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Am I a Suitable Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery? (Mammoplasty)

Am I a Suitable Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery? (Mammoplasty)

Are large breasts causing you discomfort or making you feel self-conscious? If so, you’re not alone. Many people seek breast reduction surgery to relieve physical pain and achieve better body proportions. But how do you know if you’re the right candidate for the procedure?

Whether you’re considering it for health reasons, comfort, or aesthetic enhancement, knowing if you meet the qualifications for breast reduction is crucial. 

What is Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast reduction surgery is a procedure designed to reduce the size of the breasts by removing excess fat, tissue, and skin. It aims to relieve physical discomfort caused by large breasts, such as back, neck, and shoulder pain.

The surgery also improves body proportions, making the breasts more in line with the rest of the body’s shape. The procedure can be both medically necessary and cosmetically motivated. 

Common Reasons for Breast Reduction

There are several reasons for breast reduction, with some individuals seeking the procedure for medical relief, while others desire a change in appearance. The most common reasons include:

1. Physical Discomfort

Many individuals with larger breasts experience significant discomfort. Common physical issues include:

  • Back, neck, and shoulder pain caused by the heavy weight of the breasts.
  • Skin irritation or rashes under the breast crease due to friction.
  • Posture problems from the strain of carrying extra weight on the chest.

Breast reduction can alleviate these issues, leading to improved overall health and comfort.

2. Difficulty in Physical Activity

Excessive breast size can make it difficult to engage in physical activities such as running, swimming, or exercising.

The discomfort and mobility limitations caused by larger breasts can impact your overall fitness and wellbeing. A breast reduction liposuction allows you to lead a more active lifestyle.

3. Breast Asymmetry

Some individuals have uneven breasts, where one side is significantly larger than the other. Breast reduction surgery can help restore balance, improving both symmetry and appearance.

4. Self-Esteem and Body Image

Many individuals feel self-conscious about their breast size, especially if their breasts are disproportionately large for their body type. Breast reduction can help improve confidence and self-image by achieving a more proportionate figure.

Breast Reduction Requirements

To be a good candidate for breast reduction surgery, you’ll need to meet specific breast reduction requirements. These typically include:

  • Good overall health to ensure you can recover properly after surgery.
  • Stable weight as major fluctuations can affect the results.
  • Non-smoker or willingness to quit smoking before and after surgery to reduce risks.
  • Realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery.
  • Age: Ideally, you should be at least 18 years old, with fully developed breasts.

If you meet these basic breast reduction requirements, it’s time to schedule a consultation with a board-certified surgeon who can evaluate your individual situation.

How to Qualify for Breast Reduction Surgery

When considering a breast reduction, it’s important to understand the qualifications for breast reduction. The decision to undergo this surgery should be based on physical, emotional, and medical factors. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Physical Health Considerations

To meet breast reduction requirements, you should be in good physical health. This means having no underlying health conditions that could interfere with the healing process, such as heart disease, diabetes, or active infections.

Your cosmetic surgeon will assess your medical history and may recommend that you achieve a stable weight before undergoing surgery.

2. Realistic Expectations

It’s essential to have realistic expectations about the results. While breast reduction can improve health and appearance, it’s important to understand that the procedure cannot address all concerns.

Speak with your surgeon about your goals to ensure your expectations align with what the surgery can achieve.

3. Age Considerations

While there is no specific age requirement, most surgeons recommend waiting until breast development is complete. For younger individuals, it’s generally advised to wait until after the late teens or early twenties.

 However, if large breasts are causing significant medical problems at a younger age, surgery may be considered earlier.

4. Medical Necessity

In some cases, breast reduction is considered medically necessary. This means the surgery is required to address health issues, such as chronic pain, skin infections, or other physical conditions caused by large breasts.

If the surgery is deemed medically necessary, health insurance may cover some or all of the costs.

5. Psychological Readiness

Because breast reduction surgery can be life-changing, it’s important to be mentally prepared. Candidates should be able to cope with the emotional and psychological aspects of recovery, including the adjustment to their new appearance.

Can I Get a Breast Reduction?

If you’re wondering, “Can I get a breast reduction?”, the answer depends on your unique situation. You should consider the following factors:

  • Excessive breast size causing pain or physical limitations.
  • Difficulty finding properly fitting clothes or bras.
  • Desire to improve body proportions and self-esteem.
  • Ongoing health issues like back pain, shoulder grooves, or skin infections.

If any of these apply to you, it’s a good indication that breast reduction might be a suitable option. 

Make the Right Decision With Expert Guidance

If you’ve been struggling with the challenges of large breasts and are considering surgery, the first step is a consultation with a qualified surgeon. At Breast & Body Clinic, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve the best possible results.

Book your consultation with BB Clinic today or call us at (02) 9819 7449, and let us help you explore your options!

Have a question for Dr Yunaev on this procedure?

Your question will be answered within 24 hours by Dr Yunaev; a Specialist Breast and General Surgeon with extensive training and experience.


  • Am I a Suitable Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery? (Mammoplasty)
  • Am I a Suitable Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery? (Mammoplasty)
  • Am I a Suitable Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery? (Mammoplasty)
  • Am I a Suitable Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery? (Mammoplasty)

“My team and I are committed to tailoring a personalised approach to you and your concerns so that you may benefit from our expertise and we can meet your expectations.” Dr Michael Yunaev
MS (Breast Surgery), BreastSurgANZ Breast Fellow, Aesthetic Breast and Body Fellow, FRACS (General Surgery), MPH, BMedSc (Hons).

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