The human body is at its best shape when everything is in balance. While some women would give up just about anything to have larger breasts, some well-endowed women wish to get rid of theirs to win back the proportionate torso.

Women with very large breasts may experience difficulties caused by the excessive weight such as back and neck pain and breathing problems. Larger breasts tend to be saggy and do not appear very attractive. Supportive bras come with big straps that may in turn leave indentations in the shoulders. Most importantly, oversized breasts can make a woman feel extremely self-conscious about herself.

This is where breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty) steps in. It is a surgical procedure that removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer. The goal is to give the woman smaller, better-shaped breasts in proportion with the rest of her body.

Breast reduction is not a simple operation, but when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, it is normally safe. Breast reduction plastic surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. Before the surgery, surgical markings will be drawn on your breasts and the incision is made along the surgical markings.

After the procedure, the incisions and tissue movement will cause your breasts to be sore, swollen, and bruised but there will not be noticeable, permanent scars. Breast-feeding may not be possible in the future since the surgery removes many of the milk ducts leading to the nipples. Pain can be treated by a prescription from your plastic surgeon. You can expect to wear bandages for about two days after surgery. Activity should be kept to a minimum for a week or two and heavy lifting or pushing should be avoided for three or four weeks.

Breast reduction can also benefit men with gynecomastia - an enlargement of one or both breasts. The procedure is not entirely similar to women's breast reduction but the two procedures share a lot of similarities. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations, and discuss them frankly with your plastic surgeon and make sure that your surgeon can provide enough information specific to your circumstances. It is best to study risks and possible complications beforehand and make sure you follow your surgeon's advice for your own benefit.