Shop Now: Over the last decade or so, breast reduction surgeries have increased by 157%, according to The Aesthetic Society. We’ve seen a rise in breast reduction at our own plastic surgery practice in the Baton Rouge area, too.
Why are breast reduction surgeries increasing?
It seems as though you only hear stories of people getting breast lifts or breast augmentations to increase their bust size, so why is there a sudden jump in breast reductions?
Some studies suggest that girls reaching puberty earlier and the childhood obesity epidemic both affect breast size. Another environmental factor that has only come to fruition within the last couple of decades is the increase in environmental estrogens, known as xenoestrogens. With the influx of chemicals, pesticides, plastics, and animals given growth hormones, these hormones mimic the in-vivo hormones our bodies naturally produce, and as a result, increase breast size.
Surgeons suggest the rise of breast reduction surgeries may simply be because the surgeries are becoming easier to perform. In the past, the surgery lasted 4 hours and the patient was hospitalized for 24 hours; today, the surgery and recovery are completed within 4 hours.
What are the signs you need a breast reduction?
Women choose breast reduction for different reasons. Whether it be for beauty reasons or health concerns, oversized breasts are linked to many health problems, agony, and discomfort. Below we feature the top three signs to consider a breast reduction.
You experience pain – One of the biggest signs you may need a breast reduction is if you experience pain in your back, neck, or shoulders, as detailed in The Atlantic. Breasts are composed of mostly fatty tissue and are heavy, so if you’re smaller framed or your breasts are unusually large, this creates physical complications for women, and they only worsen over time.
Heavy breasts not only succumb to premature sagging but if you notice persistent bra indentations in your trapezius region, this is an indication that you could benefit from surgery. We sometimes combine breast reduction with a breast lift, not only to make breasts smaller but also to elevate the remaining sagging tissue. You can see some of our surgeons’ results in our patients’ breast reduction before-and-after photos.
If your breasts are too heavy for your frame, you may also experience migraine headaches, shortness of breath, and nerve tingling in your arms from the weight being spread out on nerves beneath the collarbone.
Your breasts inhibit you from activity – Large breasts cause discomfort, and much of it may hinder an active lifestyle. If you find yourself having trouble running, doing yoga, or swimming because of the lack of support from bras, this may also indicate a reduction is needed. A woman shouldn’t have to wear multiple sports bras to be able to exercise, and at times, can make it more trouble than what it’s worth.
It’s an inconvenience finding clothes that fit – An opportunity for the fashion industry is creating clothes for all types of bodies because many clothing items either do not fit well or look good on women with large breasts. There are specialty clothing companies that cater to large breasts; however, they’re often twice as expensive compared to standard clothing companies. Not everyone has access to these companies, so a reduction would be pertinent in this situation.
Do you need a breast reduction?
If you connect with the above signs and are considering a reduction, be sure to select a board-certified plastic surgeon for your procedure. As we discuss in this related blog post, choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon ensures you are in the hands of someone who can deliver exceptional results. If you’re seeking a breast reduction in the Baton Rouge area, contact Weiler Plastic Surgery for doctors you can trust using our online form or call us at (225) 399-0001.
Published 11/1/2017; Updated 11/3/2020
Thanks for explaining how you might need to consider breast reduction if your breasts hinder you from doing yoga or living an active lifestyle. My wife is an avid mountaineer. She took up the hobby a few years ago. Recently, she has been complaining how her breasts wear her down and impair her vision; especially when trekking through steep terrain. I’ll be sure to share this article with her so she can consider getting a breast reduction surgery so she can be a lot more nimble during her trips. http://www.drwhiteplasticsurgery.com/breast-procedures-scottsdale/reduction/
Thanks for this interesting post. Some women do suffer from enlarged breast and this further cause certain problems like discomfort while wearing clothes, breathing problems and lots more. This blog nicely reveals the points that show whether you require a breast reduction or not.
I should have had breast reduction surgery years ago however surgery though warranted was beyond my financial reach. Now that I have excellent insurance that would cover surgery for medical reasons, I feel that at 66, I am way too old to even seriously consider it.
Hi Rosalind! As long as you are in good health, age is not a factor! We are happy to set up a consultation for you to meet with one of our surgeons.
Please call our offices at
Baton Rouge: (225) 399-0001
Hammond: (985) 902-7770
Denham Springs: (225) 900-7002
Thanks for ds views on breast reduction. I am 46 and have big breast. I am thinking of reducing them. I have been feeling the severe neck pain , back pain , headache, and my spine sometimes hurts especially in the morning. Carrying heavy things is a problem . And it doesn’t look nice on my clothes. Please help me with more information.
Hi Sbongs!
We would love to give you more information on a Breast Reduction and will have a consultant reach out to you very shortly.
For further questions and scheduling, contact our office at (225) 399-0001. Thank you!
I am 65 yrs old and after my triple heart bypass 3 yrs ago, my breast almost trpiled in size I’m only 5 ft. They are so heavy and hang on all my scares. Nec,kshoulder , and back problem. I also gave a difibbulator and paste maker. I need some comfort from shortness of breath and I can’t keep a bra on for a long time because of the pressing on my scars.
Hi Joanne! One of our consultants will be in touch with you very shortly to answer any questions you may have, and possibly get you scheduled for an in person consultation. For further questions and scheduling, please contact our office at 225.399.0001. Thank you!
My daughter has been a 38DDD Since 8th grade, now 18 years old, have been denied by insurance 4 times. She has seen a spine specialist, PT, permanent indents in her shoulders, constant pain. Don’t know what to do next??
Hi Csetta! We are happy to meet your daughter at a consultation with one of our surgeons. One of our consultants will be reaching out to you shortly!
Wish had money to go through with it Am 53 No kids Played alot of sport in past Am overweight in general Feel disgusting No clothes fit Have big shoulders and heavy boned
Hi Mel! We offer financing through third party companies: CareCredit or United Medical Credit. We are happy to help you apply and set up a consultation! I can have one of our consultants reach out to you shortly with more information.
I am wondering if my insurance will pay if i have the systoms of neck, back pain. I have the indentions in my shoulders. I also suffer from migraines.
Thank you for your comment! Unfortunately we are a strictly cosmetic practice and do not accept insurance. Some insurance companies do cover the procedure when medically necessary, however we recommend checking with your insurance provider to verify what is covered on your individual plan.
Best of luck!
My breast are large my neck and shoulders hurts so bad ,my back and tingling in my fingers ,as soon as I take my bra off it stops , need to know if u take blue cross blue shield ,and if it can be done in Hammond la.
Hi Betty,
Thank you for your comment! Unfortunately we are a strictly cosmetic practice and do not accept insurance. If you would like, one of our consultants can give you a call with more information and provide you with a cosmetic quote for the procedure.
If insurance won’t pay how much would it cost me out of pocket?
Hi Sherrie! Thanks for your interest! Pricing can vary depending on the time needed during the procedure. I’ll have one of our consultants reach out to you with further info! Feel free to give us a call as well at 225-399-0001!
Hii, Im 18 years old , since 4th grade I’ve always had boobs & done so much excersise and my back hurts when I’m at work or I run for my excercise to loose weight , I be wearing 3-4 bras to do exercise, my size is 40D and I feel like I done every exercise and every diet and nothing happens plus under my breast I’m getting itchy and have dark spots , I can’t even sleep cause my back hurts and now my shoulder are being in pain