Breast reduction surgery also has major psychological benefits. Women with very large breasts find it almost impossible to buy well-fitting clothes and tend to wear over-sized, baggy tops that disguise their size. Their self esteem and confidence suffers greatly. A breast reduction operation enhances body shape, putting the breasts back in proportion with the rest of the body and enabling women to buy more attractive, flattering clothes ‘off the peg’.
Women with large breasts may sometimes be over-weight, and after recovering from the operation can become more active, starting a programme of sensible exercise that can help tone muscles and increase general health. However, losing or gaining a lot of weight after surgery can alter the shape and size of the breasts. It is better to lose weight before embarking on a breast reduction, if possible.
Women of any age can consider having breast reduction surgery, but the operation is normally performed on women over twenty years old. Women who may want to breast feed in the future should obtain specific breast reduction information from their surgeon on the impact of surgery on milk ducts. This will enable them to make an informed decision about whether to go ahead or whether to wait a few years.
