self

With Crisalix 3D visualization, preview your potential aesthetic outcomes from home. This advanced technology shows personalized results, helping you feel confident and informed about your path forward.

Am I a good candidate for Breast Reduction?

Ideal candidates experience physical or emotional discomfort from large breasts, are in good overall health, and have realistic expectations. Combining breast reduction with a lift, liposuction, or other body procedures may be recommended for comprehensive results.
Self-conscious about breast size
Chronic neck, shoulder, or back pain
Skin irritation or rashes beneath the breasts
Breasts limit physical activity
Significant sagging or drooping
Stable body weight
Non-smoker or willing to quit
Good overall physical and emotional health
Realistic expectations for outcome and scarring

Help us understand your unique goals & concerns.

This personalized assessment ensures your consultation is tailored specifically to you, with no obligation. Your wellness journey, our commitment.

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Your Breast Reduction Journey and Recovery

From your first consultation to your final results, you’re guided through every stage of your Breast Reduction journey with personalized support, automated instructions, and 24/7 access to your care team. This is your journey, we just make it easier. 

Comprehensive Consultation & Assessment

Your journey begins with a detailed consultation focused on your symptoms, goals, and medical history. If insurance coverage is being considered, documentation of physical symptoms and prior treatments may also be reviewed.

A personalized surgical plan is created to safely remove excess breast tissue, reshape the breasts, and reposition the nipples to a more natural height.

Pre-Operative Preparation

Breast reduction surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. During the procedure:

  • Excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are removed
  • The remaining breast tissue is reshaped for balance and support
  • Nipples are repositioned to a higher, more proportionate location
  • Incisions are carefully closed to support healing

The amount of tissue removed depends on your anatomy and symptom relief goals, not just cup size.

Breast Reduction Recovery Timeline

Recovery varies by individual, but many patients follow a similar general timeline:

Immediately after surgery

  • Swelling, soreness, and fatigue are common
  • Pain is typically manageable with medication
  • A supportive, wire-free surgical bra is worn continuously

First 1–2 weeks

  • Gradual return to light daily activities
  • Most patients feel noticeable relief from breast weight early on
  • Swelling and bruising steadily improve

Weeks 3–4

  • Return to desk work and light exercise
  • Continued improvement in comfort and mobility

Weeks 4–6

  • Gradual return to unrestricted activity once cleared

Most patients experience significant physical relief well before full healing is complete.

Breast Reduction Results

Results are visible immediately, though the breasts continue to soften and settle over several months. Over time, scars fade, swelling resolves, and the final shape becomes more natural.

Many patients report:

  • Reduced neck, back, and shoulder pain
  • Improved posture and mobility
  • Greater comfort in clothing and physical activity

You can expect to resume light activities within 7-10 days and can return to work within 1-2 weeks. Most patients follow this timeline:

Complete recovery and healing take approximately 3-6 months. During this time:
  • Month 2 - 3

  • Month 3 - 6:

  • Long Term

What kind of implants do we offer?

Plastic surgeons in the U.S. now have four main choices of manufacturers of silicone and saline breast implants with FDA approval. At South Coast Plastic Surgery we offer: Motiva, Sientra, Allergan, and Mentor, providing you with the broadest range of high-quality options to achieve your ideal outcome.

Motiva Silicone Gel Implants

Motiva® Round and Ergonomix® implants are now FDA-approved for augmentation (primary and revision). These implants feature the patented SmoothSilk® surface designed to enhance biocompatibility and lower inflammation. They also include an ergonomic gel shell that helps the implant adapt to body position. Clinical trial data show very low complication rates: e.g., less than 1% for capsular contracture or rupture.

At South Coast Plastic Surgery, we now recommend Motiva as our first line option for patients seeking advanced silicone gel implants with the latest safety and ergonomic design.

Sientra Silicone Gel Implants

Sientra silicone gel breast implants are available only to board-certified plastic surgeons and are not available to MD’s who have not gone through the rigorous training to achieve board-certification. Sientra implants are produced with the latest in silicone gel technology, creating an implant that is formable.

