BREAST REDUCTION
Having overly large breasts can be both physically and emotionally painful. Many women with large breasts suffer from chronic pain in their neck, shoulders and back, and struggle to participate in physical activities. Many also battle feelings of embarrassment, anxiety, shame and self-consciousness due to the unwanted attention their body receives. Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat, glandular tissue and skin to achieve smaller, lighter breasts that are a more proportionate size for your body.
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY?
You may be ready to consider breast reduction surgery if:
You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too large
You experience back, neck or shoulder pain related to the weight of your breasts
You suffer from skin irritation under your breasts or indentations from your bra straps
Your breasts limit your physical activity
Your nipples sit below the breast crease
Your breast skin is stretched and your areolas are enlarged
You struggle to find clothing that fits
You have been teased or objectified due to your breast size
Your breast size causes emotional anguish or low self-esteem
You’re ready for an aesthetic change
WHAT HAPPENS DURING BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY?
Surgeons perform breast reduction surgery using a variety of different techniques. The optimal method for your procedure will be determined by your breast composition, the amount of reduction desired, your personal preferences and your surgeon’s professional advice. In most cases, incisions will be made on your breasts to allow for surgical removal of excess fat, glandular tissue and skin. The remaining breast tissue will be lifted and shaped. The nipple will be repositioned and, if necessary, the areola will be reduced by excising skin at the perimeter. Liposuction is sometimes combined with surgical excision to remove additional fat. If the size of your breasts is primarily due to fatty tissue and excess skin is not a factor, liposuction alone may be effective for breast reduction.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING RECOVERY?
The results of reduction mammaplasty are immediately visible. Dressings or bandages will be applied to protect the incisions, and a special surgical garment may be worn to reduce swelling and support the breasts as they heal. Expect to experience some discomfort, swelling and bruising after surgery, which can be alleviated with medication. Over time, postoperative swelling will subside and incision lines will fade. Most breast reduction patients resume their daily routines within one to two weeks after surgery. Additional rest time should be allowed before returning to more strenuous activities and exercise.