Breast reduction is a popular surgical procedure which is performed to permanently reduce the size of overly large breasts. Not only will it help with sagging breasts (most surgeons perform a breast lift as part of the procedure), but it’s a permanent solution to large breasts. (read this great article about reduction risks).

Why do women undergo breast surgeries when most other women are trying to make their breasts larger with breast augmentation? Large breasts aren’t all they are cracked up to be. Women with over sized breasts often experience chronic neck and back pain. Also, they can be restricted from enjoying physical activities that most people take for granted because their breasts are similar to carrying a 20 lb weight around their neck all day long. Bra straps can also cause chaffing against a woman’s skin because of the weight they are required to support.

Breast reduction surgery can make a woman’s breasts smaller, firmer, and lighter. In addition, the areola can be moved to a more upright position.

Are you under 20? It is highly recommended that a woman wait until her breasts are fully developed before she undergoes breast reduction surgery.

Women who are planning on breast feeding should not have a breast reduction; the surgery itself can eliminate or greatly reduce her chances for breast feeding her children.

There are two popular methods in use today: inferior pedicle, and vertical scar method. Both have a strong success rate of allowing breast feeding post surgery, and for maintaining nipple sensitivity. Check with your surgeon for the latest information.

The Weiss pattern reduction (or keyhole method, as it is known), is the anchor-shaped incision that encircles the areola and cuts straight down to the crease below the breast. The incision follows the natural curve of the breast. Extra adipose tissue, glandular tissue, and exces skin are removed, as well as fat. The nipple and areola are then moved to a new position.

The vertical scar method (also known as SPAIR or short scar breast reduction surgery), is gaining popularity due to minimal amount of scarring and a more rounded breast shape post surgical recovery.

The majority of breast reduction surgeries include a breast lift as part of the procedure. A combination breast reduction and breast lift can alleviate chronic neck and back pain, shoulder grooving, and skin rashes caused by bra straps.