Breast reduction surgery, or reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure which reduces the size of larger breasts.  The surgery involves the removal of excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin in order to reduce the breasts to a size which better fits the proportions of a woman’s body.  The most common cause for women to have a reduction mammaplasty is the need to decrease physical discomfort or pain, caused by the weight of larger or overdeveloped breasts.

There are other causes for a women to seek out breast reduction; both physical and appearance-based.  You might be a good candidate for reduction mammaplasty if:

  • Your breasts that are too large in proportion to the rest of your body
  • Your breasts are heavy, and the areolas point downward
  • one breast larger than the other
  • You have pain in your back, shoulders or neck caused by the weight of your breasts
  • You have skin irritation beneath your breasts
  • Your bra straps are tight, and leave indentations on your shoulders
  • Your physical activity is restricted due to the size of your breasts
  • You feel self-conscious about the size or appearance of your breasts

Breast reduction can be performed for women of all ages, but it is typically recommended that women wait until their breasts are fully developed before deciding to have this surgery.  It is recommended that you make your physician aware if you expect to have a child, and need to breast feed in the future.

If you think you might be a candidate for this surgery you should seek a plastic surgeon’s opinion.  They will then examine your breasts by measuring them, and possibly taking photographs for your record.  Factors such as size and shape of your breasts, type of skin tissue, and placement of the nipples will be considered in the surgeon’s evaluation.