How Can I Benefit From Breast Reduction
Women with very large breasts can suffer from many problems, both medical and emotional. Because of the extra weight associated with large breasts, many women suffer from pain in their neck, shoulders or back and can also have issues with circulation and breathing. Long term issues can include skeletal deformities. Many women also feel very self-conscious regarding the size of their breasts in proportion to the size of their bodies, which can lead to long term body image issues.
Breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to address these issues. Through the removal of excess fat, skin and glandular tissue the patients breasts can be made smaller, firmer and more in proportion to the rest of their body. It is also common during breast reduction to reduce the size of the areola and may also involve a procedure to counteract drooping of the breast.
The overall goal of a breast reduction is to make life more comfortable for women with large breasts, to reduce the risk and pain associated with them, and by making the breasts more proportional to the persons body size, removing any issues of self-consciousness.
Am I A Good Candidate?
Generally, good candidates for breast reduction are interested in having the procedure preformed for reasons related to discomfort or pain and not necessarily for cosmetic reasons. Women who elect to have this procedure, do so because the size of their breasts are either causing them ongoing pain or are interfering with normal day to day activities. Although in extreme cases this procedure can be preformed on individuals who's breasts may not be fully developed, this is usually a last case scenario. Women who's breasts have fully developed and who are not planning on breast feeding are usually the perfect candidates for this procedure, and will experience the greatest benefits from it.
Before The Procedure
Before your breast reduction surgery you will meet with either Dr. Robert Wilcox or Dr. Alan Dulin to discuss your particular procedure and your personal variables that will impact the surgery – such as your age, the condition of your skin and the size and shape of your breasts. They will discuss the surgery in detail with you, and help you to understand the potential outcome, any risks, and answer any questions or concerns you may have. Because some insurance companies will cover breast reduction surgery if it is deemed medically necessarily, you will want to make sure to discuss this with the doctor to make sure that all required paperwork and information is gathered and taken care of before the surgery.
The Procedure
Although there are many variations on the breast reduction procedure, the most common method involves creating an anchor shaped incision which circles around the areola. This incision will extend downward, following the natural curvature of the breast. At this point excess fat, skin and glandular tissue are removed and the nipple and areola are moved to their new position. The last step is to bring down the remaining skin around the areola, where is it reattached.
In some cases where only fat needs to be removed, it is also possible to use only liposuction, further limiting scarring. Liposuction may also be used during a normal procedure, in order to remove excess fat from the armpit areas.
After The Procedure
Following your breast reduction, your breasts will be either wrapped in an elastic bandage or surgical bra over the top of a gauze dressing. Additionally, a small tube may be inserted into each breast in order to drain off blood and fluids. This tube will normally only be required for the first few days.
During the first few days after your breast reduction, you will most likely experience some amount of pain. This should fade quickly, although you may experience some discomfort for a week or two. After your bandages are removed - generally a day or two after surgery – you will need to wear a surgical bra constantly for several weeks. Roughly one to three weeks after surgery your stitches will be removed, and you will be able to return to work and resume most normal activities.
Before and after your breast reduction procedure, Dr. Wilcox or Dr. Dulin will be able to help you to determine when you can return to your normal lifestyle, and answer any questions you might have.
If you are considering breast reduction contact the Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Center of Texas today and schedule a consultation with one of our friendly and helpful doctors.
Heavy breasts can lead to physical discomfort, a variety of medical problems, shoulder indentations due to tight bra straps, and extreme self-consciousness.
Incisions outline the area of skin, breast tissue, and fat to be removed and the new position for the nipple.
Skin formerly located above the nipple is brought down and together to reshape the breast. Sutures close the incisions, giving the breast it's new contour.
Scars around the areola, below it, and in the crease under the breast are permanent, but can be easily concealed by clothing.
With smaller, better proportioned breasts, you'll feel more comfortable and your clothes will fit better.
