INTRODUCTION
Is there such a thing as being too well endowed? For thousands of women, the resounding answer is yes. Very heavy, large breasts can cause great physical discomfort—chronic shoulder, back and neck pain, deep grooves from bra straps—as well as limit participation in certain activities or exercise. Breasts that are excessively out of proportion to a woman’s body can cause anguish, embarrassment and self-consciousness.

It’s no wonder that many women have opted for breast reduction (mammaplasty), a procedure to remove excessive breast tissue and reshape the breasts to be in balance with body type and stature. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), there were more than 70,000 breast reduction procedures performed in 1998.

Most women say the benefits of having more ”normal” size breasts far outweigh the disadvantages of extensive incision sites. Although easily concealed with clothing, anchor-shaped incisions are made on the breast that result in visible scarring.

What bra size will you be following surgery? Your breasts will be examined and measured; you and your doctor will discuss what proportion will be pleasing as well as what is possible surgically. You will also discuss the size and position of the areola and nipple that are “lifted” during the procedure. Your doctor will probably photograph your breasts for reference during and after surgery. Be open and honest about your hopes and expectations. Your surgeon’s goal is to provide you with aesthetically agreeable results that you’ll be happy with.

More Information About This Procedure