Women with large, heavy breasts experience a variety of medical problems from the excess weight and droopy nature of the breasts. Symptoms include back and neck pain, skin moisture or irritation, skeletal deformities, and breathing problems. Bra straps may leave indentations. Young women can feel very self-conscious and many women relate problems with exercise and activity.
Breast reduction surgery removes fat, breast tissue, and skin from the breasts. This makes the breast smaller, lighter, and firmer. Breast reduction surgery also repositions the breast tissue and nipple at a more attractive and youthful position on the chest. It also reduces the size of the areola, which is the darker skin surrounding the nipple. The goals are to give smaller, better-shaped breasts which are in better proportion with the rest of a woman’s body and to relieve medical symptoms.
Most patients experience moderate discomfort for the first 1 to 2 days which is relieved with prescription medications. Most women are back to most activities within 7 to 10 days with only “achy” discomfort. Most return to work in about 2 weeks, depending on their job requirements. Most women are back to full, unrestricted activity within 4 to 6 weeks.
Smaller, better shaped breasts in proportion to the rest of the body are the usual outcome. Most women experience a dramatic and immediate reduction in physical symptoms, an improved ability to exercise and participate in physical activity, and an improvement in self-confidence and self-esteem.
All surgery carries some risk. Breast reduction surgery is very common and very safe, but no surgery is without potential problems. These are generally minor such as scarring, a minor mismatch in breast size or contour or a temporary change in sensation. There can be a permanent loss of feeling in the nipples, breasts, or difficulty with future breast feeding. Rarely, more significant problems can occur and these can be reviewed on the ASPS link below.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) - Reduction / Mammaplasty
Copy adapted from the joint ASPS and PSEF website.