It’s surprising how many people find the idea of a breast reduction so bizarre. One of the main reasons for this is because of the media’s consistent portrayal of celebrities who “go under the knife” to receive breast implants. The media wants us to believe that increased breast size is the best way to go. However, a lot of women already have large breasts that they are not satisfied with for a variety of reasons. Your plastic surgeon will give you a quick list of the 3 top reasons as to why a breast reduction procedure is actually one of the best decisions you’ll make.

1. Health Benefits

Simply put, the health benefits should be the main reason why any woman opts for this procedure. There are many various pains that are associated with having to bear unnecessary weight on your chest.

Back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, and even headaches – when it begins to become overwhelming, annoying, or extreme, then you may want to seriously consider the procedure. It’s the one thing that many patients feel relief from after receiving a breast reduction procedure.

2. Insecurities

Deep inside, most women are very insecure of their breasts. This develops when they begin to question why they have such large breasts or when they begin noticing unwanted attention from strangers.

Some women cannot stand the thought of stepping inside of a gym either, or even for a walk outside because they do not want to deal with the attention they receive from bearing such large breasts.

Recently in the news, a celebrity in the United Kingdom just recently underwent a breast reduction procedure because she was insecure about her breasts. Part of the reason she became so popular was because of her breasts. Yes, she may have enjoyed the attention, but deep inside she revealed she was insecure about them.

3. Confidence

When patients realize they have made the right choice, they begin to feel comfortable with themselves again. This results in a dramatic confidence boost, as well as a boost to self-esteem. They no longer face the nagging pains, the awkward stares, the thought of feeling trapped inside of their bodies.

Women want to be comfortable and confident, and this reason alone is compelling enough for many women to begin the search for a reputable breast reduction surgeon.

Are you a good candidate? Find out.

Patients that are young often scrutinize their bodies, looking for abnormalities. The minute they see something that appears to be “off” is when they begin trying to figure out exactly what is wrong and how it can be fixed.

On other the hand, those who are growing older in age begin to see changes to their body that they are unhappy with or causing them unbearable pain, often times wondering if they are able to correct it given their age. These patients often ask: am I too young or old? Is there even a minimum or maximum age for breast reduction

For the Young Seeking Breast Reduction

No, there is no minimum age for breast reduction. Minors may undergo a breast reduction with approval from their parents. Age is not necessarily a large issue, but typically it’s best to wait until you are bit older – giving you time to understand your body and because your body is still in its development stage.

However, an alarming issue is that arises is that breasts may continue to grow after the procedure is performed, which would require another breast reduction. This is why it’s best to wait until a doctor believes your breasts have been fully developed. It depends on each individual, but typically women are fully developed by the age of 18, but may still have their breasts growing into their twenties.

The main concern here is: are you experiencing extreme pain with your breasts? If you are, then a breast reduction would be highly recommended. A reasonable candidate for surgery is a woman who is fully developed and mature enough to fully understand the procedure and its tradeoffs.

For the Old Seeking Breast Reduction

No, there is no maximum age for breast reduction surgery. The main cause of concern with older patients is whether or not the patient’s body is healthy enough to support a breast reduction procedure. Typically, as long as a patient is in good health, then a surgeon will agree to perform the procedure. Your surgeon or primary care physician will determine if you are in “good health” for the procedure.

Consult with a Board-Certified Professional

No matter how much information you manage to find online or through other sources such as family and friends, if your large breasts are truly a concern for you, then you should always seek out a professional’s opinion. They will be able to provide you with an insightful answer that’s based on a thorough in-person evaluation, as well as inform you of any complications or risks that may arise.

Can breast reduction surgery improve my health?

Breast reduction surgery is one of the most common breast procedures performed. Studies have been performed showing improved health in women who made the decision to undergo the procedure. In short, the health benefits of breast reduction can improve the quality of your life.

The Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery published a study showing a “significant improvement in breast appearance, psychosocial well-being, sexual well-being, and physical well-being.” The study goes on to mention that overall satisfaction is correlated with the satisfaction of breast appearance. What does this mean? This means that patients seeking a breast reduction should seek out a plastic and reconstructive surgeon that is experienced, board-certified, and understanding of a patient’s concerns.

Cosmetic reasons are one thing, but the emotional and physical impact that occurs with a breast reduction surgery is the main reason patients opt for the procedure. It’s a mental and physical enhancement that will help you restore confidence in yourself. Restored confidence goes a long way in improving your health.

The health benefits of breast reduction are not just psychological, but physical as well. Many patients report liberation from the back pains, shoulder pains from bra straps, neck pains, headaches, and other pins associated with the discomfort of heavy breasts.

An important factor that aids in improved health from a breast reduction is the fact that you will be more inclined to stay physical. The mental challenge of visiting a gym in fear of your own breasts can take a toll on you both mentally and physically. Restoring that confidence within you is the best motivation you’ll receive.

