BREAST REDUCTION
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.
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, reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to address these issues. Through the removal of excess fat, skin and glandular tissue the patient's breasts can be made smaller, firmer and more in proportion to the rest of their body. It is common during a breast reduction to reduce the size of the areola and possibly 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 person's body size. All of these goals are instrumental in helping to improve 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 is either causing them ongoing pain or is interfering with normal day to day activities. Women whose 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.
Although, in extreme cases, this procedure can be preformed on individuals whose breasts may not be fully developed, this is usually a last case scenario.
Before The Procedure
Before your breast reduction surgery you will meet with a doctor to discuss the procedure and the personal variables that will impact your surgery - such as your age, the condition of your skin and the size and shape of your breasts. They will discuss with you the surgery in detail, 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 prior to the surgery.
The Procedure
Although there are variations in the techniques used in a breast reduction procedure, the most common involves creating an "anchor" shaped incision which circles 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 it is 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 traditional 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 following your breast reduction, you will most likely experience some amount of pain. This should fade quickly, although some patients experience a certain degree of 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. Approximately 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.
Prior to and post to your breast reduction procedure, we will help you to determine when you can return to your normal lifestyle. The doctors will be available to answer any questions you might have regarding your procedure and your recovery.
If you are considering breast reduction contact the Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Center of Texas today and schedule a consultation with one of our friendly and helpful doctors.
