We all have an idea about what the perfect breast size is, but while many women might choose to have larger breasts, the reality is that naturally large breasts can have negative implications.
Research shows that women with larger breasts are more likely to experience back pain, and persistent back pain can have a significant impact on your quality of life. Large breasts can also cause discomfort in the neck and shoulders, interfere with some activities, contribute to mental health issues and depression and can even be the source of headaches.
Clearly, there’s more to having large breasts than just the aesthetics. For some women, they can also become a health concern. Whatever the motivation, breast reduction surgery is an option. It can improve self-image, reduce discomfort and enable women to enjoy some physical activities. Here we explain what breast reduction surgery is and how much it costs. We also discuss some of the most common reasons why women choose to have this procedure.
What is breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction surgery is a cosmetic procedure that makes the breasts smaller by removing excess fat, breast tissue and skin. The breasts are also reshaped and the nipples repositioned to create not just smaller breasts, but breasts that are well-shaped, symmetrical and natural looking.
Surgically known as a reduction mammoplasty, the operation typically takes two to three hours and is performed under general anaesthetic. We can use several different implanting techniques and we would keep you overnight in order to monitor your recovery. Your surgeon will discuss those with you so you can both decide on the most appropriate treatment in your particular case.
Some women opt to have a breast reduction and uplift in a single procedure. The breast uplift, also known as a mastopexy, positions the breasts higher and creates a firmer feel. That can be beneficial where the size of your breasts has led to sagging.
Why do women get breast reduction surgery?
There are a host of reasons why women choose to get breast surgery, from correcting an asymmetry, where one best is bigger than another, to being able to exercise more easily. Here are five of the most common.
Back pain
Large breasts can be the cause of both upper and lower back pain. They can affect your posture and cause you to sit, stand and even drive in an unnatural position. You may also experience pain during and after exercise or have pain in your neck and shoulders due to the weight you are carrying in your chest. Your other muscles also have to work harder to keep your spine aligned, which can cause discomfort in the lower back.
Women who have back pain caused by large breasts almost always report that their pain is significantly reduced after the procedure. They also have a newfound energy throughout the day.
Nerve pain
The extra weight of the breasts causes tension in the back, neck and shoulders and can also lead to shooting nerve pain. If you have experienced tingling or numbness in the upper body or down into your arms and hands, this could be the result of nerve compression or ‘pinching’ resulting from the extra strain on your torso.
While changes in sensation can be concerning, breast reduction surgery can reduce and even eliminate this problem where it’s caused by the excess weight of the breasts.
To take part in certain activities
Having large breasts can make it difficult to take part in certain activities, particularly physical activities that involve running and jumping, as well as things like yoga. A study has found that the larger a woman’s breast size, the less likely she is to do vigorous physical activity.
If you find that your large breasts are making the activities you love painful and uncomfortable – even with an industrial-strength sports bra – breast reduction surgery can help.
Poor self-image
There are also many cosmetic reasons why women choose to undergo breast reduction surgery. You may receive unwanted comments and attention that make you feel self-conscious about your large breasts, or wear layers and oversized clothing to cover yourself up. Alternatively, you may feel that your body shape is out of proportion or that your large chest makes you look heavier than you are.
If you feel self-conscious or even embarrassed by your large breasts, breast reduction surgery is an option. It can make you feel more comfortable in yourself, more confident socially and happier to be in the spotlight professionally.
Issues with finding clothing
Finding clothes that fit you properly is a common and frustrating problem for many women with large breasts. Although the fit with every brand is different, very few take women with large breasts into account. Common problems include swimsuits that don’t offer enough support, shirts that gap at the buttons and dresses that aren’t comfortable. If your wardrobe choices are limited, breast reduction surgery could be a solution.
Why shouldn’t you get breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction surgery is a good option for most women whose breast size is causing them discomfort or affecting their quality of life. However, you may not be suitable for surgery if:
- You’re trying to lose weight
Losing weight can lead to natural changes in the breast size and shape. If you are planning to lose weight, it makes sense to do that first. You can then decide whether you still want a breast reduction and what your ideal breast size is given your slimmer physique.
If you lose weight after having a breast reduction, you may not be happy with the changes in the proportions of your body, increasing the risk of an unsatisfactory result.
- You are pregnant or planning to have children
Ideally, you should wait until you’ve finished having children before having breast reduction surgery. The body changes during pregnancy and the breasts grow in the lead-up to the birth. Although these changes are usually temporary, they can have a lasting impact on the shape of your breasts.
Breast reduction surgery can also affect your ability to breastfeed if the implants are inserted through the nipple and areola. That’s because some of the nerves or breast ducks that supply milk to the nipple may be removed, which can reduce your milk supply.
How much is breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction surgery and uplift at Enhance Medical Group costs from £7,995. That price includes all the consultations and follow-up care. There are no hidden costs and we offer a range of payment plans.
Every treatment is tailored to meet the specific requirements of the patient. You’ll receive a price guide during your initial consultation and a fixed price after a consultation and physical assessment with a surgeon.
Breast reduction surgery with Enhance Medical Group
If you’re interested in getting breast reduction surgery for any reason, you can start your journey with Enhance Medical Group today. Discover our breast surgery options, find out more about breast reduction surgery and get in touch to arrange your free consultation.