So, can breast reduction surgery improve your health? We’re inclined to say that yes, breast reduction can and will improve your health in ways that you will not come to expect.

Are you thinking of getting a breast reduction, but are unsure? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many of my patients often have concerns regarding the procedure and its efficacy. Here are some common breast reduction concerns I have encountered as an experienced plastic and reconstructive surgeon:

I’m afraid I may lose sensation of my nipples.

You shouldn’t be because the technique I use ensures that nipple sensation will stay intact. There’s a chance that you will have some sensation lost, but this is only temporary and is restored when the healing process is completed.

Will I be able to breastfeed after breast reduction surgery?

Yes, breastfeeding is still possible after the procedure. Generally, you are able to produce more milk the more time it’s been since your surgery, as your body needs time to heal.

What risks or complications are there from having breast reduction surgery?

Risks and complications are very rare, especially because of the precision used in the procedure. Risks and complications include minor bleeding, scarring, infection, and general pain in the area. Antibiotics are used to fight off infection and painkillers are prescribed to fend off unwanted pain.

Does my insurance cover the procedure?

You may have to call your insurance company to find out but typically insurance companies do not provide coverage as they feel large breasts can be treated with weight loss. However, you could follow our process of meeting breast reduction criteria as well as read more on breast reduction insurance.

This is a great question because many patients will often look to alternatives before considering a breast reduction procedure. Surgery is generally a last resort for most as it generally gives patients a level of anxiety that they are not comfortable with.

Can Exercise Reduce Breast Size?

First, you should understand what breasts are physically comprised of. Every woman’s breasts contain blood vessels, milk ducts, lymph nodes, lobes, lobules, and of course, fat.

With this in mind, it makes sense that burning calories would result in trimming fat from your breasts. As such, that’s exactly what happens: your breast fat will reduce with exercise, but don’t expect it to decrease dramatically. Most people are unable to achieve dramatic results because the average American does not perform the level of exercise required to make a significant difference in breast size.

Other factors play a role too. Genetics is always a huge factor is a variety of cases. This means that if your parents had large breasts, then you will most likely also have large breasts, despite vigorous workouts to reduce size.

Don’t Just Perform Cardio

Many women find that instead of just burning calories to burn fat, it’s also better to incorporate strength-training exercises to help tone the definition of your breasts. Exercises such as push-ups and other chest exercises can provide results, while also burning calories at the same time and improving the health of other organs in your body.

Works Both Ways

Just as exercise may reduce breast size, gaining weight could increase size. It’s important to incorporate exercise into your routine at least a few times a week to make sure you maintain a healthy, comfortable weight.

So Why Do People Choose Surgery?

Surgery is often the best choice when a woman’s breasts interfere with their daily routine and/or affects the quality of their life. Also, when exercise does not seem to make a difference, then women may turn to breast surgery to get the desired results they seek.

When it comes to ‘boob jobs’, the first thought that comes to many people’s minds are breast enhancements. Breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, procedures are gaining popularity in both female and male, for aesthetic and non-aesthetic reasons. During a breast reduction, a plastic surgeon removes some of the skin and tissue from breasts to reshape and reduce the size of the breast.

Celebrity gossip outlets are touting news about breast reductions in celebrities such as Victoria Beckham. According to statistics released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2012 approximately 42,022 aesthetic breast reduction procedures were performed, while 20,723 men underwent breast reduction or gynecomastia, an increase of 5% from 2011. So why is this procedure gaining popularity? According to the Mayo Clinic, the procedure is commonly done to resolve issues such as:

• Sagging breasts or stretched skin – Large breasts can stretch the skin and sag, causing the breasts to have stretch marks.
• Back, neck and shoulder pain – The weight of large breast can cause shoulder to hunch forward, therefore causing strain on the upper back, neck and shoulders.
• Rash or skin irritation under breasts – The rubbing of heavy breasts against the skin can cause irritation.
• Poor posture – This is caused by the weight of the breasts pulling on the shoulders, causing one to hunch over.
• Restricted activity – Often times, large breasts can cause people to be restricted from running or performing other cardio activities.
• Difficulty fitting into clothing
• Low self-esteem and embarrassment – Large breasts can often draw unwanted attention or can cause the body to look disproportionate.

Breast reduction surgery can help resolve these issues. After recovery, patients find that any upper back pain has been relived and they are able to participate in physical activities that they had previously felt restricted from performing. Breasts feel firmer, more evenly proportioned, and lighter, relieving physical discomfort or pain caused by large breasts. Overall self-esteem and self-confidence of patients often increase over the recovery time, as swelling and bruising dissipate. While the results of a breast reduction can be long-lasting, breasts can age over time due to weight change, hormones, and gravity.

Prior to undergoing surgery, it’s important to consult with your plastic surgeon about any questions or concerns you may have. Interested in finding out more about a breast reduction? Call our offices to schedule a consultation with our double board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Daniel Golshani.