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Breast Reduction*

41 Procedures ( View All )

5 Breast Procedures

Breast Reduction Surgery in La Jolla and San Diego

Large, heavy breasts can affect comfort, posture, clothing fit, exercise, and confidence. For many women, breast reduction surgery is not only cosmetic; it can also relieve chronic shoulder, neck, and back pain caused by excess breast tissue. At Shumway Cosmetic Surgery in San Diego, CA, Dr. Robert A. Shumway offers breast reduction for patients who want smaller, lighter, more proportionate breasts and a more comfortable daily life.
  • Reduce shoulder, neck, and back pain or strain
  • Improve body balance and movement
  • Make exercise and daily activity more comfortable
  • Improve clothing fit and body proportion
  • Support a more confident body image
During breast reduction, excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin are removed, and the breasts are reshaped to better match the patient’s frame. The nipples and areolas are repositioned for a natural-looking result, and a breast lift is often incorporated to improve contour. If you are considering breast reduction in La Jolla or San Diego, a consultation with Dr. Shumway can help you understand your options, expected recovery, and whether the procedure fits your goals.
Dr. Shumway

Meet Dr. Shumway

San Diego board-certified facial plastic and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Robert A. Shumway is the Medical Director of Shumway Cosmetic Surgery. With over 20 years of experience, he offers advanced face, breast, body, and skin procedures tailored to each patient’s goals. He is especially known for his expertise in transumbilical breast augmentation (TUBA), a scar-free implant technique performed through the navel, and was the first to bring it to Europe in 2018.

Meet Dr. Shumway

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Breast Reduction Procedure?

Good candidates are often bothered by breasts that feel too large for their frame or interfere with everyday comfort. Breast reduction may be appropriate if heavy, overly large breasts contribute to poor posture issues, painful bra strap grooves, chronic pain in the neck or back, unwanted attention, or difficulty exercising comfortably.

  • Pull down posture or feel physically heavy
  • Cause neck, shoulder, or back discomfort
  • Create deep bra strap marks
  • Make exercise uncomfortable
  • Feel out of proportion with the rest of the body
The best way to determine breast reduction candidacy is to meet with Dr. Shumway. He can evaluate your breast size, tissue quality, physical symptoms, medical history, and desired outcome, then explain the appropriate surgical techniques, including breast reduction, a breast lift, liposuction, or a combined plan, may be most appropriate.

How Is Breast Reduction Surgery Performed?

Breast reduction is performed with anesthesia for comfort. Dr. Shumway removes excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin, then reshapes the breast mound and repositions the nipple and areola. Liposuction may be used in select cases to refine the side breast or bra-line area. Incisions vary based on breast size, skin quality, and the amount of reduction needed. After breast reduction surgery, the incisions are closed with layered sutures and dressings are applied. Scars are permanent but are typically placed where they can be concealed by bras and swimwear, and they usually fade with time and proper scar care.

What Should Patients Know about Limitations and Risks??

Breast reduction can significantly improve size, shape, and comfort, but it cannot create perfect symmetry or prevent future changes from aging, gravity, pregnancy, or weight fluctuation. Potential complications and risks include bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing, scarring, changes in nipple sensation, difficulty breastfeeding, or the need for revision. Dr. Shumway reviews these considerations during breast reduction consultation so that patients can make informed decisions.

How Do I Schedule a Breast Reduction Consultation?

To take the next step, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Shumway. This visit gives you time to discuss physical symptoms, goals, medical history, recovery expectations, and whether breast reduction or other surgical techniques are the best option for your needs.

What Is Recovery Like after Breast Reduction?

Most patients need time away from work and strenuous activity after breast reduction. Dr. Shumway provides instructions for incision care, medication, sleeping position, bathing, activity restrictions, and follow-up visits. Patients are commonly advised to rest during the first several days, avoid heavy lifting for at least 4 weeks, and wear a supportive surgical or compression bra for 2 months or as directed. Swelling, bruising, tightness, and temporary soreness are normal early in recovery from breast reduction surgery. Light walking may begin soon, while more demanding exercise and upper-body activity are added gradually after clearance. Many desk-job patients return to work within 7 to 10 days, though each recovery timeline depends on the procedure and the patient’s healing response.

How Long Do Breast Reduction Results Last?

Breast reduction results that alleviate pain and boost body image are long-lasting for many patients. The breasts will still respond to aging, gravity, hormonal changes, and weight changes, so maintaining a stable weight and wearing supportive bras can help preserve the outcome. Pregnancy or major weight fluctuation may affect breast shape and size over time.