Breast reduction procedures are becoming more and more popular these days. This surgery is known as mammaplasties.

Large breasts can cause various medical problems due to the excessive weight on the chest in addition to skeletal deformities and sometimes breathing problems. Disproportionately large breasts can also lead to extreme self-consciousness.

Breast reduction is designed for women with these problems. The procedure removes particular amounts of fat, glandular tissues and skin from each side of the breasts. This allows the breast to become smaller, lighter and more firm. The surgery also can reduce the size of the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple).

The goal of the breast reduction surgery is to give the woman smaller, firmer and better shaped breasts that will be more in proportion to her body.

Recovering from a breast reduction procedure is very similar to other breast surgery recoveries. After the surgery has been completed, you will be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a surgical bra. A small tube may also be attached in each breast to drain excessive blood and fluids.

Although this procedure is safe and has very few complications, you may feel some pain for the first couple of days, especially when you are moving around. General discomfort may last a week or longer, but your doctor will give you medication to ease the pain.

Most women can return to work and social events after around two weeks, granted they are avoiding strenuous activity.