Breast reduction - Why it is done 

Why a breast reduction should be done 

You may consider having a breast reduction operation if you have physical discomfort or psychological distress due to having large breasts.

Physical problems may be:

  • backache
  • neck pain
  • shoulder ache
  • skin irritation
  • poor posture
  • excessive sweating, rashes and skin infections under the breasts
  • weals or grooves on the shoulders from bra straps
  • an inability to exercise or take part in sports

Psychological distress can be:

  • unwanted attention or harassment
  • self-consciousness
  • difficulty finding clothes that fit
  • depression

For both women and men, breasts can become large due to fatty deposits within them. Losing weight by eating a healthy diet and doing regular exercise may help reduce the size of your breasts without the need for surgery.

  • show glossary terms

Glossary

Pain
Pain is an unpleasant physical or emotional feeling that your body produces as a warning sign that it has been damaged.
Ache
An ache is a constant dull pain in a part of the body.
Depression
Depression is when you have feelings of extreme sadness, despair or inadequacy that last for a long time.

Last reviewed: 09/03/2010

Next review due: 09/03/2012

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