Reduction
Are you tired of dealing with the discomfort and inconvenience caused by overly large breasts? Breast reduction surgery can help. This safe and effective procedure is designed to reduce the size of your breasts and improve your overall quality of life. In addition to alleviating physical pain and discomfort, breast reduction can also help you achieve a more balanced and proportionate figure. Say goodbye to neck, back, and shoulder pain, rashes and ill-fitting clothing. With breast reduction surgery, you can enjoy greater comfort and confidence in your everyday life. Contact us today to learn more.
Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction surgery
Breast reduction surgery is a surgical procedure designed to decrease the size and weight of overly large breasts by removing excess breast tissue, fat and skin. The goal is to create a more proportionate breast size while relieving the physical and emotional discomfort that heavy breasts can cause.
Many women seek breast reduction to address chronic neck, back and shoulder pain, skin irritation or rashes beneath the breast folds, grooving from bra straps and difficulty finding clothing that fits comfortably. Beyond physical symptoms, overly large breasts can also limit exercise, affect posture and contribute to self-consciousness or restricted lifestyle choices.
With offices in Camarillo and Studio City, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel Kolder offers breast reduction surgery for women whose breast size is impacting their comfort, mobility or confidence. Dr. Kolder custom-tailors each procedure to meet your individual needs and goals, ensuring that your final breast size is both functional and aesthetically balanced. Contact us to schedule your personal consultation today.
Benefits of Breast Reduction
Breast reduction surgery offers both physical and emotional benefits, helping women feel more comfortable, confident and unrestricted in their daily lives. Key benefits of breast reduction surgery include:
Best Candidates for Breast Reduction
Breast reduction can be a great option for women who feel that their breast size is affecting their comfort, confidence or lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for
Ideal breast reduction candidates:
- Are at or near a stable, healthy weight
- Do not smoke or are willing to stop before and after surgery
- Are in good overall physical and emotional health
- Have fully developed breasts
- Are not pregnant or breastfeeding
- Understand the procedure and have realistic expectations about their results
Your Breast Reduction Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Kolder, will be able to tell if a breast reduction can help to achieve your goals. You will be able to ask any questions you have about the breast reduction procedure. Details such as surgery steps, benefits and recovery will be covered. Dr. Kolder will also perform a physical exam to assess your breast size, skin quality and your natural body shape so he can recommend the most appropriate surgical approach for you. Before-and-after photos are available to help you better understand what is possible.
By the end of your consultation, you should have a clear understanding of what to expect throughout your breast reduction journey.
Breast Reduction Incision Techniques
There are different methods used for breast reduction surgery. While all surgical procedures result in scarring, Dr. Kolder takes great care to place incisions as
- The anchor or inverted-T technique. Commonly used for larger breast reductions, this technique includes an incision around the areola, a vertical line to the breast crease and an additional horizontal incision along the breast fold. This allows for the most substantial reshaping and skin removal.
- The lollipop or vertical technique. This method involves an incision around the areola and a vertical line down to the breast crease. It can be suitable for women who need a moderate reduction with lifting and reshaping.
Preparing for Breast Reduction Surgery
Proper preparation can help to ensure a smooth procedure and recovery. Before your breast reduction, Dr. Kolder will provide detailed instructions tailored to
- Stop smoking. Smoking and nicotine products interfere with circulation and can slow or complicate healing. You’ll be asked to stop well before and after surgery.
- Avoid certain medications. Some medications and supplements, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E and some herbal supplements, can increase bleeding risk. Dr. Kolder will give you a list of medications to pause before surgery.
- Plan for your recovery. Fill your prescriptions ahead of time and gather essential supplies to make your first few days at home as comfortable as possible. Prepare easy meals, set up a rest area and arrange for childcare or help with daily tasks if needed.
- Arrange support. You’ll need someone to drive you home after surgery and stay with you for the first 24 hours. Having family or friends available during the initial recovery period can make the process easier.
