As the eighth most popular cosmetic operation across the globe in 2018, breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, can be truly life-changing for the patients who undergo it. The procedure, in which breast tissue and fat are removed using either a lollipop technique (around the areola and straight down) or an anchor technique (adding a horizontal extension), is relatively simple and typically takes just two to three hours.

Breast reduction has one of the highest patient-satisfaction rates in all of plastic surgery, and studies show that it can significantly boost self-esteem and improve quality of life for decades to come. But, as is the case with most surgeries, breast reduction can have some unexpected impacts on day-to-day life, both during a patient’s recovery and even years after the procedure.