Breast Reduction
Breast Reduction
Breast reduction is perfect for individuals who desire to decrease the size of their breast and have a more natural looking shape to both their silhouette and body.
Why Breast Reduction?
One of the most common procedures among patients who have symptomatic issues related to the size of their breast is breast reduction surgery. Patients usually want this procedure for various reasons, but are not always due to their appearance. In many cases it has to do with symptomatic problems like neck pain, upper back pain, and shoulder pain. Some patients have had large breasts their whole life, and their shoulders are rotated forward and hunched over, causing many aches and pains over time. Those are all common symptoms for patients with heavy breasts and one area we specialize in at our facility.
The Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery
Every patient is different, and their goals also vary, but one thing is for sure; if you are looking at dealing with the symptomatic issues large breasts can create or simply wanting to look better and more balanced in the area of your appearance and looks, breast reduction surgery is a worthwhile option. After all, it is plastic surgery, so appearance is important, but the main goal of this procedure is to make the patient feel better. The procedure works very well and the recovery period is reasonable. Contact us today and find out more on how we can help you look and feel better.
Is this procedure right for me?
The best candidates for the procedure are patients who have had large breasts and can tell that it is the breasts that are causing those problems. Most of the time, the surgeon can tell ahead of time that patients will be improved with breast reduction surgery. Occasionally, there are patients for whom it is not completely clear. In that case, the consultation can delineate whether the procedure is a good idea or not.
How is the procedure done?
For the procedure itself, there are a couple of different ways to do it. There is what is called a wise pattern or inverted T breast reduction. It is an incision around the areola down to the fold from the areola and an incision underneath the breast. The reason we make those incisions is that with breast reduction, in addition to the breast tissue being too big, the skin has been stretched out by large breasts. So, in addition to taking out the breast tissue, you also want to remove a lot of the breast skin. It is very similar to what is done for a breast lift. So, it is common to incorporate a breast lift technique into the procedure so that the breast is also lifted and gets a nice rejuvenated appearance. That is some bonus to the reduction. In certain patients who have less extra skin or who have less of a breast to reduce, there are other ways to do it. Another way is a vertical breast reduction, which is incisions around the areola and downward. Some people call it the lollipop incision. It depends on the degree of breast tissue that needs to be taken out and the degree of excess skin. That is something that the surgeon assesses in the consultation with the patient. As always, all these plans have to be individualized because people do have a lot of differences.
Very often, as part of the individualization, patients who need a breast reduction have a pretty asymmetric type of breasts. One side is significantly bigger than the other, or one nipple may be considerably lower than the other. Then, of course, the goal of surgery is to make this closer as much as possible.
How much does the surgery last, and how is the recovery process?
The surgery itself, depending on the technique, usually lasts about three hours or so. It’s done under general anesthesia, the patient’s asleep the whole time, and it’s more comfortable for them. Again quite straightforward with the procedure where the goal is to reduce the skin and excess breast tissue. After the procedure, patients usually put in some sterile dressings and a special surgical bra that the surgeon puts on at the time of surgery. Some patients leave that on until the first post-operative visit. Then the surgeon takes off the dressings, double-check for signs of infection, and things like that. Occasionally in some patients, the surgeon drains where the patient has some tubes that go into the tissue to remove any excess fluid that remains. Patients can expect bruising and swelling. A lot of it to goes away in the first two weeks or so so, but expect the majority of swelling to go away by six weeks. The breast will continue to remodel and get better in terms of shape in six weeks to six months to a year. By that time, a lot of scars have faded as well. The scars, as always, peak in terms of darkness in about four to six weeks after surgery. Afterward, it will start this slow lightening process that goes on for the first 12 months. Breast reduction works very well for patients. Remember, the goal is a symptomatic improvement, usually, in back pain, neck pain, my patients are delighted with the result.
What is breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a procedure in which excess breast fat, glandular tissue and skin are removed in order to achieve a breast size more in proportion with your body. This procedure also alleviates the discomfort associated with excessively large breasts (macromastia).
Disproportionately large breasts can cause both physical and emotional distress for patients. Patients with macromastia often experience physical discomfort resulting from the heavy weight of their breasts. This pain is debilitating and can make it challenging for some patients to perform common physical activities. These physical ailments aren’t the only problems are patients with macromastia may suffer from emotional distress or more significant mental health problems as a result of their large breasts.
While breast reduction surgery is usually done to address medical issues, some patients who do not have the symptoms of macromastia and are unhappy with the size of their breasts do have the option of pursuing breast reduction as an aesthetic procedure. There are a variety of reasons patients may choose to undergo breast reductions surgery and these patients often cite a number of cosmetic reasons for wanting the procedure including social stigma and wardrobe concerns
Who is a good candidate for breast reduction surgery?
There is no doubt that overly large breasts cause health and emotional problems. Self- image issues aren’t the only problem with many patients experiencing pain and discomfort. In the end, the weight of heavy breast tissue impairs a person’s ability to lead an active life. Importantly, the emotional discomfort and self-consciousness often associated with having large breasts is as important an issue as the physical discomfort and pain caused by macromastia.
You may be a candidate for breast reduction surgery if:
You don't smoke
You are physically healthy
You have realistic expectations
You have skin irritation beneath the breast crease
You have breasts that limit your physical activity
You experience back, neck and shoulder pain caused by the weight of your breasts
You are bothered by feeling that your breasts are too large
You have shoulder indentations from bra straps
Be careful
It is extremely important to follow all of your physician's instructions as it is key to having a successful surgery. You must protect your surgical incisions, keep them clean and ensure they are not subjected to excessive force, abrasion or motion during the time of healing. You will be given specific instructions on how to care of yourself and minimize any post-surgical risks.
Be sure to ask questions: It's extremely important to address all of your questions, no matter how minor they seem, directly with your plastic surgeon. Feeling anxiety is normal, whether from excitement about your results or pre-operative stress. Discuss these feelings with your surgeon
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