The Breast Reduction Procedure
Your breast reduction will be performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis at our fully-certified Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC). You can expect to go home the same day after spending a short time in our recovery area. Most breast reductions take 2 to 4 hours, depending on the amount of tissue being removed and the surgical technique used.
During the procedure, Dr. Kolder removes excess breast tissue, fat and skin to create a lighter, more balanced breast shape. The remaining tissue is reshaped and lifted. In many cases, the nipple and areola are repositioned to a higher, more youthful location on the breast.
For some patients, liposuction is used as well to refine the breast shape or reduce fullness along the sides of the chest. Dr. Kolder will determine the best approach based on your anatomy, goals and the degree of reduction desired.
Recovering from Breast Reduction
After your breast reduction, it’s normal to experience some bruising, swelling and discomfort as your body begins to heal. These effects are temporary, and most women feel comfortable returning to work and light daily activities within 1 to 2 weeks.
Dr. Kolder recommends wearing a surgical bra 24 hours a day for the first two weeks to minimize swelling and support healing. You may need to sleep on your back or in an elevated position for the first couple of weeks to protect your incisions and reduce swelling.
Light movement is encouraged to promote healthy circulation, but you will need to avoid more strenuous activities for 4 to 6 weeks or until cleared by Dr. Kolder.
Breast Reduction Results
Many women notice an immediate difference in the look and feel of their breasts after surgery, often describing the experience as feeling like a literal weight has been lifted. While your breasts will appear smaller right away, it’s normal for swelling and bruising to mask early results. Most women begin to see more significant improvements within a few weeks as swelling decreases and the breasts start to settle into a more natural shape.
Final results typically develop over the next 3 to 6 months. As your results continue to progress, you can expect increased comfort in your daily activities, improved posture and better comfort during exercise. Many women also find that chronic issues such as neck, back and shoulder pain are significantly reduced or even completely resolved, leading to a noticeable improvement in overall quality of life.
FAQ’s
The cost of breast reduction in California varies depending on factors such as the surgical technique, the extent of tissue removal and whether additional procedures are included. Because each woman’s needs are unique, Dr. Kolder will provide a personalized cost estimate during your consultation.
In some cases, insurance may cover the cost of breast reduction if it is considered medically necessary, such as when large breasts cause chronic back, neck or shoulder pain, skin irritation or functional limitations. For more information about your health coverage, call the number listed on the back of your insurance card.
There is no specific breast size required to qualify for a reduction. Candidacy is based on symptoms, anatomy and your personal goals.Â
The amount of tissue removed varies widely and depends on your starting size, anatomy and goals. In general, most women lose anywhere from 2 to 8 pounds with breast reduction. Dr. Kolder will discuss expectations during your consultation.
Yes. Because breast reduction removes excess breast tissue, the procedure naturally includes reshaping and lifting to create a more proportional contour. The nipple and areola are also usually repositioned to match the new breast shape.
As with any surgery, breast reduction carries potential risks, including bleeding, infection, scarring, changes in nipple sensation, delayed wound healing or asymmetry. Dr. Kolder will review all risks with you and explain how they are minimized.
Breast reduction offers long-lasting, often permanent results. However, factors such as weight fluctuations, aging, pregnancy and changes in skin elasticity can affect breast shape over time. Maintaining a stable weight helps to preserve your results for many years.
Dr. Daniel G. Kolder
Board certified plastic surgeon with expert-level artistic precision.
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Dr. Kolder has earned a reputation for excellence by creating results that consistently exceed his patient’s expectations. We are excited to learn about your cosmetic goals and work with you to create a custom treatment plan with your ideal outcome. To get started, reach out to us by phone, or click on the link below to speak with a Pacifica team member and set up your initial consultation today.
Written By: Dr. Daniel G. Kolder
Dr. Daniel G. Kolder is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. As a highly trained plastic surgeon serving Ventura County, he is best-known for his warm, easy manner, compassionate care, and beautiful, natural results.
More about Dr. Daniel G. Kolder | Last Reviewed: January 7th, 2026
