How Big Do Your Breasts Need to Be to Get a Reduction?

For women with large breasts, having breast reduction surgery can be life-changing. This breast surgery can relieve them of trouble working out, back and shoulder pain, as well as grooved shoulders and a lack of clothing options.

If you are considering breast reduction surgery, you may wonder how large the breasts need to be before you should have surgery, and other questions.

Common symptoms that you may need Breast Reduction surgery

Most surgeons say that your breasts don’t need to be a certain size to be a candidate for breast reduction surgery. The more important factor is whether your breast size causes physical and mental health issues.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), candidacy for breast reduction is primarily determined by the physical and psychological symptoms a patient experiences.

Some of the most common symptoms that suggest you may be ready for breast reduction are:

If you have more than one of these symptoms, you may be an ideal candidate for breast reduction surgery. This procedure will make the breasts in proportion to your size, and those uncomfortable symptoms will disappear.

Potential benefits of Breast Reduction surgery

Now that you know your breasts don’t have to be a certain size to be a good candidate, let’s review some of the biggest benefits of breast reduction surgery.

You’ll feel great after your recovery

Breast reduction is a major surgery, so it will take one or two months to recover. Expect mild or moderate pain as well as swelling and bruising for a few weeks.

But after four to eight weeks, you will be pleased with the new shape and size of your breasts. Many clinical studies say that women who have had the procedure have better mental and physical health after their recovery.

A retrospective study published in PubMed found that over 95% of breast reduction patients surveyed were satisfied with their results and said they would undergo the procedure again. This high satisfaction rate held regardless of the amount of breast tissue removed.

Additionally, a long-term prospective cohort study in PubMed found that patients continued to report high satisfaction and improved health-related quality of life up to 12 years after surgery.

The satisfaction data on breast reduction is some of the strongest in all of plastic surgery. In our practice, we consistently hear from patients that the relief they feel (physically and emotionally) is greater than they anticipated. It’s one of the most impactful procedures we perform.

– Dr. Lahar

You’ll have a Breast Lift

It’s common to have a breast lift with breast augmentation. But many patients don’t realize that breast reduction surgery automatically comes with a breast lift. Because of age, pregnancy, or breastfeeding, the breast skin can stretch, which leads to sagging or drooping.

Your surgeon will reduce the size of the breasts and remove extra tissue to put the breasts higher on the chest. The ASPS notes that the breast lift achieved through reduction surgery is one of its most appreciated secondary benefits. It helps restore a more youthful and uplifted breast profile alongside the size change.

No more pain

Possibly the greatest benefit of breast reduction is no more pain! Women with large breasts often struggle for years with shoulder, back, and neck pain. When the breasts are smaller, the pain that you lived with for years may disappear.

It’s no wonder many women marvel at how much they feel like a weight has been lifted from them. A study published in PubMed found that breast reduction patients reported significant improvements in anxiety, depression, body image, and physical health scores following surgery. It highlights meaningful gains across 5 of 8 subscales of the standard health status questionnaire.

Back and shoulder pain relief is often what finally pushes patients to schedule their consultation. What surprises them is how quickly the pain resolves; many patients notice a difference within the first two weeks of recovery.

– Dr. Lahar

Clothing fits better

When you have large breasts and a small body, it can be difficult to find clothes that fit. Many women in this situation need to buy blouses that are much too large for them because of their breast size.

When the breasts are better proportioned for your body, you will fit clothing better, and this gives you more clothing options.

Better hygiene

The breast fold and lower breast can get more rashes when the chest is too large. Having the procedure means no more antibiotic creams and other medical products to address these issues.

A well-proportioned body

Many women want smaller breasts because they are just too large for their frame. Having them reduced provides a well-balanced look, and the breasts are perkier and more attractive.

Some patients also say their large breasts get them too much attention they don’t want. So having the procedure can reduce stares and looks that make them uncomfortable.

Exercise is easier

Having smaller breasts will make it easier to work out. Any activity that requires running or jumping can be more pleasant after the procedure. And being able to work out more can improve your overall health, too.

Insurance may cover the procedure

Some health insurance companies may cover at least part of the procedure cost. Your surgeon will need to document that your breast size is causing you physical symptoms, such as back, shoulder, and neck pain. Cleveland Clinic advises that patients gather documentation of symptoms to support an insurance coverage request before surgery.

The surgeon will tell you how to collect the needed information to send to the insurance company to cover the breast procedure.

Most patients are pleased with their breast surgery reduction results, so talk to your surgeon today to take the first step.

Request a Breast Reduction consultation

Thinking about breast reduction in Beverly Hills? Dr. Nicholas Lahar is pleased to provide plastic surgery procedures to his Beverly Hills patients. He will discuss your aesthetic goals during your consultation and help you decide if breast reduction is a good fit.

References

1. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Breast Reduction Surgery Candidates.
2. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). What Is a Breast Reduction and What Are the Benefits?
3. Cleveland Clinic. 8 Things to Know If You’re Considering Breast Reduction Surgery.
4. Coriddi M, et al. Quality of Life After Breast Reduction Surgery: A 10-Year Retrospective Analysis Using the BREAST-Q Questionnaire. PubMed. 2012.
5. Crittenden TA, et al. Long-Term Outcomes of Breast Reduction Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study. PubMed. 2023.
6. Klassen AF, et al. Psychosocial Outcome and Patient Satisfaction Following Breast Reduction Surgery. PubMed.