When you think of breast surgery, you probably imagine what most do, cosmetic enhancement; getting noticed wherever you go; getting a little plastic surgery to enhance your body, and so on. But lots of women go to the plastic surgeon for just the opposite reason - reduction surgery.

If you have a small chest, it's inconceivable to you that anybody would want to make be smaller. How could anybody want to give up what nature has provided so plentifully to them?

You could say that the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. The fact is, for many women with large, natural breasts, the weight can be a problem.

Being oversized is actually a medical condition called "hypertrophy." Women who have hypertrophy suffer from back and neck pain because of their bountiful bosoms. It's not as wonderful as it looks!

Some women have a reduction procedure later in life as they begin to sag. There is no way to stop gravity, but you can make yourself look younger with a little plastic surgery.

A breast reduction operation can make you look perkier and firmer. This is also the case with women who are recovering from pregnancy. Extra fat deposits form and surgery is needed to get them back to normal.

And yes, some MEN have reduction surgery. There is a medical condition called "gynecomastia" that causes male breasts to grow out of control. Half of all men in the United States could stand to benefit by this type of procedure.

For most standard operations, an incision is made around the areola. From there, the cut goes downward to the bottom of the breast, where it is easiest to remove the excess fatty tissue. This leaves a scar, but in certain situations, the long part of the scar can be avoided. This depends on your individual case and what your surgery goals. You will want to talk to your plastic surgeon during consultation if you are concerned about leaving a scar.

There is a method that does not leave a visible scar which is called the "periareolar reduction method." Whether you are eligible for this operation or not depends on how much extra skin tissue is present. The disadvantage of this method is that it leaves your breasts flat, whereas a regular reduction procedure will decrease the size only.

The most important thing is to talk to your doctor during the consultation and make sure you know exactly what your options are. Make sure you are aware of the possible risks as well. This should all be covered in your consultation.

The procedure takes only a couple of hours per breast, and most patients do not have to stay overnight in the hospital. The operation is fairly painless, because it is done away from sensitive areas, and the recovery period is fairly fast. However, you will need to go back to the doctor to have stitches removed and for follow-up.

Believe it or not, there are some women (and men) who choose to have breast reduction surgery. Unlike those who go for breast augmentation, they usually do it for health reasons rather than to look better. Talk to your doctor about your options and see if you think plastic surgery is the solution to your problem.