Breast Reduction in Long Beach & Los Alamitos, CA

BREAST REDUCTION IN LOS ALAMITOS, CA | COMFORT, BALANCE & LASTING RELIEF

Serving Los Alamitos, Newport Beach, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Seal Beach, Long Beach, Cypress, Cerritos, Lakewood, Huntington Beach, Irvine & Costa Mesa

1) What Is Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty) removes excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin to create smaller, lighter, better-proportioned breasts. Many women seek this procedure to relieve neck, back, and shoulder pain, bra-strap grooves, rashes beneath the breasts, difficulty exercising, and self-consciousness related to size. At Ocean Plastic Surgery Center, reductions are tailored to provide both functional relief and a beautiful, youthful contour. Our patients visit from Los Alamitos, Rossmoor, Seal Beach, Cypress, Cerritos, Lakewood, Long Beach, Huntington Beach, and across Orange County.

2) Benefits of Breast Reduction

Most patients report immediate relief from physical discomfort, improved posture and mobility, and renewed confidence in clothing and swimwear. Skin irritation under the breasts often resolves, and everyday tasks—from running to sleeping—can feel easier. Because reduction includes a breast lift effect, the final shape usually appears perkier and more proportional.

3) Am I a Good Candidate?

You may be an excellent candidate if large, heavy breasts cause pain, skin irritation, or activity limitations. Ideal candidates are healthy, at a stable weight, and have realistic expectations about size goals and scars. Teens and adults may both be candidates depending on symptoms and development; we’ll review options carefully.

4) Can Breast Reduction Be Covered by Insurance?

Yes—reduction is one of the few plastic surgery procedures that may be covered by insurance when deemed medically necessary. Most insurers require documentation of chronic pain, rashes or infections, bra-strap grooving, failed conservative therapy (support bras, PT, weight loss, medications), and sometimes a minimum tissue removal estimate. We’ll help you determine eligibility and provide the photos and notes needed for preauthorization when appropriate.

5) Techniques We Use

• Vertical (“Lollipop”) Reduction: Incision around the areola and vertically to the crease—ideal for moderatereductions with strong reshaping.
• Anchor / Inverted-T Reduction: Adds a crease incision to address significant excess and skin laxity—our go-to for larger reductions.
• Liposuction-Only Reduction: For select patients with fat-predominant breasts and good skin quality; minimal scarring but less skin tightening or lift.

All methods reposition the nipple/areola to a more youthful height and reshape the breast mound for balance.

6) Incision Patterns & Scars

Incisions are placed around the areola, vertically to the fold, and sometimes along the crease (anchor). We use layered closure, minimize tension, and provide a scar-care plan (silicone therapy, sun precautions; laser/microneedling options) to help scars fade well.

7) The Procedure – Step by Step

After consultation and planning, anesthesia is administered. We create the planned incisions, remove excess tissue and fat, reposition and resize the nipple-areola complex if needed, sculpt the breast mound, and close with fine sutures. Surgery usually takes ~3–4 hours and is outpatient. A supportive bra is placed to protect your new shape.

8) Recovery & Aftercare

Expect soreness and swelling for several days; medication and a surgical bra help. Some patients have small drains for a short time—if used, they’re typically removed in ~1 week. Most desk workers return in ~1 week, light activity resumes by 2–3 weeks, and vigorous exercise usually restarts at ~6 weeks when cleared. Final shape and scar fading evolve over 3–6 months.

9) Risks & Safety

Potential risks include bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing (especially at junctions), sensation changes, asymmetry, and scarring. Rarely, compromised blood supply can affect nipple/areola tissue in very large reductions. With careful pre-op planning, precise technique, and attentive aftercare, complication rates are low.

10) Cost, Coverage & Financing

If your case is medically necessary and approved, insurance may cover part or all of the procedure. If not covered—or if you choose a more cosmetic approach—we’ll provide a detailed fee quote and discuss financing options. Our team will guide you through either pathway so the process is clear.

11) FAQs (Full-Paragraph Answers)

Will insurance cover my breast reduction?
It depends on your plan and documentation. If you have chronic pain, recurrent rashes, or bra-strap grooving and have tried conservative measures without relief, your case may meet criteria. We’ll provide a clinically detailed letter, standardized photos, and expected tissue-removal estimates to submit for preauthorization when appropriate.

How much smaller will my breasts be?
We customize the target size to balance comfort and aesthetics. Some patients want a modest decrease to improve workouts and clothing fit; others want a more dramatic change for pain relief. We’ll review cup-size goals, body frame, and tissue limits so your results feel proportional and natural.

What scars will I have?
Most patients have lollipop or anchor scars. Early on, scars look pink and raised; over months, they flatten and fade. We’ll equip you with silicone therapy, sunscreen guidance, and options like laser or microneedling if you want to optimize the cosmetic outcome.

Can I breastfeed after reduction?
Some women can, but breastfeeding ability may be reduced, particularly when large amounts of glandular tissue must be removed. If future breastfeeding is important to you, let us know so we can discuss technique considerations, timing, and expectations.

How painful is recovery?
Discomfort is usually mild to moderate, described as heaviness or soreness rather than sharp pain. Pain control, a supportive bra, and brief activity restrictions help most patients feel comfortable within 1–2 weeks. We’ll provide a written recovery plan so you know what to expect day-by-day.

How soon can I return to work or exercise?
Many return to desk work in ~1 week. Light walking is encouraged early to support circulation. Avoid heavy lifting and intense cardio until ~4–6 weeks, then resume gradually after clearance. Your plan will be individualized based on healing and job demands.

How long will results last?
Results are long-lasting. However, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and natural aging can change breast size or shape over time. Many patients maintain their outcome for years with good support, stable weight, and healthy habits.

Will my breasts also be lifted?
Yes—reduction includes a lift. Tissue is reshaped, and the nipple/areola are moved to a more youthful height, giving you a lighter, perkier contour along with symptom relief.

Can reduction be combined with other procedures?
Absolutely. Popular combinations include liposuction (bra roll, flanks, back), tummy tuck, or a full mommy makeoverfor comprehensive change with a single recovery period.

Is breast reduction safe?
Yes, when performed in an accredited facility with careful patient selection and experienced surgical and anesthesia teams. We’ll review your health history and tailor your plan to minimize risks and support a smooth, comfortable recovery.

12) Before & After Gallery

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13) Call to Action

If large, heavy breasts are affecting your comfort or lifestyle, a breast reduction in Los Alamitos can be life-changing. Insurance may cover the procedure depending on your plan and documentation.
Call 562-594-5996 or request your consultation online.