As in breast enhancement, people seeking a Breast Reduction want to achieve a more balanced, proportionate physical form. Women with very large breasts (hypermastia) say they have problems finding clothing that fits, and their brassiere straps produce painful marks on their shoulders. They complain of neck, back and shoulder pain and say large breasts make it difficult to play sports.

Younger women are particularly sensitive to jokes about large breasts and report that they are frequently embarrassed. But while women overwhelmingly make up the patient load for this type of surgery, men sometimes are candidates due to abnormal breast tissue development. Larger than normal breasts on a young man or any man can be equally embarrassing and can cause great psychological pain. In older persons, the extra weight of overly large breasts may even cause breathing problems. With this type of surgery, you don't have to be uncomfortable and self conscious any more about large, sagging breasts. Because of these related medical and psychological problems, breast reduction is not always considered cosmetic surgery and may be covered by insurance. Patients should check with their health insurance carrier.

Breast lifting (Mastopexy) is a procedure to correct sagging breasts (Ptosis) resulting from weight loss, pregnancy or as a consequence of aging. The breast skin stretches and/or loses elasticity. Also, the fat tissue supporting the breasts degenerates over time giving them a less youthful appearance.