Breast augmentation is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures. But not every woman wants to have larger breasts. In addition, many people with very large breasts suffer physical and emotional pain from having a large chest.

Women with large breasts, especially when they droop, have physical and mental health problems, including back pain, shoulder pain, and low self-esteem.

Breast reduction surgery is an effective way for women with large breasts to reduce pain and inconvenience related to their physique.

Breast Reduction Surgery Overview

Breast reduction surgery, also called reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure with anesthesia that reduces the size of your breasts by taking out extra fat, skin, and excess breast tissue.

The procedure is similar to a breast lift procedure, and the surgeon may also use liposuction to remove extra fat.

The most popular method uses the ‘lollipop incision’ with a vertical incision down the breast and a circular incision around the nipple. If the surgeon uses this technique, no incision is needed on the bottom of the breast, which reduces scarring.

The lollipop incision is effective for a patient who needs a moderate breast reduction. However, if you need more tissue removed, another incision may be required.

Symptoms Of Needing Breast Reduction Surgery

Women have reduction mammaplasty for many reasons to address various physical and emotional issues. If you have any of the symptoms below, talk to your plastic surgeon about breast reduction:

Regular back neck and shoulder pain that requires you to take pain medication regularly
Marks or grooves in the shoulders from bra straps
Nerve pain in the neck, arms, or shoulders
Poor self-confidence because of large breasts
Needing to buy larger clothing because of breast size
Skin irritation and rashes under the breasts
Poor posture from the weight of your breasts
Trouble sleeping because of discomfort from the breasts
One breast is bigger than the other
Breasts tissue that sags because of weight

Women with large breasts may experience several of these symptoms. Depending on your symptoms, your health insurance company may cover the cost of the procedure. Talk to your surgeon to determine if reduction mammaplasty is medically necessary so insurance will pay for it.

Benefits Of Breast Reduction Surgery

The weight of a large chest can make it difficult for women to live a normal life. Regular activities such as working out, sitting up straight, and even sleeping can be difficult. Large breasts also may draw unwanted attention.

Breast reduction surgery eliminates the physical pain that large breasts cause, including neck pain, shoulder pain, and back pain. You also will be able to work out freely without worrying about discomfort from large breasts.

Breast reduction surgery allows patients to feel much more confident about how they look and wear attractive clothing in public. This surge in self-confidence is a significant benefit of the procedure.

Plus, there are several cosmetic benefits to breast reduction surgery:

The breasts are firmer and lifted, making you look younger
A more proportionate and balanced figure
Stretched nipples and areolas can be reduced, making the breasts more attractive
Easier to find comfortable clothing and bra straps

Most patients are thrilled with their results as their bodies are more proportionate, and the physical and emotional discomfort is gone.

Recovery From Breast Reduction Surgery

The recovery after your breast reduction procedure varies on the method the surgeon uses. For example, many patients have a lollipop incision, which is advantageous because of a shorter recovery.

If the surgeon uses the lollipop incision, you probably don’t need drains, which reduces pain, swelling, and bruising.

Recovery, when this incision is used, usually allows patients to go back to work in five to seven days after surgery. Breast reduction scars will be noticeable at first on the breast but will fade considerably after six months to a year.

If you need a more significant breast reduction, the surgeon may use an ‘anchor’ incision that requires drains in the armpits. Drains allow extra blood and fluid to be removed from the body.

In the first week after surgery, your breasts will be swollen, bruised, and tender, but these symptoms are normal. You should not engage in heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for three or four weeks.

It can take three or four months to recover from breast reduction surgery fully, but the results are worth it.

Ideal Candidates For Breast Reduction Surgery

The ideal candidate for breast reduction surgery is a woman with physical and emotional discomfort from overly large breasts who wants to solve the problem immediately.

This procedure can be done at any age, but teens who have breast reduction may need follow-up surgery later.

Women who want to have children should think about waiting on breast reduction surgery until they are finished having children. Also, breast reduction can affect your ability to breastfeed.

It’s essential to be close to your ideal weight before having the procedure. If you still need to lose more than 10 or 15 pounds, it’s best to delay the surgery and stick to a healthy diet and exercise program.

This is because losing a significant amount of weight can change the shape and size of the breasts.

If you smoke, you will need to stop a month before and after the surgery. You also should be in good health with no significant medical problems, such as heart disease or diabetes.

Breast reduction procedure can literally be a huge weight lifted from your shoulders and reduce back pain. But, with smaller breasts, you can exercise easier, wear clothes that fit, and feel a surge of self-confidence with a more proportionate body shape.

Questions and Answers

How big do your breasts need to be to get a reduction?

The suitability to undergo breast reduction varies individually. Board Certified Plastic Surgeons often advise candidates to have at least a C cup breast size or larger based on body proportions.

What hurts when you need a breast reduction?

Suffering from back, neck and shoulder pain due to the heaviness of your big breasts.

Is it OK to go braless after breast reduction?

It’s advisable to refrain not wearing bras until six weeks post surgery. Dr. Steinberg mandates continuous compression bra wear, except during bathing, to support healing.

Request a Breast Reduction Consultation

Interested in breast surgery? Please set up a consultation with Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ashley Steinberg today. She’ll talk to you about the benefits and risks of breast reduction to determine if it’s a good fit for your needs.

References

Breast Reduction Surgery. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/breast-reduction-surgery/about/pac-20385246

Breast Reduction Overview. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.uptodate.com/contents/overview-of-breast-reduction