All About
Breast Reductions
What is a breast reduction?
A breast reduction is a surgical procedure that removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to reduce the size and weight of the breasts. It helps relieve physical discomfort such as back, neck, and shoulder pain, improves posture, and creates a more balanced, lifted appearance. Many patients also find it easier to exercise, find clothing that fits, and feel more confident after surgery.
Actual Verve Patients
Why get a breast reduction?
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Reduce chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain caused by the weight of large breasts.
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Enjoy more freedom during exercise and daily activities without discomfort or restricted movement.
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Achieve a lifted, more balanced appearance that’s in better harmony with your body.
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Feel more comfortable in your body and enjoy a wider range of clothing options that fit properly and flatter your shape.
View the Gallery
Hear From Our Patients
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[Title screen for Jacqui’s Story – Breast Reduction]
[Jacqui, the Breast Reduction Patient speaking to the camera like an interview]
I developed pain under my arms which ended up being ectopic breast tissue. I saw an oncology surgeon and she reported that the masses were present but they were benign and she referred me to Dr. Gupta to get them removed.
[Patient sitting and chatting with Dr. Gupta in the office]
Meeting with Dr. Gupta for the first time was really pleasant, really easy. It struck me that he came in without a chart or a computer, no distractions and sat down prepared to answer every question I had about the upcoming procedure and really took his time. We discussed also getting a breast reduction in order to prevent any kind of further issues with cancer. I was worried initially about whether I would really like the results,
[Jacqui, the Breast Reduction Patient speaking to the camera like an interview]
and then once I got there I couldn’t be happier.
[Jacqui looking at herself post procedure in the mirror with a satisfied look on her face]
I started out as a Double D and ended up a small to medium B and I absolutely love the results.
[Jacqui, the Breast Reduction Patient speaking to the camera like an interview]
My back feels great. Exercise has become much easier and I look fantastic. I love how I look comparatively.
[Closing title screen with Verve Plastic Surgery logo]
[On-screen text: Call today (760) 436-7600]
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[Title screen for Lucy’s Story – Breast Reduction]
[Lucy, breast reduction patient, talking to the camera like an interview]
I’ve had two breast reductions. This second one was done with Dr. Gupta. The first one was done approximately 20 years ago. Over the last five years, I started developing more and more back problems. Going to the Chiropractor weekly, my adjustments would not stay, only because I was so top-heavy. It was hard to sleep. I only had one sleeping position, which was the side, since I can’t sleep on my back. I suffer from sciatica as well. To do exercise, I needed to wear two bras, one to hold me up and one to hold me in just to do basic exercises and be comfortable and not have overly too much movement.
[Lucy in a consultation appointment with Dr. Gupta]
But once I came to the office and met with Dr. Gupta and the staff, everything changed. He looked at me, reviewed my history with me, what did I want done, what was bothering me and gave me options from there.
[Lucy, breast reduction patient, talking to the camera like an interview]
I started off as a Double G cup and decided to go to a Double D cup. As of today, I am six weeks post-op and things have changed dramatically. Everything from I don’t suffer with the same pains, nor the higherness in my neck and my shoulders and my back. But even more importantly, I like the way I look. I feel more confident. I feel more confident around my husband.
[Lucy coming into Verve for an appointment]
I definitely would recommend Dr. Gupta and his entire team for any procedure that you need done to your body.
[Lucy in a consultation appointment with Dr. Gupta]
I felt very comfortable here. They make you feel like you are a priority. They are there for you before or after the procedure.
[Lucy, breast reduction patient, talking to the camera like an interview]
I am very happy with all of my results and just ecstatic and can’t wait for the next part of life to continue.
[Closing title screen with Verve Plastic Surgery logo]
[On-screen text: Call today (760) 436-7600]
The Procedure
Here’s what you can expect during your breast reduction procedure.
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You will be placed under general anesthesia for your comfort.
Before surgery begins, Dr. Gupta will draw markings on the breasts to outline the tissue to be removed and the new position of the nipple and areola. This is an outpatient procedure, so you will go home the same day.
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An incision of your choice is made.
Excess breast tissue, skin, and fat are removed based on your desired size reduction.
Liposuction of the lateral chest may be added to contour the sides and improve proportions.
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In some cases, Galatea or TIGR mesh is used as an internal bra to support the breast from underneath. This absorbable mesh enhances upper fullness and helps maintain long-term results.
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The nipple and areola are lifted to a higher position, often while remaining attached to preserve sensation.
The remaining breast tissue is reshaped to create a full, round, and lifted contour. Areola size may also be reduced if needed.
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Incisions are closed in multiple internal layers for strong support and better healing.
External incisions are closed carefully to minimize scarring. Sterile dressings are applied, and you will wake up wearing a surgical support bra.
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You’ll rest in recovery before going home with detailed aftercare instructions.
Surgery typically takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on breast size, goals, and whether other procedures are performed.
The Incision
The anchor incision is the most common and effective technique used in breast reduction surgery. It involves three incisions: one around the areola, one vertically down to the breast crease, and one along the natural fold beneath the breast—forming an anchor or inverted-T shape. This approach allows Dr. Gupta to remove the most excess tissue and skin while reshaping and lifting the breast for a more proportionate, youthful result. While it does leave visible scars, they typically fade over time and are carefully placed to be as discreet as possible.
