The recent report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is out. According to it, the top five cosmetic procedures hardly changed. Claiming the top spot was breast augmentation, which increased 3 percent from 2016. Following it was liposuction, which also went up by 5 percent.

1. Reduction Mammoplasty
Procedures Beat
Breast Augmentation in
Growth Rate
Dr. Steven Warnock

2. The recent report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is out. According
to it, the top five cosmetic procedures hardly changed. Claiming the top spot was breast
augmentation, which increased 3 percent from 2016. Following it was liposuction, which
also went up by 5 percent.
The report, though, highlighted a growing trend: reduction mammoplasty. Although it
didn’t make it to the top procedures, it had one of the highest increases. The number of
breast reduction surgeries climbed 11 percent in 2017. It was a significant jump from the
4 percent decline in 2016.
Even more interesting, it’s not only the women who undergo the procedure. Two years
ago, 40 percent of such surgeries involved males.
Why are there more people choosing to reduce their breast size?

3. It’s More than Aesthetics
Aesthetics is the primary reason for the surgery. For men, having big breasts can affect
their self-esteem. A 2013 study by Wolters Kluwer Health revealed that adolescent boys
with gynecomastia were more likely to report lower general health scores. They may also
report problems with their mental health and social skills.
Like in men, big breasts can also influence a woman’s self-esteem. Some studies associate
it with the increased risk of having mental health problems and eating disorders. The
ladies, though, may choose it to improve their quality of life.
More studies showed the large breasts might not be the reason for the upper back pain.
The Women’s Health Research Institute placed most of the blame on other factors. These
include pregnancy, obesity, irritation of the spinal nerves, and poor posture. Nevertheless,
larger-than-normal breasts may worsen the pain. The weight can affect the posture and
pull muscles.

4. To feel conscious about the size of the breast is understandable. It’s one of the prominent
parts of the body. Moreover, society ties it to power, sex, and beauty. Reduction
mammoplasty may not be for everyone. But it offers more hope and option for those who
want to look and feel good.
Sources:
https://drstevenwarnock.com
https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/03/01/1402022/0/en/New-Statistics-
Reveal-the-Shape-of-Plastic-Surgery.html
http://www.newswise.com/articles/gynecomastia-has-psychological-impact-on-
adolescent-boys-reports-plastic-and-reconstructive-surgery
https://www.womenshealth.northwestern.edu/blog/do-bigger-breasts-cause-more-back-
pain