Who is a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction?

Understanding your suitability for a cosmetic procedure can give you the courage to book a consultation and take the first step towards a new you.

In this article, we will discuss the ideal candidates for breast reduction surgery and the concerns it can help remedy.

At the CREO Clinic, we assess each patient on a case-by-case basis to determine your eligibility for a breast reduction procedure. In doing so, you can rest assured that the procedure is right for you and your body.

You Have Symptoms of Large Breasts

Having overly large breasts can cause a vast range of physical symptoms that can make you an ideal candidate for breast reduction surgery:

Shoulder, Neck, and Back Pain

Having large breasts can cause pain across the back, as well as well as neck pain and shoulder pain caused by the excess weight. For patients struggling with chronic pain caused by large breasts, a reduction can even be deemed medically necessary.

Shoulder Indentations From Bra

Many women with larger breasts struggle to find a well-fitted bra. Often, women with larger breasts find the bra straps dig into their shoulders, caused by the weight of the excess breast tissue. This can lead to the development of shoulder grooves which can be particularly painful.

Difficulty Exercising

It can be difficult for women with larger breasts to engage in regular exercise due to physically-demanding limitations caused by the extra weight.

In addition, it can be hard to find well-fitted workout clothing adapted to larger busts, which can put women off exercising entirely.

Difficulty Sleeping

Finding a comfortable sleeping position can be a common symptom of having larger breasts. Many patients find that the excess weight impedes their ability to sleep on their front, and the extra weight can cause uncomfortable heaviness on the chest for back sleepers.

Numbness in Breasts That Spreads

Some women can develop a loss of sensation or nerve-tingling (paresthesias) in their arms caused by large breasts. This is due to the weight on the shoulders pulling on the nerves behind the collarbone.

Rashes Beneath Breasts

Large breasts can cause skin irritation and conditions to develop in the cleavage and underneath the breasts. These include rashes and infections caused by trapped heat and moisture.

Shortness of Breath Due to Weight on Chest

Larger, heavy breasts can place additional pressure and demand on your breathing, leading to shortness of breath in some patients, especially after physical activity. This can be a particularly uncomfortable symptom of having large breasts, which can be addressed by reducing breast size.

Difficulty Fitting Into Shirts

Many clothing options are not adapted to larger busts, particularly items that are more form-fitting. A breast reduction can therefore increase what you can wear and give your wardrobe a new lease of life.

You Have Asymmetrical Breasts

Asymmetrical breasts, where one breast looks different from the other, can present aesthetic concerns for many patients. A breast reduction can help to correct any differences to provide a more even shape and size of the bust, helping patients feel more confident in their bodies.

You Are Healthy and Don’t Smoke

To undergo a breast reduction, you will need to be in good health and must abstain from smoking four weeks before and four weeks after breast surgery.

Smoking reduces blood flow and thus the ability of the surgical sites to heal and fight infection. This can cause complications such as skin and nipple necrosis, wound breakdown, and chest infections.

In addition, you will need to be of a suitable BMI to be eligible for plastic surgery, which you can check with our BMI calculator. For a breast reduction, this is typically below 30, but may be slightly higher for patients with extremely large breasts due to the excess fat and breast tissue.

You’re Self Conscious About Your Breast Size

Some patients wish to undergo a breast reduction as they have aesthetic concerns regarding the size of their breasts. For these patients, a reduction means they are able to feel more comfortable and confident about their bodies.

You’re Not Pregnant or Plan to be Pregnant

To undergo a breast reduction, you must not be pregnant and shouldn’t ideally plan to be pregnant in the near future. This is because pregnancy can significantly change breast tissue and make the surgical procedure and recovery more difficult.

Breast Reduction FAQs

Should I Lose Weight Before A Breast Reduction?

You will need to be at a suitable BMI, below 30, in order to undergo a breast reduction to reduce the risk of complications during and after surgery. To calculate your BMI and determine your eligibility for a breast augmentation, use our handy BMI calculator.  n

Will I Lose Sensitivity?

When incisions are made during a breast reduction, the nerves can be damaged which can in turn affect sensitivity. A board certified plastic surgeon will be able to avoid damage to the larger nerves, though damage to the smaller branches of nerves may be unavoidable. However, this is less of an issue as smaller nerves can repair over time, restoring sensation. n

Schedule a Consultation with CREO Clinic Today

If you think you are an ideal candidate for a breast reduction, contact the CREO Clinic to book a consultation with Dr. Omar Tillo.

As a breast reconstruction specialist, Dr Tillo is best placed to assess your suitability for surgery and has the necessary skills and experience to deliver a bespoke breast reduction treatment plan for you.