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Cosmetic Surgery · San Diego, California

Breast Reduction in San Diego

Surgery that removes breast tissue, fat, and skin to reduce size and relieve the neck, back, and shoulder pain that large breasts cause, and one of the few cosmetic operations insurance sometimes covers. Compare San Diego clinics below and request a free consultation.

Typical cost in San Diego

$8,000–$15,000

per procedure · USD

A general range for San Diego, rounded for guidance. Confirm exact pricing with each clinic.

Surgeon directory

Breast Reduction surgeons in San Diego

Plastic surgeons in San Diego who list breast reduction among their procedures. Tap any surgeon to view details and request a consultation.

La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre in San Diego

La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre

San Diego

4.9 (678) · Google

La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre is a plastic surgery practice in San Diego, California, rated 4.9 stars across 678 Google reviews, performing 27 tracked procedures.

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Belladerma Cosmetic Surgery & Skin Care Center in San Diego

Belladerma Cosmetic Surgery & Skin Care Center

San Diego

4.9 (323) · Google

Financing available

Belladerma Cosmetic Surgery & Skin Care Center is a plastic surgery practice in San Diego, California, rated 4.9 stars across 323 Google reviews, performing 23 tracked procedures.

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Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa in San Diego

Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa

San Diego

4.9 (264) · Google

Financing available

Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa is a plastic surgery practice in San Diego, California, rated 4.9 stars across 264 Google reviews, performing 22 tracked procedures.

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Charlie Chen, M.D. in San Diego

Charlie Chen, M.D.

San Diego

5.0 (140) · Google

Financing available

Charlie Chen, M.D. is a plastic surgery practice in San Diego, California, rated 5 stars across 140 Google reviews, performing 19 tracked procedures.

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Robert Kearney, MD, FACS in San Diego

Robert Kearney, MD, FACS

San Diego

5.0 (65) · Google

Financing available

Robert Kearney, MD, FACS is a plastic surgery practice in San Diego, California, rated 5 stars across 65 Google reviews, performing 15 tracked procedures.

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Dr. Jordan Kaplan in San Diego

Dr. Jordan Kaplan

San Diego

5.0 (60) · Google

Financing available

Dr. Jordan Kaplan is a plastic surgery practice in San Diego, California, rated 5 stars across 60 Google reviews, performing 22 tracked procedures.

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See all 32 plastic surgeons in San Diego →

About Breast Reduction

Surgery that removes breast tissue, fat, and skin to reduce size and relieve the neck, back, and shoulder pain that large breasts cause, and one of the few cosmetic operations insurance sometimes covers.

Sessions

One procedure, results are long lasting at stable weight

Downtime

1 to 2 weeks off work, 6 weeks before full exercise

Good candidate

People with physical symptoms from breast size including back and neck pain, shoulder grooving from bra straps, rashes beneath the breasts, or difficulty exercising

  • Relieves chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain in most patients
  • Consistently among the highest patient satisfaction rates in all of surgery
  • Often partially or fully covered by insurance when criteria are met
  • Makes exercise and clothing dramatically easier
Read the full Breast Reduction guide →
At a glance

Breast Reduction in San Diego: the numbers

19 plastic surgery practices in the San Diego area list breast reduction. From Google Places listings; hours and locations change, so confirm with the practice.

  • Together the 19 with Google reviews hold 3,403 reviews at an average rating of 4.8; 11 have 100 or more.
  • Where they are: San Diego (15), La Jolla (2), Del Mar (1), La Mesa (1).
From their own websites

What San Diego breast reduction practices state about themselves

What 15 San Diego practices that list breast reduction say on their own websites (checked September 2026); one that does not mention something may still offer it, so ask at your consultation.

  • 8 of 15 state certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
  • Other boards named: American Board of Surgery (1)
  • 3 of 15 state they are Fellows of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)
  • 1 of 15 state an accredited surgical facility
  • 2 of 15 state a free consultation
  • 1 of 15 mention financing
  • Languages practices say they speak: Mandarin (1), Spanish (1)
  • 7 of 15 show before-and-after photos on their site

