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Breast Reduction: When A Big Bust is Just Too Big

Breast Reduction: When A Big Bust is Just Too Big

Most women who enter into a plastic surgeon’s office are looking to enhance their barely-there breasts with a breast augmentation. These women have dreamed, wished upon a star and prayed for breasts that are round, full and noticeable! While breast augmentations are the most popular procedure, some women are not looking to go in this direction and are actually looking to downsize. They are ready to ditch the oversized bras and trade them in for something in a more standard size. They have been born with what some small-breasted women call a blessing, but through their experience, they have come to see it as a curse.
Extra-large breasts can often produce medical nightmares that consist of constant back, neck and shoulder pain, painful rashes under the breasts and overall health problems due to the inability or limited ability to perform certain physical activities. Many women experience emotional turmoil due to their own self-consciousness and the comments of other people. A breast reduction, also called a reduction mammoplasty, is designed to create breasts that are proportional to the body by removing excess fat and tissue and reshaping the breast.
If you are considering a breast reduction, here are a few things that you should know:
Pros and Cons
Like most surgical procedures, there are pros and cons associated with a breast reduction procedure. The positives of this procedure include decreased pain in the back, neck and shoulders, a boost in confidence, rashes are eliminated, breasts become more symmetrical and most importantly, you will look and feel fabulous. After the surgery and healing process, you will be able to fit into your clothing better and will be able to do physical activity without pain or discomfort. A breast reduction will also correct issues such as one breast being larger than the other, nipples that point downward and sagging of the breasts.
As with any surgery, there are risks that must be taken into consideration including common surgical side effects such as problems with anesthesia, infection and pain. A breast reduction can also decrease nipple sensation and may cause problems with breast feeding later on. Another negative that must be considered is scarring. During a breast reduction, an incision will be made around the areola (the dark circle around the nipple) and then another incision will be made vertically, from the areola to the breast crease (called an anchor incision). Unfortunately, scarring is a part of the process, but on the bright side, the scars will fade over time and become less noticeable.
Before and After
Before you have a breast reduction, you will want to have a consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and to get an idea of what is realistically possible for your unique situation. You will need to have your personal and family health history available so you can discuss any possible complications with the surgeon during your consult. Your surgeon will want to know about any abnormal mammograms, lumps that have been removed (even if they were not cancerous) and any family history of breast cancer. Your surgeon will also take a look at your current health to make sure you are in good physical shape, are a non-smoker and are emotionally ready for surgery.
During your recovery time, you will have to take it easy for a couple of weeks, refraining from lifting anything heavy, not exercising and taking some time off of work. You will also wear a surgical bra to help with swelling and to give your breasts the support they require during the healing process. It is extremely important to follow the surgeon’s instructions during those first couple of weeks to ensure you will have the best possible outcome. After about 4 to 6 weeks, your swelling will be gone and you will have breasts that are perky and perfectly proportioned to your body. And the best news is your new breasts will be yours forever! Of course, mother nature may take its toll on them over time, but if you maintain a healthy diet and a daily exercise routine, your results will last for many, many years.
You may believe you are stuck with the breasts that you were genetically born with, but this is not true! You do not have to live with the pain and embarrassment of extra-large breasts anymore. Schedule a consultation with one of our Board Certified Plastic Surgeons to begin the journey to a new, pain-free and beautiful you!