Breast reduction is a common surgical procedure among women. It involves the reduction of breast size by removing fat, skin and tissue.

Who are the candidates for the surgery?

Although the procedure is typically performed on women, it may also be done on men who are afflicted by gynecomastia – a condition of men’s breasts wherein they resemble that of women’s in size.

Women seek this kind of surgery usually because of oversized breasts, especially if they have gigantomastia – a condition where women have large, pendulous breasts. They may face the problem of experiencing pain in the head, neck, back and shoulders because of the weight of their breasts. Plus, the size can also lead to circulation and breathing problems.

Even if the enormity does not cause physical discomfort, some women have breast reduction surgery because of the disproportionate breast size compared to other parts of their body.

What you need to know before the procedure

It is important to be knowledgeable about the possible side effects, risks and benefits of the surgery. Doing so can help in you decide whether or not to go ahead with the procedure.

Although the reduction surgery is typically a successful procedure, there are potential side effects, just as with any surgery. The risks include difficulty when breast feeding, scarring, asymmetry and delayed wound healing.

Another thing to consider is choosing a surgeon you can trust. Perform research on several doctors. See if the surgeon has enough experience and training, operates in an accredited medical facility and adheres to a strict code of ethics.

Furthermore, when discussing the breast reduction procedure with the doctor, talk about your full medical history so that the surgeon will give you the most appropriate treatment.

You can also talk to other patients who have gone through the surgery. This way, could know what to expect.

It is also important to know that it may take a few weeks for initial recovery. However, it could take six months to one year for your body to completely adjust to the new breast size.