Breast reduction procedures continue to be a valuable option for many women who are experiencing pain, discomfort or stress from breasts that are too large, or asymmetric breasts that make it difficult to find clothes that fit. Breast reduction is often undertaken for aesthetic purposes, but researchers have published new findings that suggest breast reduction can also increase self esteem. 

The July /August 2008 Issue of the Aesthetic Surgery Journal features studies that note an improvement in the quality of life of patients who undergo breast surgery, compared to those that decide to forego surgery entirely. The study monitored the overall self-esteem levels of those who underwent surgery and then evaluated their mental well-being after six months. According to Medical News Today, the measurement tools used included the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Rolland-Morris system. The study concluded that the majority of women were much happier about themselves and their lives after undergoing the procedure.

Other Benefits of Breast Reduction

In addition to addressing low self-esteem and instilling a positive body image for the patient, breast reduction procedures offer several benefits for the body including:

Better posture – reducing the size of oversized or sagging breasts can significantly improve the natural posture and encourage the patient to sit up and stand straight with ease

Higher energy level – reduced weight in the chest area can make it easier to manage everyday tasks and undertake exercise.  Depending on the amount of weight removed, some patients may experience higher energy levels

Balanced stature – in addition to improving the posture, breast reduction patients can look forward to a more balanced figure.  This can help in clothing purchases, as well as balancing the weight evenly in the body

Reduced back and neck pain – many candidates for breast reduction endure physical pain day after day since the extra weight can cause severe stress on the back, shoulder and neck areas.

Are You a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction Procedures?

Breast reduction is a relatively simple procedure, and may be combined with other breast enhancement procedures to recontour and reshape the upper body. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), breast reduction may be the right procedure for you if:

• You are in good physical health
• You do not smoke – the procedure can reduce your chances of healing and cause extensive skin loss
• You experience extensive back, neck and shoulder pain on a regular basis
• Your breasts hang lower than average, and are difficult to manage with bras and supportive underwear
• You cannot fit into regularly-sized clothes properly
• You have enlarged areolas that make you self-conscious or uncomfortable

Many plastic surgeons can not only reduce the overall size of the breasts with a breast lift or other breast reduction technique, but can also reduce the size of the areolas. This is a dual-surgery that offers additional benefits for a breast reduction patient.

Doctor Darshan Shah provides an overview of how the breast reduction procedure works in this short video: 

Learn more about breast reduction procedures and breast enhancement in our information guide, or consult with a breast reduction specialist in your area for your consultation.