Breasts are an important part of a woman’s body and give it a certain shape. Since the size and shape of breasts depend largely on our hormones and genes, we cannot control how they develop. Many of us face the problem of very large breasts that are not only unflattering but also cause health-related issues such as pain in the shoulders and back. To address this, there is an answer in the form of breast reduction.
WHAT IS BREAST REDUCTION?
Large breasts lead to health concerns, hinder an active lifestyle, and cause a lot of discomfort. Breast reduction is a technique that removes excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin to create a breast size that is in better proportion to the rest of the body.
ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR BREAST REDUCTION?
There are several factors that help in deciding whether you are a suitable candidate for breast reduction. If you can relate to the following, this procedure may be a good and practical option for you:
• Your breasts are larger than is proportionate to the rest of your body.
• The size of your large breasts causes health problems such as pain in your back.
• You have dents in your shoulders caused by the straps of your bra.
• The skin area under your breast is irritated and has redness.
• The size of your breasts bothers you.
• You have low self-esteem and body issues due to your large breasts.
• Your active lifestyle is being compromised.
• You are in good physical health.
• You are a non-smoker.
• You have realistic goals and expectations from this procedure.
If the above seem familiar, you should consider this procedure.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY
Before the surgery, your surgeon will ask you to follow their instructions. You may need to do the following:
• Get a medical or lab test done.
• Stop certain medications, especially those that increase the chances of bleeding, and/or start new ones.
• Get a mammogram before and after the surgery to monitor changes in breast tissues.
• If you are a smoker, quit smoking.
Apart from these, you will need to talk to your surgeon and learn more information about the surgery.
THE PROCEDURE
First, your surgeon will administer either local anesthesia with IV sedation or general anesthesia for your comfort. After this, they will make incisions. Once incisions have been made, excess tissue is removed. The nipple-areolar complex is repositioned to fit the new proportions of the breast and, if needed, it may be removed and transferred to a new location. After this process is complete, your surgeon will bring the incisions together and close them to get smaller and firmer breasts.
AFTER THE SURGERY
Once the surgery is complete, your surgeon will apply bandages or dressings to the incisions. It is common to experience some degree of swelling, and your surgeon will recommend that you wear an elastic band or bra to minimize the effects. Your surgeon will also give you post-operative instructions for taking care of your breasts.
BREAST REDUCTION – LEARN MORE
Arrange a consultation with Dr. R. Emerick Salas, an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon, to find out more about the procedure and whether it is right for you. To make your appointment, contact our office today.
