Women who underwent breast reduction surgery before age 25 continue to report lasting benefits 10 to 30 years following the procedure, according to a study in the November issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). The study finds that some long-term outcomes after breast reduction surgery – including sexual well-being and satisfaction with breasts – are even higher than in women who have never had breast surgery.  According to the 2018 American Society of Plastic Surgeons annual statistics report, there were 43,591 breast reduction procedures last year—a number that’s held steady since the Society began tracking the operation in 2011. Overall, participants demonstrated high satisfaction and well-being,”. Women who underwent breast reduction also had good scores for psychosocial well-being (76 out of 100) and physical well-being (81 out of 100).

Breast reduction has demonstrated benefits in reducing symptoms (such as back and neck pain) and improving psychological well-being (such as poor body image and low self-esteem) in women with overlarge breasts. The new report is one of the longest follow-up studies of young reduction mammaplasty patients.

The results show enduring benefits in a group of women who underwent breast reduction before age 25. Benefits persisted even though the women likely underwent hormonal changes affecting the breast, including pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause. “Thus, avoiding or delaying reduction mammaplasty in young patients may prevent them from achieving lasting improvements in satisfaction and well-being,” the researchers add. The study also has implications for insurance coverage and other obstacles to undergoing breast reduction surgery, especially in younger women.

Please visit Dr. Monasebian and Park Avenue Plastic Surgery today if you are thinking about this procedure. Medical insurance may help cover the costs of surgery if deemed medically necessary.