While some may envy a woman who has ample curves, large breasts can cause back aches, neck pain and even interfere with breathing. You can reduce your breast size on a temporary basis by choosing the proper bra or on a long-term basis by losing weight or undergoing surgery. Breast size is not just a problem for women, however, as men who suffer from "man boobs" have options as well.
Weight
Breasts are composed primarily of fatty tissue. If you are overweight, losing weight is an inexpensive, noninvasive way to reduce the size of your breasts. Aim for a healthy weight and a healthy body fat percentage. Your doctor can help you determine an appropriate weight goal.
Minimizing Bras
Certain bras are designed to provide a reduced breast size appearance when worn. These bras are called minimizers. A well-chosen minimizing bra can help you look up to two sizes smaller and even ten pounds lighter by lifting and redistributing breast tissue, according to Nicole Sciotto, writing for Penn State's "Daily Collegian." For best results, purchase a minimizer bra that fits properly. Choosing a bra that is too small or too tight will not produce the same effect. Minimizing bras are an inexpensive, noninvasive way to reduce breast size appearance on a temporary basis.
Reduction Mammaplasty
If you are at your proper weight and are seeking a permanent reduction in your breast size, you may wish to consider reduction mammaplasty, or breast reduction surgery. Depending on the size of your breasts and whether they impact your health, this may or may not be considered a cosmetic procedure. If this surgery is not a cosmetic procedure, it may be covered by your health insurance. Breast reduction surgery can interfere with your ability to breastfeed in the future because the removed tissue may include milk ducts, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center, where such surgery is performed.
Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is a condition that causes men to develop breast tissue. According to Columbia University, this may occur at puberty or, rarely, as a result of a medical condition. Men who experience a growth in breast tissue should see their doctor to rule out any medical conditions that require treatment. Gynecomastia sometimes resolves on its own without treatment. If a man's enlarged breasts are a result of excess fat, the condition is called pseudogynecomastia, and the treatment recommendation is to achieve and maintain a healthy weight and body fat percentage.
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