8 Breast Reduction Myths Demystified

Breast reductions are far more common than you think. Thousands of women just like you are saying “Enough!” to oversized breasts, tired of the discomfort associated with carrying a bust too big for your frame.

But still, misinformation abounds. Let’s clear up some of those breast reduction myths and find out what to really expect from your breast reduction.

1. You’re crazy for wanting a breast reduction.

So many think of a large bust as nothing but a blessing, but for many women that simply isn’t the case.

Large breasts can cause back pain, prevent you from engaging in certain physical activity, plus attract unwanted attention. You might also just think your body will look better with a smaller chest.

Whatever the reason, roughly 140,000 women undergo breast reductions every year in the US. And you’re certainly not crazy for wanting to look better and feel better about your body.

2. Plastic surgeons who conduct breast reductions are creepy.

Bad doctors are out there. Fortunately, they are very, very few in number and tend to get screened out before they’re ever allowed to interact with patients.

Before you choose a surgeon for your breast reduction, do your homework. Look for glowing reviews, amazing results, and a history of trustworthiness.

Great surgeons (like Dr. Jones) always put patient happiness and comfort at the top of their priorities.

3. You can easily reduce the size of your breasts without surgery.

Although it seems simple on the surface, breast reduction does not equal fat reduction.

Your breast tissue can’t be reduced through weight loss because it’s glandular, not just fatty tissue. While weight loss may slightly increase the size of your bust, breast tissue is impossible to remove without surgery.

4. If you get a breast reduction, you won’t be able to breastfeed.

Modern advances have made it possible to remove breast tissue while still keeping the nipple connected to underlying tissue. While a few rare cases will require the nipples to be reattached, most procedures do allow breastfeeding afterward.

Of course, the best way to prevent yourself from breastfeeding in the future is by choosing an incompetent, inexperienced surgeon. Avoid the frustration and go with a board-certified surgeon who knows exactly how your surgery might affect milk production or lactation.

5. Breast reductions aren’t covered by insurance.

Actually, breast reductions are USUALLY covered by insurance. In many cases, breast reductions are performed to ease pain—definitely not ‘non-essential’ like many uncovered cosmetic procedures.

Of course, it all depends on your insurance.

6. Breast lifts and breast reductions are the same thing.

One reason this myth exists is that many times, breast lifts and reductions are performed at the same time.

After a reduction, your breasts may need a ‘lift’ to retain shape, depending on your body and how much tissue was removed. This lift is meant to give your chest a more firm, youthful appearance—although you might not even need one!

Talk with your doctor to find out exactly what your body needs, whether it’s just a reduction or a lift, too.

7. You can pick whatever cup size you want.

Breast reductions are slightly more complicated than that. While it’s fine to have some general expectations regarding your results, be aware that even the best surgeons alive can’t reproduce exact measurements with a breast reduction.

However, good doctors will help you predict and visualize the size and shape of your new breasts with advanced computer imaging, so don’t worry about being completely surprised by the new you.

What’s most important about breast reductions is achieving a balanced, natural shape that decreases pain and makes you feel better.

8. Any doctor can conduct a breast reduction.

Breast reductions are just as complicated as any other type of plastic surgery, and not just any surgeon is prepared to give you the best results possible.

For that, you need to choose a doctor with years of experience and training, someone who has performed multiple breast reductions in the past and achieved results his patients have been happy with. That means choosing a surgeon who puts your needs first, stopping to answer each and every one of your questions and making you feel like Number One.

To reduce complications and maximize results, you need a board-certified plastic surgeon. Fortunately, Dr. Jones is both board-certified and the Utah State Plastic Surgery Society’s president—which means he follows the strictest requirements for ethics, education, and patient happiness in Utah.