Ask the average people on the street what they know about breast cosmetic surgery, and odds are they will say, “breast implants.” Although breast augmentation is one of the most popular procedures the world over (over 1,600,000 surgeries performed in 2015/2016, according to the 2016 ISAPS Global Statistics), breast reduction surgery is becoming more and more common every year.

Thanks to the increased visibility of breast reduction, with stars like Ariel Winter and Queen Latifah having had the procedure, women with large breasts have begun to realize how reducing their breast size can positively impact their lives.

Why Breast Reduction?

There are many reasons that some women with large breasts might wish to reduce them, ranging from cosmetic interests to health concerns.

For many women, especially those with small frames, having extremely large breasts can literally be a physical burden. Just supporting the weight of their breasts can lead to neck, back and shoulder issues that can impair their ability to live an active lifestyle. Large breasts can also cause irritation of the skin on the underside of the breasts, and even breathing issues. For many women with extremely large breasts, even the best sports bra can’t help with the discomfort of something as simple as jogging.

There are also cosmetic reasons why some might wish to get a breast reduction. There are many women who are unhappy and self-conscious about the shape, size, and firmness of their large breasts. Their breasts may be asymmetrical and they wish to have them be evenly sized. Breast reduction surgery allows them to have their breasts reshaped into a size and shape they are more comfortable with, helping to increase their body self-confidence.

Breast reduction surgery is a safe cosmetic surgery procedure performed by ISAPS surgeons around the world. However, just because the surgery is generally safe, doesn’t mean it is simple. If you choose to have a breast reduction, you want to make sure that you find an ISAPS plastic surgeon to perform the procedure.

The Procedure

You might be surprised at how many people think that a breast reduction is just the opposite of a breast augmentation. The surgeries are actually very different, and there are a number of options. One method of breast reduction involves the surgical removal of excess skin and breast tissue. There are two common surgical techniques:

The Inverted-T Breast Reduction. Here, three incisions are made: one along the underside of the breast; one vertical, from the areola to the breast crease; and another along the edge of the areola (making a T-shape). This method allows for the best degree of breast reshaping, primarily for sagging or asymmetrical breasts.

The Vertical Breast Reduction. This is primarily used for a moderate reduction in breast size. There are only two incision sites, one around the edge of the areola and one from the bottom of the areola to the crease beneath the breast. Although this method doesn’t allow the plastic surgeon to remove the same amount of breast tissue, it does result in less scarring.

You could also choose to have liposuction performed on your breasts. This will reduce the size of your breasts by removing fat tissue from them. This isn’t an option for everyone, however, and should only be used for a small reduction in size.

You should be aware that this is not a scar-free surgery. A permanent scar is unavoidable, although it may be hidden by a bathing suit or bra. Over time, the scars will fade, but will never completely vanish. There are cosmetic laser procedures available that may reduce the appearance of the scars. Just ask your ISAPS plastic surgeon before your surgery what your post-recovery options are.

Recovery

After the procedure, you will be sent home in a surgical bra, with your breasts bandaged. There may be a fair bit of pain and discomfort for the first few days after the surgery, which can be controlled through painkillers. After you no longer need to take pain medication, you should be able to return to work, although you should keep any activity to a minimum for three to four weeks, to allow the tissue to heal.

Breast reduction surgery actually has one of the highest rates of satisfaction of all cosmetic procedures. The difference in the quality of women’s lives before and after a breast reduction can be remarkable. Many women are able to be physically active for the first time since they were young teenagers. If you do wish to get the procedure, just remember to find a fully qualified, ISAPS plastic surgeon to perform it.