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Why it's done
By Mayo Clinic staffBreast reduction surgery is meant for women who have large breasts and want to resolve issues such as:
- Low-hanging breasts and stretched skin
- Chronic back, neck and shoulder pain
- Chronic rash under the breasts
- Deep grooves in the shoulders from bra strap pressure
- Poor posture
- Restricted activity
- Low self-esteem
- Difficulty fitting into bras and clothing
You can have breast reduction surgery at any age — even as a teenager in some cases — but most doctors recommend waiting until you're at least age 18, when your breasts are fully developed.
If you haven't started a family or your family isn't yet complete, you might postpone breast reduction surgery until pregnancy isn't an issue. Changes to breast tissue during pregnancy could alter your surgical results. Also, breast-feeding may be difficult or impossible after breast reduction surgery.
- Antoniuk PM. Breast augmentation and breast reduction. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America. 2002;29:103.
- Chadbourne EB, et al. Clinical outcomes in reduction mammaplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2001:76:503.
- What is breast reduction? American Society for Plastic Surgery. http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Patients_and_Consumers/Procedures/Reconstructive_Procedures/Breast_Reduction.html. Accessed July 17, 2009.
- Cruz NI, et al. Lactational performances after breast reduction with different pedicles. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2007;120:35.
- Grassley JS. Breast reduction surgery: What every woman needs to know. Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses Lifelines. 2002;6:44.
- Pruthi S (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 29, 2009.
- Walsh MF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Aug. 18, 2009.
