Breast Reduction Pros & Cons

A woman with large breasts who experiences back pain throughout her life may consider getting a breast reduction surgery. This would be done to alleviate back pain, as well as reduce her cup size considerably. The healing process could be lengthy, but may be worth it in the end. Complications could also arise, however, depending on the initial cup size and past health history.

Breast Reduction Defined

According to medterms.com, breast reduction is the "Surgical reduction of breast size in order to reduce the weight of the breasts and relieve symptoms from unusually large, pendulous breasts. The surgical procedure is also known as reduction mammaplasty." During the surgery, fat and skin are removed from the breasts. They are then reshaped into smaller breasts, and the nipple and areola are repositioned. The opposite procedure is called breast augmentation, or enlargement mammoplasty.

Pros

There are several positive outcomes to breast reduction surgery. According to sexdictionary.info, this procedure can make women more confident about their bodies and increase self esteem. Daily life and sports are also easier, as severe back pain is relieved. The procedure also reduces the pain and scarring bra straps cause when they dig into the shoulder skin. According to medterms.com, breast reduction surgery can cure the chronic skin irritation called intertriginous dermatitis, which is caused by the contact of the breasts and the lower chest wall.

Cons

Breast reduction surgery can also cause negative effects. There is always a chance for incision infections, as well as improper healing. The nipple area can become permanently numb, and breastfeeding infants can become more difficult, or even impossible. An article on medterms.org states that it is not recommended for underdeveloped girls to have the procedure done, as their breasts may continue to grow. There is also scar tissue that remains after healing is complete. The vertical line under part of the breast usually remains noticeable.

Considerations

It is important to consider the pros and cons of breast reduction surgery before having the procedure done. Some women have one breast that is much larger than the other and have reduction surgery strictly for cosmetic reasons. Your doctor may advise for or against seeing a plastic surgeon, depending on the severity of each individual's back pain, her breast size and specific health complications, if any.

Expert Insight

Fredric H. Corbin is a medical doctor who specialized in breast augmentation and breast reduction. Currently, he is a clinical instructor in plastic surgery at Western University of Health Sciences. In an online question-and-answer session, Dr. Corbin wrote, "If you haven't had a recent physical, it would be a good idea to get one. Do not keep pertinent physical and mental information from your plastic surgeon. Honesty is definitely the best policy when speaking with your doctor because it could ultimately affect your end result."

References

• Definition of Breast Reduction
• Questions & Answers
• Bulletin Board for Patient's Questions and Answers

Resources

• Pros & Cons