Breast reduction surgery – also called reduction mammaplasty – eliminates excess glandular fat, skin, and other tissue from breasts. It’s done to create a more proportional chest size and alleviate the problems associated with oversized breasts (macromastia).
Although breast reduction is often aimed at resolving medical problems, many women unhappy with their large chests opt for breast reduction as a cosmetic procedure to end issues such as wardrobe concerns and social stigma.
Making large breasts smaller is like having a weight lifted off your chest – literally and figuratively. Breast reduction surgery can:
- Relieve pain in your shoulders, upper back, and neck.
- Enhance your self-image.
- Improve your ability to take part in physical activities.
- Stop chest rashes.
- Give you more clothing options.
Results of breast reduction surgery are typically long-lasting, and patient satisfaction levels are high. Many women who have the procedure later in life say their only regret is that they didn’t do it sooner.
Although you’ll see results immediately after breast reduction, bear in mind it can take months for swelling to subside completely and for the surgical scars to diminish. The final result is usually permanent, but the shape and size of the breasts may change through factors such as weight gain or loss and aging.