Breast Reduction Changes Women's Lives

By Susan K Buenaventura, MS, MD

The Sendi Center for Cosmetic Surgery

More Women's Health & Beauty Articles

Breast Reduction Changes Women's Lives

Large heavy breasts cause chronic neck, back and shoulder strain for many women as well as difficulty exercising and getting clothing to fit properly. Women usually have deep shoulder grooves from the tension on the bra straps, and sometimes rashes under the breasts along with chronic pain. This condition is called symptomatic macromastia.

Reducing the size of the breasts alleviates the associated neck and shoulder strain as well as upper back pain. Breast reduction also results in a lifting of the breasts and allows women to wear bras and clothing more comfortably.

It is one of the highest patient satisfaction surgical procedures offered in plastic surgery. Aside from the medical benefits of breast reduction, it boosts patient's self-esteem and makes it easier to exercise and wear normal clothing.

Breast reduction removes excess skin and excess breast tissue from the body. If your breasts are uneven, the surgery can also create more symmetric breasts. Surgery is performed under general anesthesia, usually as an outpatient and takes about four to five hours. Patients undergo a mammogram prior to surgery, and all breast tissue that is removed is sent to the pathologist for evaluation.

The nipple areolar complex stays attached to the breast during the surgery so that feeling in the nipple is maintained. Scars are in a “lollipop” shape, sometimes with a horizontal scar in the breast fold and are fairly well hidden in the contour of the breast. Breasts size can usually be reduced to about half their previous size. The patient awakes with some soft padding and a gentle wrap or surgical bra to add support and minimize swelling.

After surgery, pain is usually fairly minimal and the patient takes oral pain medication and antibiotics. It is important to take it easy the first couple of weeks. Patients can begin exercising about a month after the surgery. A new mammogram is generally recommended about six months after the surgery to serve as the new baseline for the future.

While most plastic surgeons consider breast reduction a medically necessary procedure rather than a cosmetic one, insurance companies do not always cover it. It can be very affordable without insurance coverage. If you are suffering from large, heavy breasts and neck/back and shoulder strain, seek consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.