If you’re considering breast reduction…
By: Dr. Nathan Newman
Women’s breast size and shape change over time and are affected by many factors including weight gain and weight loss, hormonal, pregnancy, and breast-feeding. When breast become large, heavy, and pendulous and sag they can cause medical and physical health problems. When this happens women can get relief from this problem by having a breast reduction, Known as Reduction Mammoplasty, to correct this condition.
Women who have one or more of the following maybe good candidates for breast reduction:
Breast shape and size
* Breast size is too large in relation to body
* Heavy, droopy breast
* Breast with nipple pointing down
* Uneven breast size, one breast bigger than the other one
Pain
* Back, neck, or shoulder pain
* Pain in arms
Skin
* Indentations on shoulders from bra straps
* Skin rash under breast folds
* Skin discoloration on shoulders or breast folds
Activity
* Unable to exercise or do other physical activities because of large breast size
* Have trouble breathing
* Postal problems due to misalignment of spine from the weight of breasts
* Self- conscious or not happy with appearance due to size of breast
Many people suffer for years from these problems and as with any conditions, the sooner it is corrected the less problems and less damage is caused to the body.
Breast reduction is done by a cosmetic surgeon at an outpatient surgery center. Before the surgery every woman should have a mammogram (X-ray of the breast) to make sure that the breast are normal.
In a traditional breast reduction the breast tissue is removed, the breast nipple is lifted into position and the breast size is reduced, three areas on the breast will have a fire line scare; one around the areola, the dark area surrounding the nipple, one under the breast fold, and one vertical line from the areola to the breast fold. All of these lines are easily covered by a bra or bathing suit.
The ability to breast-feed after a traditional breast reduction is unpredictable, as some women are able and some women are not able to nurse after the surgery.
The recovery time is short for most patients. Patients can return to work a few days after the surgery. Strenuous activity, or activities that would manipulate the breast tissues should be avoided for two to four weeks.
The scares fade over time and blend into the color of the surrounding skin. Usually this takes a period of six to nine months, if there are no complications.
Since this is a true medical condition for many people, your insurance company may cover your surgery.
It is very important that you realize that should you gain or lose weight following your surgery, this may very well affect the size and shape of your breasts. This can also include changing the position of the nipples. Your weight loss or gain following surgery is something over which the Doctor obviously has no control, but which can affect your eventual result.
Breast reduction, technically known as reduction mammaplasty, is designed for such women. The procedure removes fat, glandular tissue and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer.
Some women are bothered by the psychological embarrassment of large breasts. In other situations, athletic, active women and women who are trying to lose weight are inhibited by the size of their breasts. Breast reduction can minimize or eliminate these problems. Excess skin and breast tissues are removed and the breasts reshaped to be smaller and more attractive.
