Women with large, heavy breasts may have symptoms caused by the weight and size of the breasts. They may have back pain, neck pain and grooves in the shoulders from bra straps. There may be pain in the breasts and a rash under the breasts. Some women with arthritis of the spine and shoulders may have more symptoms than usual because of the added weight of the breasts. Other women are bothered by the psychological embarrassment of large breasts. It is often difficult to find clothes that fit. In other situations, athletic, active women are inhibited by the size of their breasts.

Breast reduction can eliminate or minimize these problems. The excess skin and breast tissue can be removed and the breasts reshaped into smaller, more attractive breasts.

The procedure is performed in the hospital under general anesthesia. Incisions are designed so that the scars form around the areola, vertically below the areola and in the crease beneath the breast. An area for the nipple and areola is selected at the proper position on the breast. Excess breast tissue and skin are removed. The remaining breast is reshaped and the nipple-areola unit is repositioned. The incisions are designed so that the scars will not be visible with normal clothing. In time they fade and become less noticeable. A drain may be left in at the time of surgery and removed within a few days. The patient can be up and about the day after surgery and can go home the day following surgery.

Potential complications include postoperative bleeding, infection and healing problems, which may result in heavy scars. When the nipple and areola are transferred to their new position, it may not "take" or heal and a portion or all of it may be lost. This is uncommon. Smoking is not allowed after surgery and will contribute to healing problems. Disturbing the superficial nerves of the nipple may lead to a decrease or change in sensation. Ability to breast-feed could be affected. Since these symptoms are normal side effects of breast reduction surgery, you should consider these factors seriously before deciding to have the surgery. Although every attempt is made to obtain symmetry, there may be some irregularities in the size and shape of the breasts and in the position of the areola and nipple.

Since reduction mammoplasty is often performed for the relief of physical symptoms, your insurance company may pay for the surgery. Insurance companies differ widely as to their policy of payment for this procedure, so it is wise for you to check with your insurance carrier before surgery if you expect them to cover the operation.

Following surgery, most women report that their back and neck pain are reduced. They have fewer problems finding suitable clothes and are able to become more involved in sports.