These implants have the advantage of retaining their shape whether you are standing up or lying down, which prevents them from rippling or folding in their shells. Sientra implants have an extremely low rupture rate, which reduces the risk of the need for a secondary surgery due to a ruptured implant.

Mentor Cohesive Gel Implants

We also offer Mentor cohesive gel implants, known for their natural feel and proven safety record. Mentor implants provide excellent shape retention and are a popular choice among patients seeking balanced, natural-looking results.

Allergan Semi-Solid Implants

Allergan semi-solid implants offer another premium option, providing a soft, natural feel with excellent durability. These implants are designed to maintain their shape while moving naturally with your body.

Is saline or silicone best?

For women younger than 22 years of age, saline implants are the only commercially available option for cosmetic breast augmentation. Some women opt for saline because they are more comfortable with the idea of an implant made with a saltwater solution. Saline implants are not filled until after insertion, so the incisions can be slightly smaller than those needed when placing silicone implants.

What’s right for you?

The majority of women prefer silicone implants as they tend to produce a more natural look and feel. Today’s silicone gel is semi-firm to the touch yet is still malleable and pliant, and closely mimics the bounce and feel of natural breast tissue.

What are anatomical breast implants?

In breast augmentation, the shape of the implant plays a key role in determining your final breast appearance.

Teardrop-Shaped Implants

Anatomical implants are shaped like a natural breast, with more volume concentrated at the bottom and tapering off toward the top. These teardrop-shaped implants are more popular for women with little natural breast tissue in performing breast reconstruction surgery. Anatomical implants are also the most common implant shape of choice for older women, as the graduated shape more closely resembles the natural appearance of a breast at that stage of life.

What are round breast implants?

Round Breast Implants

Round implants provide volume throughout the breast, including the upper portion of the breast. While some women seek this aesthetic, as it gives a full, high look, others believe that this upper volume makes the implants look too unnatural.

During your consultation, Dr. Song or Dr. Benyamein will help you determine which implant shape best suits your anatomy and aesthetic goals.

Breast Reduction Results and Safety Considerations

Understanding how surgical technique and healing affect breast reduction outcomes can help you set realistic expectations and feel informed throughout the process.

Achieving Natural-Looking Results

Natural-looking breast reduction results depend on removing the right amount of tissue while preserving shape, symmetry, and proportion. The goal is not simply to make the breasts smaller, but to create a size and contour that feels balanced with your body.

At South Coast Plastic Surgery, planning focuses on reshaping the breast mound, repositioning the nipple, and maintaining a natural slope and fullness where appropriate. When performed thoughtfully, breast reduction can improve both appearance and comfort without looking flattened or overly reduced.

Is Scarring a Concern?

Scarring is an expected part of breast reduction surgery, as skin and tissue must be removed to achieve meaningful reduction and lift.

Common incision patterns may include:

  • Around the areola
  • Vertically from the areola to the breast crease
  • Along the breast crease

Incisions are planned carefully to follow natural contours and are closed with precision to support healing and minimize long-term visibility.

Scar Healing Timeline

Scar healing occurs gradually:

  • Weeks 1–2: Redness and mild firmness are common
  • Months 1–3: Scars typically soften and flatten
  • 6–12 months: Continued fading and blending with surrounding skin
  • Beyond 1 year: Ongoing refinement is possible

Following scar care instructions plays an important role in long-term appearance.

Understanding Risks and Safety

Breast reduction is generally safe when performed by an expert plastic surgeon in an accredited facility.

Potential risks may include:

  • Infection or delayed wound healing
  • Bleeding or fluid buildup
  • Changes in nipple or breast sensation
  • Scarring
  • Asymmetry

Your surgeon will review these risks in detail during your consultation and explain how they are minimized through careful planning and follow-up care.

Reducing Your Risk

Safety is supported through:

  • Thorough pre-operative evaluation
  • Thoughtful surgical technique
  • Surgery in an accredited facility
  • Detailed recovery instructions and monitoring

By following post-operative guidelines and attending follow-up visits, most patients heal well and experience lasting symptom relief.

How much does Breast Reduction cost in Irvine, CA?

Book your consultation

Starting at $10,000.

