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Breast reduction surgery -

Many plastic surgeons say that a breast reduction is easily the most gratifying surgery to perform. Women with larger breasts are held hostage by their own bodies in a sense, and when the weight is quite literally lifted, the results are life changing.

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Reasons -

What is it about having big breasts that’s so problematic? It seems like a desirable trait, but the reality for many women is not so pleasant.

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Back pain -

Pain in the shoulders, neck, and back are some of the main physical side effects of having heavy breasts. It can be extremely severe and debilitating for many women. In chronic cases it can require frequent use of pain relief medication.

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Permanent indentation -

Some women have permanent grooves in their shoulders where their bra straps have dug into the skin due to the weight they’re carrying.

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Skin irritation -

Another common issue that arises is painful irritation of the skin under the breasts. The weight and friction can cause rashes and other uncomfortable skin problems.

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Limited physical activity -

Large breasts can even reduce a person’s ability to engage in physical activities. Rigorous exercise can be too painful.

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Finding clothes and bras -

It can be extremely difficult to find bras that fit properly, as well as clothes. Many women find that they can’t find bras suited to their shape, which can lead to further pain and discomfort. For its part, struggling to find clothes that fit can lead to serious self-esteem issues.

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Self-image -

It’s common for women to begin struggling with the size of their breasts in their teens. It’s easy to imagine how difficult it would be to suddenly develop DDD breasts at the age of 14, particularly if it’s not in proportion to your frame. Young women in this position are often subject to cruel treatment by their peers, which only makes them more self-conscious about their bodies.

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Teenagers -

Plastic surgeons say that they are often visited by women as young as 17 who are already willing to go through surgery to free themselves from these burdens and restrictions.

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The procedure - During the surgery, the surgeon will make an incision in the breast and remove excessive fat, tissue and skin to reduce the size. They will then reshape the breast and possibly alter the position of the areola.

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Recovery - The surgery is an outpatient procedure that only takes a few hours, so it’s unlikely that a patient ends up staying in the hospital overnight. This quick turnaround is great, but the recovery takes a lot longer!

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Recovery -

It’s recommended to take a few days off work after the surgery, as there can be some discomfort and the procedure can leave you feeling tired. Patients are encouraged to get up and move around regularly, but vigorous exercise is off the table for about a month.

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Cup size -

It’s not necessarily possible to choose the cup size you want to have after the surgery. The reduction will be based on your size, breast composition, and goals. Most patients go down one to two cup sizes.

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Symmetry -

Some slight asymmetry is normal after a breast reduction procedure, or even a breast enhancement. Most women tend to be at least a little asymmetrical even before the surgery. Houston-based plastic surgeon Dr. Rukmini Rednam says she reminds her patients that breasts are like siblings, not twins!

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Breast lift -

A breast reduction is actually a pretty good two-for-one: the surgery includes a breast lift too. The surgeon removes excess skin to reduce the size of the breast and ensure everything is in the right place!

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Scars -

The surgery does tend to leave some scars on the breast where the incisions were made. They fade significantly within a year of the surgery, but the final result is hard to predict and varies from person to person. The scar will usually run from the bottom of the areola to underneath the breast.

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Breastfeeding - According to the Cleveland Clinic, there’s a 50/50 chance that the patient will have some difficulties with breastfeeding if they have a breast reduction surgery. It won’t necessarily be impossible, but it can be more challenging. It’s difficult to predict who will have this problem.

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Insurance - Some insurance companies do provide coverage for breast reduction surgery, considering it’s often needed for legitimate medical reasons. It’s always worth investigating with your insurance company if you’re considering the surgery!

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Risks -

Breast reduction surgery is a relatively safe procedure. The main risks involved are due to the anaesthetic, just like any other surgery. One complication specific to breast reduction surgery that may arise is bleeding in the following week. This is easily fixed.

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Instant results -

Women who undergo this surgery tend to feel relief immediately afterwards, despite the soreness. The difference in weight is apparent straight away, and the new appearance is usually appreciated despite the medical compression bra you have to wear.

Now, let's take a look at the stories of some famous women who've gone through this procedure.

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Ariel Winter -

'Modern Family' star Ariel Winter opened up about the dramatic and overwhelming growth she experienced at age 15, several years into her acting career. The sudden growth left her with size F breasts on her petite 5'1" (155 cm) frame, and she was in agonizing pain from the weight.

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Ariel Winter -

After struggling with the physical pain, body shaming, and the emotional distress of finding clothes that fit, Winter decided to undergo a reduction. Afterwards she said she finally felt right in her body and had never been happier with herself. She hopes that other young girls will see it as an option.

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Drew Barrymore - Drew Barrymore had breast reduction surgery in the '90s and spoke out about the difficulties women face with back pain and unwanted attention from men.

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Amber Rose -

Model Amber Rose had her surgery in 2018. She reduced her cup size to a 36DDD and said it was like a dream come true. She had previously suffered from back pain, and found that her clothing options were limited and took careful planning.

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Queen Latifah - Queen Latifah struggled with back pain for years and decided to have a breast reduction after she lost a significant amount of weight in 2003. She said she had lost 25 lbs (11 kg) but her breasts were still large enough to cause her problems. She went for the surgery and changed from an F to a DD, but says she was annoyed with the surgeon for taking one D too many!

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Patricia Heaton - The actress says that her choice to undergo a breast reduction surgery was all about vanity. After breastfeeding four babies she wanted to reduce her breasts to a size that would fit into her red carpet gowns again, and stop them hanging down in the wrong place!

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Janeane Garofalo -

Janeane Garofalo shared that she had breast reduction surgery when she was in college. She said she had breasts like Dolly Parton and had spent her whole life trying to hide them.

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Marie Osmond -

Singer and media personality Marie Osmond had a breast reduction after struggling with pain for years. She also told E! that all anyone could talk about was her breasts when she starred in a Broadway production of 'The Sound of Music.'

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Soleil Moon Frye -

Soleil Moon Frye, the actress who played Punky Brewster in the hit sitcom of the same name, had a 38DD chest by the time she was 15. She was diagnosed with a condition called gigantomastia, which involves an overgrowth of tissue in the breasts. She had breast reduction surgery when she was 16 and said she finally felt free to a be a teenager.

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Stassi Schroeder -

'Vanderpump Rules' star Stassi Schroeder had her breast reduction surgery in 2015 and raved about it afterwards. She went from a DDD to a D and said it was one of the best decisions of her life. Cosmetically, she said her breasts are no longer pointing towards the ground, and she loves going braless now! 

Sources: (Mayo Clinic) (Cleveland Clinic) (Allure) (People) (Women's Health) (Glamour)

See also: The dropsy, and other outdated names of diseases and conditions

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