In their words

Changes Plastic Surgery & SpaIdeal breast reduction candidates are healthy, non-smoking individuals who are at a stable weight and are experiencing physical pain or emotional distress due to large, heavy breasts.
Charlie Chen, M.D.Breast reduction surgery takes anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. Dr. Chen will remove excess tissue in the breast and move the nipple and areola to a higher location.
Robert Kearney, MD, FACSBreast reduction may be considered once breast development has stabilized and the patient is mature enough to understand the procedure and recovery process.
Golden Triangle Facial Plastic SurgeryScars with breast reduction are minimal and fade over time. Typically, there will be a scar around the areola, a vertical scar from the areola to the breast crease, and a scar along the breast crease.
Gupta Plastic SurgeryThe day of the surgery, Dr. Gupta will perform your breast reduction under general anesthesia.
Show 10 more statements →
Changes Plastic Surgery & SpaBreast reductions are typically considered cosmetic procedures, but may be covered by insurance if performed for documented medical reasons.
Charlie Chen, M.D.A breast reduction is performed under general anesthesia and is an outpatient procedure.
Robert Kearney, MD, FACSBreastfeeding may be possible after breast reduction, but the procedure can affect milk production. Patients who plan to become pregnant soon may choose to wait because pregnancy can change breast size, shape, and surgical results.
Golden Triangle Facial Plastic SurgeryPain after breast reduction is minimal and can be managed with prescribed pain medication. You may be instructed to wear a compression bra, which will also help decrease pain and swelling.
Coastal Plastic SurgeonsBreast reduction (reduction mammoplasty) is an outpatient surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia at our accredited San Diego surgical center. The surgery typically takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the volume of tissue removed and the complexity of the case.
Dr. Jordan KaplanBreast reduction reduces the size of the breasts and raises their position by removing excess skin.Breast reduction surgery typically begins with marking your skin and making incisions to remove the excess fat and/or glandular tissue
Ranch & Coast Plastic Surgery | Dr. Paul ChasanFor breast reduction patients who desire smaller breasts and superior fullness (rounder breasts), reductive augmentation will provide the best results.A lift and nipple reduction are often part of breast reduction surgery, and you can even opt for breast implants to preserve the shape and perkiness of your breasts.
Evolve Aesthetic SurgeryA very modest breast reduction may be achieved with liposuction alone. This procedure will only correct minimal volume excess, but fails to lift the breast.
FAQ

Breast Reduction in San Diego: common questions

How much does Breast Reduction cost in San Diego?

Breast Reduction generally runs $8,000–$15,000 per procedure, and each San Diego clinic sets its own price. The biggest variables are the provider's experience level and the specific device or product used. Newer technology and senior injectors price at the upper end. Pricing is quoted in US dollars (USD). Request a consultation from any of our listed San Diego clinics for a personalized quote.

How long do Breast Reduction results last?

Results vary by patient, but most San Diego providers report 6–18 months of sustained benefit from a full Breast Reduction series.

Can I wear makeup after Breast Reduction?

Most patients wait 24 hours before applying makeup to avoid irritation on freshly-treated skin.

Will insurance cover my breast reduction?

Often, and more often than patients expect, but carriers set specific criteria. Typically they want documented symptoms such as back, neck, or shoulder pain, evidence you have tried conservative measures like physical therapy or supportive garments, and sometimes a minimum amount of tissue to be removed based on your height and weight. Photographs are usually required. Start the process early because approval can take weeks, and ask the surgeon's office whether they handle the pre-authorization, since experienced offices do this routinely.

How much smaller will I be?

Surgeons discuss this in grams removed rather than cup sizes, because cup sizing is not standardized across brands. Most patients go down two to three cup sizes. The goal is proportion to your frame rather than a specific letter, and the surgeon also balances how much tissue insurance may require removed against what looks right for your body. Bring photos of the outcome you have in mind.

What is the satisfaction rate really like?

Breast reduction consistently records among the highest satisfaction rates of any surgical procedure, cosmetic or otherwise, in published outcome studies. The reason is that it solves a functional problem and a cosmetic one simultaneously. Patients frequently describe the relief from physical symptoms as more significant than the change in appearance.

Will I be able to breastfeed afterward?

Some patients can and some cannot, and it is difficult to predict individually. Reduction removes glandular tissue and repositions the nipple, both of which can affect milk production and duct continuity. If you plan to breastfeed in future, discuss it explicitly, because certain techniques preserve more of the ductal system, and some patients choose to delay surgery until after childbearing.

What about the scars?

Most reductions use either a vertical lollipop pattern or an anchor pattern including a scar along the fold. They are permanent. Patients in this operation are, in general, notably accepting of scars because the symptom relief is so significant, but you should see photographs of typical scar outcomes at consultation so nothing surprises you afterward.

Request a free Breast Reduction consult