Breast reduction surgery, or reduction mammaplasty, is a life changing procedure for women whose breasts are too large and heavy for their frames, whose breasts are uneven in size, and for those whose breasts sag or droop due to age or breastfeeding. In addition to improving self-esteem and improving physical activity, many women seek breast reduction surgery to get relief from neck, shoulder and back pain.

The Mayo Clinic advises women considering breast reduction surgery to discuss all facets of the surgery with several board certified plastic surgeons. The surgeons will assess their candidacy for surgery and determine whether reduction mammaplasty is appropriate for them. Women should ask questions regarding the procedure and post-operative care to establish appropriate expectations.

In fact, obtaining this information prior to the appointment will allow a patient to form more specific questions about the breast reduction. A frank discussion with the surgeon should alleviate fears and provide the patient with a realistic expectation of the outcome. She and her physician will decide together the most beneficial amount of reduction and the best time for her to have it performed.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery warns women of child bearing age that mammaplasty may hinder their ability to breast feed. They further warn that pregnancy, childbirth, and breast feeding, if the woman is able to do so after breast reduction surgery, could change the shape of her breasts. They stress discussing future pregnancies with the performing physician.

Reduction mammaplasty is performed under general anesthesia in a surgical facility and may require an overnight stay. If the patient is released the day of the surgery, she must have a ride home and should have a caregiver for at least the first night she is home. Driving is usually prohibited for six weeks.

Recognizing the disabling effects of larger breasts, many insurance policies cover at least a portion of the cost. A diagnosis of female breast hypertrophy with its attendant consequences and disabilities or reconstructive breast surgery which results in breast reduction is usually compensable. Breast reduction for strictly cosmetic reasons is seldom covered.

There are many variables in surgical technique including how the incisions are placed and the maximum amount of reduction advised, so a prospective patient might consult more than one plastic surgeon before making her final decision. Each consultation will be educational and help the woman decide whether or not this procedure will benefit her.

Benefits of reduction mammaplasty range from relief of physical pain formerly associated with the strain and weight of the breasts to finally getting a full night’s rest. The ability to buy lacy or pretty bras for the first time in years delights most patients. Shopping for bras and tops in a regular store instead of by catalog or at larger sized stores makes shopping fun again for most.

A world of activities opens up to women after breast reduction surgery. Some play tennis or racquetball for the first time. Others join a bowling league or gym, no longer embarrassed or hampered by their super-sized breasts. For all, the absence of those extra pounds of breast flesh seems to be a huge relief.