Mevish Jaffer
Some women consider having a big chest to be a god-given blessing, while others view it as a pure curse. As the age old adage tells us, “the grass is always greener on the other side.” Fortunately, we live in a modern world where new medical and surgical advances are constantly emerging.
Therefore, those who are dissatisfied with the size and shape of their breasts have specific options that assist in correcting or alleviating the problem. Women with smaller chests usually opt for breast enhancement surgery to achieve a fuller look. Breast augmentation surgery is meant to increase the size and shape of a woman’s breasts through the use of implants. Women who suffer from the opposite problem, and have larger cup sizes, tend to consider breast reduction surgery as an attractive option.
Common Reasons for Breast Reduction Surgery
There are several cosmetic reasons why big-chested women opt for
breast surgery, as well as those which are based on health reasons. The following are some examples which illustrate women’s motivation for undergoing breast reduction surgery:
Restoring symmetry
One of the most common cosmetic reasons for breast reduction surgery is asymmetry. While it can often be normal for women to have one breast which is slightly bigger than the other, sometimes the difference in size is highly noticeable. This is where breast reduction surgery can be helpful to restore the breasts to the same shape and size.
Size
Another cosmetic reason that drives many women to get breast reduction surgery is the sheer size of their chest. They tend to feel uncomfortable in their clothes, especially in things like tank tops or strapless dresses. In fact, the feeling of discomfort which some women feel in regards to the size of their breasts can be so overwhelming that they choose to wear baggier tops in an effort to conceal them.
Gravity
Because over-sized breasts are more susceptible to sagging than smaller ones, many women choose to have breast reduction in order to have a fighting chance against the pull of gravity and stretch marks.
Back problems
Women with larger breasts typically complain of having back problems, particularly when the size of their chest is not proportional with their body frame. The extra weight can be very strenuous for them to carry around on a daily basis.
Neck pain
Neck pain is another medical issue associated with a large chest. This is due to the weight that pulls down on the upper back, neck and shoulders, which can lead to other health problems including strained muscles and chronic headaches.
Psychological reasons
Having a large chest can often put a damper on a woman’s self-esteem and prevent her from getting out in life and socializing. This is because in many cases, large breasts are known to attract unwanted attention from the opposite sex. Therefore, putting an end to the constant gawking and leering can be reason enough for a woman to have breast reduction surgery.
Procedure Costs and Risks
The importance of working with a certified and tenured plastic surgeon cannot be stressed enough. The average cost for breast reduction surgery can be up to $15,000 or more, depending on the level of expertise shown by the surgeon as well as the clinic. It’s also important for patients to be aware of the risks and complications associated with breast reduction surgery:
- Formation of sores around the nipples
- Allergic reactions
- Unsightly scars
- Lopsided breasts
- Bleeding
- Infection
Breast Reduction Pills
Breast reduction can also be achieved through the consumption of pills, which cost a lot less than a surgical procedure. However, the downside to breast reduction pills is lack of instant gratification. For effective results, the pills usually need to be taken for a period of 3-6 months and cost anywhere between $300-$500, excluding shipping costs.
Gnyecomastia
The use of breast reduction pills is also common among men who suffer from gnyecomastia, a medical condition that occurs in men who experience the growth of breasts similar in appearance and size to female breasts. A few possible causes of this condition include genetics, the consumption of certain kinds of medication, and hormonal changes. While adjustments in diet and exercise or medications can often be made to remedy the situation, some men also opt for male breast reduction surgery in order to address the problem.
[page updated December 2008]