Many women have been considering a breast reduction since they first started developing during puberty. This means that by the time you hit your twenties, it may have been in the back of your mind for five or ten years already. Whilst many of the symptoms can arise throughout puberty, where possible it is always better to wait until breasts are fully developed. In extreme circumstances it may be considered at an earlier age, however this is very rare and at the very least should be deferred until early adult life. As with all elective surgical procedures, women considering a breast reduction must take considerable time and effort to understand the procedure; the limitations and risks associated with the procedure; and have realistic goals and expectations of the results. It is very dependent on the stage of life you are in, and how the post operative outcomes will change your life. Here are some factors you may want to take into consideration: Money As a young woman who is...

Having been the resident of your body for your entire life, it can prove difficult to make the decision on whether a Breast Reduction will actually enhance the quality of the life you have always lived. The procedure is rarely an impulsive decision, and has often been on a patient's mind since puberty. This being said, there are some tell-tale signs that Breast Reduction candidates often present with. Neck and back pain is very common. The size of your breasts can weigh down your upper body and shoulders, causing posture issues and muscle strain. The way you may subsequently carry yourself due to this can also lead to your bra straps digging in and then chafing, sweating or rashes under the breasts as you lean forward or hunch to try and alleviate the pain. Similarly,in some instances, numbness and tingling in the hands can occur if your breasts are large enough to pull on your torso and affect your neck position. You can end up with nerve pain that radiates down your uppe...

I think the most useful way to think about this issue is to divide into it things you can do something about and the ones that you are stuck with: Risks you can do something about: Exercise: Not exercising regularly increases your risk Weight: Being overweight (particularly as you get older) increases your risk compared to women of ideal body weight Alcohol: Research studies show consuming alcohol increases your risk of breast cancer. It is dose related (that means the more you drink the more you increase your risk) Medications: Some forms and I emphasise only some types of oral contraceptive pills have been associated with a higher risk of breast cancer. If you are worried about this you should ask the doctor who prescribes it for you. Taking some preparations of HRT for more than 5 years may increase your risk. Risks you can't do anything about: Your age: you can't do anything about this but the incidence of breast cancer increases as you get...

There are 2 common scar patterns produced by different types of breast reduction procedure. Vertical or "lollipop" type procedures have a circular scar around the nipple and areolar complex and a vertical scar from the nipple scar vertically down towards the breast fold. These type of procedures are ideally suited to small to moderate breast reduction procedures and are more often chosen by younger women who may not have had the opportunity to meet their long term partner and may have greater concerns about other people's reactions to scars on their breasts. Traditional or "anchor" type procedures also have a circular scar around the nipple and areolar complex and a vertical scar from the nipple scar towards the breast fold. The difference with "anchor" pattern procedures is that in addition to the above scars there is also a long scar in the breast fold. These procedures are most often chosen by women requiring large breast reductions an...