This preliminary pricing provides a baseline for your planning. Your final investment may vary based on your anatomy, the complexity of your procedure, the amount of tissue removal needed, and any additional techniques required to achieve your aesthetic goals. During your consultation, we'll perform a thorough examination and create a personalized surgical plan with exact pricing tailored to deliver your desired results.

Financing options available through:

Trusted by Our Community

4.8/5 stars for 334 reviews / 90% word-of-mouth referral rate / Over 15 years serving Orange County

Dr. Song performed my breast implant surgery nearly 10 yrs ago with the ideal breast implant. I've had no issues in this time. I live on the other side of the country now, but I would've loved to come back for removal, since I'm on an all natural journey. I hope to find someone who can take care of me, keep me safe, & assured during & after surgery as Dr. Song & his staff did.

N. Snoozzz

Thank you Dr. Song. I’m 10 days post opp and am so happy with my experience with my mommy makeover! I can’t tell you how comfortable Dr. Song and his staff made me feel throughout this whole process. Surgery is a bit of a scary decision and sometimes I agonized about for years but I can promise you are in the best care with this team. I highly highly recommend them and am already so happy with my results !

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Reduction

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction, explained by South Coast Plastic Surgery's experts

About the procedure

Will I need drains?

Drains are sometimes placed for larger reductions to prevent fluid build-up; they are usually removed within a few days.

How much breast tissue is removed?
The amount depends on your goals and what is medically safe. During consultation, we discuss ideal cup size and create a plan that balances relief with aesthetic outcome.
Will my nipples be moved?
Yes. The nipple-areola complex is repositioned to a higher, more youthful location while remaining attached to underlying tissue to preserve sensation and blood supply.
Vertical vs. anchor incision—how do I choose?

• Vertical: Less scarring, suited for moderate reductions

• Anchor: More shaping ability, ideal for large reductions

Your surgeon will recommend the method that best meets your tissue removal and lift needs.

Recovery & Results

How long does swelling last after breast reduction?
Most swelling subsides within six weeks, but minor residual swelling may persist for three months as tissues settle.
When can I exercise again?
Light cardio is usually allowed after two weeks, with full return to high-impact activities at six weeks, pending surgeon clearance.
Will I lose nipple sensation?
Temporary numbness is common, but sensation typically returns over several months. Permanent changes occur in a small percentage of patients.
Can I breastfeed after breast reduction?
Many women retain breastfeeding ability, but it cannot be guaranteed. Technique modifications aim to preserve milk ducts whenever possible.

Safety & Risks

Are the results permanent?
Results are long-lasting, but weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and aging can change breast size and shape over time.
What are the most common complications?
Minor wound healing issues, temporary numbness, or asymmetry are most common and usually correctable with conservative care or minor revisions.
How is pain managed after surgery?
We prescribe oral pain medication, provide detailed instructions, and may use long-acting local anesthetic blocks for additional comfort.
What if I develop an infection?
Infections are rare. Early signs are treated promptly with antibiotics and, if needed, in-office drainage to ensure proper healing.

Cost & Insurance

Will insurance cover my breast reduction?

Coverage varies by policy, but many insurers approve breast reduction when medical symptoms such as chronic pain or rashes are documented. Our team will help submit the required information.

What factors influence the cost of breast reduction?
Surgeon expertise, facility fees, anesthesia, complexity of the reduction, and additional procedures all impact the final price.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. We partner with CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit to provide flexible monthly payments to fit a variety of budgets.

Lifestyle & Long-Term Care

Will future weight gain affect my results?
Significant weight gain can enlarge remaining breast tissue, so maintaining a stable weight helps preserve your outcome.
How do I care for my scars long-term?
Use silicone gel or sheets, keep scars out of the sun, and massage gently after wounds are healed to promote soft, faint lines.
When can I return to wearing underwire bras?

Underwire bras can typically be worn after eight weeks, once incisions are fully healed and comfort allows.

Still have questions?

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Book your Breast Reduction

Schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Song or Dr. Benyamein to discuss your goals and create a personalized surgical plan. At South Coast Plastic Surgery, you’re seen, valued, and celebrated.