A reduction mammoplasty, commonly known as breast reduction surgery, is a procedure whereby a surgeon removes tissue and fat from the breasts to reduce the size, or change the shape of the breasts. Taking the (literal) weight off your chest has its pros… but there are also cons to be aware of.
People choose to undergo breast reduction surgery for many reasons, including to relieve pain. Other reasons can be the following:
- Chronic back or neck pain
- Sore muscles
- Difficulty breathing
- Limitations to a lifestyle
- Self-consciousness and low self-esteem
- Dissatisfaction of proportions
If you are thinking about undergoing such a procedure, read below the following pros and cons of breast reduction surgery provided by Dr Adil Ladak from Alberta Plastic Surgery, as well as StarkMD.
The pros
Better proportions: If you decide to go ahead with this procedure, you can wave asymmetrical breast problems goodbye. Most women also opt for this surgery to achieve a more proportionate figure and a more lifted breast profile.
Healthier skin: Women with larger breasts may experience skin irritations in the folds under and between their breasts. This is because moisture, heat, and friction can cause painful rashes that can be hard to heal, and may even become infected. By reducing your breast size, you will not experience these cons and instead have healthier skin in that specific area.
Freedom to move: If breast size or the pain and discomfort that comes with having large breasts are holding you back from participating and enjoying activities, a breast reduction can give you more freedom to move around comfortably.
The cons
Recovery: The typical recovery journey for breast reduction surgery is four to six weeks. After a few days of limited movement, many women feel better and can return to most of their regular activities after about two weeks.
Scarring: Incisions are usually made around the nipples and down the middle of the breasts, and likely along the natural fold of the breast. Your breasts may be swollen for one or two months and, for some, the scars will fade with time.
Ability to breastfeed: For some women, they may find it difficult to breastfeed after a breast reduction surgery. Therefore, it may be wise to hold off on the procedure until you are certain that you are not going to have more children.
