Breast Reduction


Breast reduction can relieve many of the problems associated with the excess size of large breasts


Large breasts can cause physical discomfort and social awkwardness. Fortunately, smaller, firmer breasts are possible with breast reduction.

Symptoms and Discomforts from Large Breasts

Size does matter but big is not always beautiful or comfortable. Such is the case of having super large breasts. While some women think massive breasts are a blessing, many of those who actually have them think they are a curse. Back pains, shoulder pains, neck pains, and even headaches are often associated with extremely well-endowed breasts. They may also have difficulty fitting into commercially available brassieres.

If you have this problem, you may also feel self-conscious about it. You might feel paranoid that when men look at you, all they ever see are your gigantic boobs. You may try to camouflage them by wearing loose clothing or dropping your shoulders, distorting not only your body image but also your posture. Fortunately, smaller and firmer breasts are possible with breast reduction and lift surgery.

Breast reduction and lift surgery can relieve many of the discomforts by correcting excessive breast weight, size, and droopiness. The breast reduction procedure, also called reduction mammaplasty, gives overly top-heavy body shapes better proportion while preserving the nice curves that make a woman’s body feminine and beautiful.

Like breast augmentation, breast reduction is typically performed on women. However, men may also suffer from breast enlargement medically known as gynecomastia, and may also benefit from male breast reduction. Women with oversized, pendulous breasts particularly gigantomastia are also excellent candidates for breast reduction and lift surgery. Gigantomastia is a rare connective tissue disorder that makes the breast balloon to over 600 grams (the average weight of one’s breasts is estimated to be around 200 grams). Studies show that gigantomastia appears to be a result of abnormal hormonal activity.

A breast reduction is not only restricted to reducing breast size and firming up the breasts. Some women have abnormally large areola or nipples. As part of the breast reduction procedure, Dr. Chen Lee may also reduce the size of and enhance the shape of the areola.

Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia. As in all other breast surgeries, patients are advised not to smoke two weeks prior to their scheduled breast reduction procedure. Drinking strong alcoholic beverages and taking products containing Aspirin and vitamins are to be avoided.

Dr. Chen Lee advises most patients to plan 4 weeks off from work to recover following a breast reduction procedure. Depending on the degree of physical activity required in your work environment, it might be possible to return to work earlier following an uncomplicated breast reduction procedure. For example, a highly motivated patient with uncomplicated surgery might be capable of returning to light office work as early as two weeks following a breast reduction. Strenuous activities like workouts should be avoided for 6 weeks.

FAQ – BREAST REDUCTION

It is a good idea for women to have an understanding of breast reduction surgery before they decide to have the procedure. Reading answers to common breast reduction surgery questions will provide you with valuable information that you can use during your consultation with Dr. Chen Lee.

Breast reduction surgery is designed to reduce the size of the breasts due to pain and discomfort often associated with large, heavy breasts. A breast reduction will reshape the breasts so they are more proportionate with your body’s overall shape and size. In addition to relieving the pain and discomfort, a breast reduction procedure will create balance and enhance your body’s natural curves.

Candidates for breast reduction surgery are women with large breasts that cause discomfort and pain to the neck, shoulders, and back. Large breasts may appear visibly disproportionate and cause embarrassment. Women who wish to have their breast size reduced with breast reduction surgery should be in good physical health and have realistic goals.

If you are a teenager, Dr. Chen Lee may recommend that you wait until your breasts are fully developed before proceeding to breast reduction surgery. Waiting until breast maturation eliminates the unpredictable effects of adolescent growth and permits precise reduction of the breast to the final desired shape, symmetry, and size.

In a breast lift (mastopexy) procedure the skin is tightened but no breast tissue is removed. The breast volume and bra cup size remains the same. In contrast, a breast reduction is performed by surgically removing breast tissue. As a result, the breast will have a diminished volume of tissue and will fit into a smaller bra cup size. Dr. Chen Lee sends all of the excised breast tissue to the medical laboratory for pathological analysis.

Dr. Chen Lee sends all excised breast tissue for analysis by a medical specialist in the field of pathology. While not common, there is a possibility that an underlying abnormal condition in the breast will be revealed in the excised tissues that were not previously apparent. Examples of abnormal findings might include pre-cancerous or early cancer of the breast. When detected early, treatment will often yield improved outcomes.

This depends on your breast shape and general physique. Most women find that their bra size is reduced by one cup size following a breast reduction (ie. from C cup to B cup size breast).

The scars are located around the nipple, down to the breast fold, and under the breast along the breast fold. Dr. Chen Lee uses resorbable sutures that dissolve slowly yielding better scars. Typically, the scars become red in the early months following surgery and then slowly fade into a pale skin tone color.

Nipple sensation is often diminished or absent after a breast reduction.

While it might be possible in some instances to breastfeed, most women find that they are not able to generate sufficient breast milk to fully sustain their infant. To avoid this potential problem, many women postpone their desired breast reduction procedure until they have completed their family.

During your consultation before the procedure, Dr. Chen Lee will explain what you can expect during recovery from a breast reduction procedure. He will give you instructions on how to take care of yourself and when you can return to your daily activities.

The recovery time for breast reduction depends on your general health, the volume of breast reduced, and your social support at home after breast reduction. To aid in your recovery, it is important to have a good social network to assist in your daily chores and allow you plenty of rest. Most patients return to work within 4 weeks following their breast reduction procedure.

Following breast reduction surgery, many benefits are realized. Some of the greatest benefits experienced by women following breast reduction surgery are:

  • Relief of pain in the neck, shoulders, and back caused by large breasts.
  • A more balanced overall physical appearance with well-proportioned breasts.
  • A more active lifestyle with a better ability to physically participate in high-intensity sporting activities.
  • A better selection of clothing options.
Meet the plastic surgeon, Dr. Chen Lee at Cosmetic Surgery Montreal.

Cosmetic Surgery Montreal

5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
Monday – Friday
9:00am to 5:00pm

Request a Consultation


Breast Procedures

Breast Reduction