Breast reduction surgery numbers have increased by over 50% in the past few years. In this blog, we explore some of the reasons women of all ages are opting to reduce the size of their breasts.
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At a certain stage in life, a woman can realize that less of something can mean more freedom. While breast augmentation consistently lands in the top five most requested cosmetic surgeries, breast reduction surgery has experienced a sharp increase in the past few years. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ 2022 Procedural Statistics Release, breast reduction numbers went from 46,000 procedures performed (in 2019) to 71,000 procedures done in 2022. So, what might be the reasons behind the 54% increase in breast reductions? Below, we delve into why more women may be choosing breast reduction surgery—-at any age.
What Is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a procedure performed to reduce the size of your breasts. It involves removing excess breast tissue and fat and eliminating excess skin to lift sagging breasts. The surgery also repositions your nipples so that they are centered on your breasts and in a more youthful position.
Why Choose Breast Reduction Surgery?
The choice to undergo a breast reduction is extremely personal. For young women, breasts that are too large often make them self-conscious because the size of their breasts is out of proportion with their body, prevents them from participating in certain activities, or makes them the target of teasing. For adult women, the changes in their breasts from pregnancy, weight gain, or hormonal fluctuations make their breasts larger than they’d like. For older women, dealing with large breasts for years is something they’ve had enough of, and they want to enjoy the perks of smaller breasts.
Breast Reduction Can Boost Your Confidence
While you may think that women with large breasts have all the confidence in the world due to their feminine curves, in many cases, the opposite is true. Having large breasts can invite unwanted attention and keep you from participating in activities you would otherwise enjoy. Athletic endeavors can cause anxiety because you’re worried your breasts will bounce too much or get in the way of the activity. You also may find yourself dressing to hide your breast size because you’re self-conscious.
Breast reduction surgery can restore your confidence by ensuring you can participate in any activity you wish while still looking feminine. It brings balance and symmetry to your figure, so you no longer have to camouflage your breasts or be embarrassed about how they make you look top-heavy.
Breast Reduction Can Provide Relief From Pain and Skin Issues
Large breasts can not only cause your self-confidence to suffer but can cause physical pain as well. Women with DD or E cup breasts are carrying about four extra pounds on their chest, while women with DDD or F cup breasts are carrying almost six more pounds. It may not seem like a lot, but those excess pounds count when your shoulders, back, and neck try to keep your body balanced and upright.
Breast reduction surgery can help alleviate pain, including deep indentations in your skin from your bra straps, upper back strain, posture issues, and neck pain. A breast reduction can also eliminate skin issues caused by friction and “underboob” sweat. Persistent rashes, itching, odor, and fungal infections can all go hand in hand with oversized breasts, and breast reduction can provide relief from those conditions.
Breast Reduction Makes It Easier to Wear What You Want
As women with heavy and pendulous breasts know all too well, dealing with issues like finding clothes that fit well—from bras to swimsuits to tops—can be a challenge. Good-quality bras in large cup sizes are often expensive, and sports bras in the correct size that provide the right amount of support are even harder to find. You may have to order swimsuit tops in a larger size than your bottoms to cover and accommodate your breasts fully. For many, button-up shirts are entirely eliminated from their wardrobe because of gaping buttons strained to the limit by large breasts.
Breast reduction changes all that, lifting and shaping your newly smaller breasts so you can wear what you like without breaking the bank or worrying if straps or buttons will withstand the weight of your chest. Button-up shirts can reenter your closet, and you can enjoy bras and swimsuits that combine fashion and function, allowing you to expand your wardrobe to your liking.
Learn More About Breast Reduction in Shreveport
Whether you’re a young woman or at a more “seasoned” age, breast reduction can change your life for the better at any age. At Bridges to Beauty, skilled surgeon Dr. McIntyre Bridges can help you regain your confidence and reap the benefits of breast reduction surgery. To schedule a consultation, call today at (318) 219-8555 or complete the online contact form.