Women with very large breasts may experience a variety of problems caused by the excessive weight from the breasts including back and neck pain, skin irritations, skeletal problems and even breathing problems. Extremely large breasts often make women and young girls feel very self-conscious and embarrassed. Some women may be good candidates for breast reduction surgery but some may not.

Breast reduction surgery (reduction mammaplasty) is designed for women who want to reduce the size of their breasts for medical and/or aesthetic reasons. Breast reduction surgery removes fat, glandular tissue and skin from the breasts making them firmer, smaller and tighter. Breast reduction surgery can also reduce the size of the areola (the darker skin around the nipple). The goal of this surgery is to provide women with smaller, better-shaped breasts that are more in proportion with the rest of their bodies.

Finally, you should consider the results you want to achieve and consult with your experienced breast surgeon before deciding on performing any dramatic change that may have a negative effect to your overall appearance. The surgeon will also give you advice on how best to prepare for the operation. If you are overweight, you may be advised to lose weight beforehand. Since breast size alters with body weight, you will be more suitable for surgery if your weight is stable. Your breasts won’t grow again after surgery, but they may still fluctuate in size if you gain or lose weight. Moreover, smokers will be advised to give up because smoking increases the risks of surgery, including delayed healing. Also, in case you are still very young in age, the surgeon will advise you to wait until your breasts have stopped growing before performing the operation.

Breast reduction surgery typically takes 2-4 hours but may take longer in some cases.

After surgery, you will be wrapped in elastic bandage or a surgical bra over gauze dressings, and a small tube will be placed in each breast to drain off blood and fluids for the first day or two. Your physician will prescribe pain medication, and the bandages will be removed after a couple of days. Your stitches will be removed in approximately three weeks. You may experience random shooting pains for a few months; some patients may experience this for a longer period of time.