Insurance Covered Breast Reductions
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Breast reduction may be covered by insurance if it’s considered medically necessary—typically when large breasts cause physical issues like chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain, rashes, or difficulty exercising. During your consultation, Dr. Gupta will assess your symptoms and determine if your case qualifies for insurance review.
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One of the biggest factors is your height and weight, which are used to calculate your body surface area (BSA)—a key part of determining your Schnur score. This score helps estimate how much breast tissue must be removed from each breast for the procedure to qualify as medically necessary.
If your breasts are large in size but relatively light in weight, you may not meet the minimum tissue removal requirement—which means your surgery might not be approved for insurance coverage, even if you're experiencing discomfort. Dr. Gupta will take detailed measurements during your consultation to determine your eligibility.
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The Schnur Sliding Scale (SCHNUR score) is a chart insurance companies use to compare your body surface area (BSA) with the estimated weight of breast tissue to be removed. If your numbers meet or exceed the chart’s threshold, your surgery is more likely to be considered medically necessary. Dr. Gupta will calculate this for you during your consultation.
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When your breast reduction is covered by insurance, Dr. Gupta must remove a minimum amount of tissue based on insurance guidelines, which can limit how much control you have over your final breast size and shape. If you choose to pay out-of-pocket, you have more flexibility—allowing Dr. Gupta to tailor the procedure to your aesthetic goals. This means you can help decide how much breast tissue is removed and what size you'd like to achieve, rather than being restricted by insurance requirements.
Add on an Internal Bra!
Support That Lasts. Confidence That Shows.
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Think of it as an internal sports bra—a hidden support system placed inside your body to help lift, shape, and hold your breasts in place long after surgery. At Verve Plastic Surgery, Dr. Gupta uses advanced mesh materials like Galatea and TIGR to create a secure internal framework that becomes part of your natural anatomy over time. It’s a game-changer for long-lasting, sculpted results.
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During your procedure, Dr. Gupta places a soft, flexible mesh inside the breast to act as internal scaffolding. This mesh reinforces the tissue and helps prevent issues like sagging or implant shifting.
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An internal bra can make a breast reduction more durable by helping the newly shaped breasts stay lifted and supported over time. After removing excess tissue and reshaping the breast, the remaining skin and tissue can sometimes stretch—especially in patients with heavier breasts or weaker skin quality. The internal bra adds hidden support from within, reducing the chances of future sagging, preserving upper pole fullness, and maintaining your surgical results longer. It’s a smart addition for patients who want lasting lift and shape with fewer chances of needing a revision later on.
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Acts like an internal sports bra
Prevents sagging and implant displacement
Enhances cleavage, shape, and lift
Long-term support and stability
Seamlessly integrates with your own tissue
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No! Internal bras are not one size fits all. The type, size, and placement of the mesh are carefully customized by Dr. Gupta based on your anatomy, surgical goals, and level of support needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Some patients may experience temporary or permanent changes in nipple sensation after surgery. In most cases, sensation returns over time, but results can vary depending on the extent of the reduction and individual healing.
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Breastfeeding may still be possible, but it depends on the surgical technique used and how much tissue is removed. While Dr. Gupta aims to preserve milk ducts whenever possible, some patients may experience reduced ability to breastfeed. It is ideal if you finish your childbearing years before considering breast reduction if breast feeding is important to you.
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Yes. Surgical drains will be required to prevent excess fluid accumulation in your newly shaped breasts.
They typically stay in place 5-10 days depending on the volume of fluid output.
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As with any surgery, risks may include infection, bleeding, changes in nipple sensation, delayed wound healing, asymmetry, or scarring. Dr. Gupta takes every precaution to minimize these risks and ensure safe, beautiful results.
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Please refer to the Insurance section on this page for more details about coverage, documentation, and qualification requirements.
Enhance Your Breast Reduction!
These are additional procedures we highly recommend combining with a breast reduction to achieve a more complete transformation. Pairing treatments can enhance your overall results and create better balance and harmony throughout the body.
Lateral Chest Wall Liposuction
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Lateral chest wall liposuction targets excess fat along the sides of the chest, just beneath the armpit and along the outer breast or bra line area. This procedure helps smooth bulges, enhance the contour of the upper body, and create a more defined, sculpted transition between the breast and torso. It's often combined with breast or body procedures for a more seamless, balanced result.
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Adding lateral chest wall liposuction to your breast lift helps create a smoother, more sculpted contour along the sides of your chest and upper torso. It removes excess fat in the bra line or underarm area that can distract from your results, allowing for a cleaner silhouette and better definition. This combination enhances the overall outcome of your breast lift by improving shape, balance, and symmetry from every angle.
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A back lift, or torsoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper and/or lower back to create a smoother, more toned contour. It’s especially beneficial for patients who have lost significant weight and are left with sagging or rolled skin along the back and flanks. The procedure helps restore a firmer, more balanced silhouette and enhances overall body proportions.
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Adding a back lift to your body contouring plan improves the overall shape and definition of your torso by tightening loose skin and eliminating unwanted rolls or folds. This helps achieve a more streamlined, youthful appearance and complements other procedures like tummy tucks or breast lifts for a comprehensive transformation.
Back Lift
Procedure Video
Sign up for the Verve Standard Membership to access all pre-op and post-op instructions, recovery videos, and helpful tips and tricks—everything you need for the smoothest possible surgery experience.
Schedule Your Breast Reduction Consult!
info@verveplasticsurgery.com
(760) 436-7600
700 Garden View Ct STE 208
Encinitas, CA 92024