Many women have naturally very large breasts or find their breasts too large. The size and weight of breasts can cause restriction of movement and hinder athletic activities. As a consequence, postural deformities, tension in the shoulder and neck region and headaches can occur. These women frequently suffer from mental stress such as inferiority complexes and low self esteem.

The possibilities and limitations of breast reduction

Reduction mammaplasty is a method for reducing the size of breasts. Depending on the original size, you can have your breast reduced to the size you wish. Often breast reductions are performed in combination with procedures to make them firmer, often making it necessary to reposition the nipple higher up. If the breasts are extremely mismatched (asymmetry), then this can also be corrected in the procedure. The ability to breast-feed can be restricted when the size of the breasts is reduced, depending on the technique applied. This should be discussed with the surgeon when planning an operation.
Breast reduction can improve your appearance, give your self-confidence a boost and relieve physical discomfort caused by the size and weight of your breasts. In order to achieve the best results before an operation, you should have a clear idea of exactly how you want things to be. You can relay your idea of the result to be achieved to the surgeon, for example by providing a photograph. The reasons for breast reduction are usually very personal. Your personal satisfaction and well-being should be the main reasons for your decision. If you feel better about your appearance, it can have both a direct and indirect positive effect on your private life and also on your career.
Openly discuss all your expectations of the operation, your requests and the way you think things will be with your plastic surgeon. After the examination, your doctor will precisely explain the most appropriate surgical procedure based on the given facts (elasticity of the skin, shape and size of the breasts) and your requests. He/She will discuss what kind of result is realistically possible, where the scars will be later and which of your expectations can be met.

The risks of breast reduction

Breast reduction is not any easy operation, however there are generally only minor risks involved. Yet as in every surgical procedure, sudden complications cannot fully be ruled out. Possible complications are best discussed in a consultation with your surgeon.
As in every surgical procedure, bruising and swelling can occur. Only in rare cases do these symptoms need to be surgically treated, in general they heal within several days all by themselves.
In very rare cases the incision can become infected or delayed wound healing occurs, which can cause wider scars. Circulatory problems or numbness of the nipples are also very rare. Factors such as heavy smoking, diabetes or blood clotting problems often play a role here. The specific factors will be discussed in detail in a consultation session with your surgeon.
However, delays in the healing process have no influence on the new shape of the breasts. Eventual widening of scars can be treated in a later procedure.
If fine skin nerves are lacerated during surgery, your skin in this area could feel numb for a while. Experience shows that these disturbances disappear on their own. Your surgeon will explain what to expect concerning scars. Both breasts will never be exactly symmetrical before or after the operation. The surgeon will strive for the best-possible symmetry. If an extreme case of asymmetry is determined after the surgery, then it can be corrected in a later operation.