ABSTRACT
The aim of breast reduction surgery (or reduction mammaplasty) surgery is to reduce breast size while maintaining the aesthetics (symmetry with minimal scarring) and function (nipple sensation, ability to breast feed). The commonest indication is back pain due to the muscular imbalance caused by excessive weight. Oversized breasts can cause significant psychological upset and embarrassment. Other problems include intertrigo, grooving of the shoulder from bra straps, having difficulty with sports or being unable to find suitable clothes to wear. Despite the significant scar and potential complications, patient satisfaction is generally high (95% of patients regard their surgery as successful). Patients consistently rate the results higher than surgeons.
