Very large, heavy breasts can cause a variety of medical problems, hygiene concerns and emotional distress. Women who turn to breast reduction surgery find great satisfaction and increased confidence. Here’s what you can expect from this popular surgical procedure.
Candidates for surgery
Also known as reduction mammaplasty, breast reduction is a surgery that provides much relief to women with very large breasts. They often suffer from discomfort and pain in the back, neck and shoulders. They may have poor posture and grooves in their shoulders from bra straps. They may be dealing with skin irritations and rashes underneath the breasts.
Women who have these problems are candidates for breast reduction surgery. If you are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too large, are out of proportion with the rest of your body, and that their size limits your physical activity, you would make a good candidate. Women who are considering surgery need to be in good physical health and have realistic expectations for surgery. Women who are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed are not candidates for surgery.
Surgery and incisions
Breast reduction surgery consists of removing fat, glandular tissue and skin from breasts, contouring smaller, lighter, firmer breasts. Incisions are made in the nipple-areola complex, which is the dark area around the nipple. The incisions extend down to the breast crease and occasionally along the crease. The nipple and areolas are repositioned into the new breasts, and large areolas are reduced at this time as well. Stitches are used to close the incisions, and drains are often put into place to help drain blood and fluid that may collect in the surgical area. The breasts are taped, and a surgical bra is placed over them before you go into recovery.
The results of your breast reduction surgery are permanent, and many women wish they had gotten the surgery years before once they experience the relief and new breast size and shape. If you live in Washington, D.C., or surrounding areas, and are interested in learning more about breast reduction surgery, call our office at 202-785-4187 to speak with a staff member and schedule a consultation.