Large breasts can take a serious toll on your physical and mental well-being. For many women, carrying excessively heavy breasts often leads to chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain. Not to mention, it can seriously inhibit your day-to-day activities and drain your confidence.
If you’re also facing the same issues and have tried all conventional methods like weight loss, physical therapy, and prescription pain medications to get relief but are still struggling, it may be time to consider breast reduction surgery. It is the best option to reduce breast size and bring the breasts into better proportion. To learn more about the surgery and its benefits, continue reading.
What is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a reconstructive surgical procedure that removes excessive breast tissue and skin to reduce breast size.
The goal is to relieve pain, posture-related issues, and boost self-esteem by creating smaller, better-proportioned breasts. During the procedure, the surgeon removes excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts to reduce their size and lift their shape. They may also reposition the nipple and areola to better suit the newly shaped, smaller breast size.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery?
Not every woman who desires smaller breasts is an ideal candidate for breast reduction surgery. The best candidates typically exhibit the following characteristics.
- Experience chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain due to large breasts that does not improve with conservative therapy.
- Have well-proportioned breasts that are large relative to their body size (cup size DD or larger).
- Be physically healthy and have realistic expectations about surgery outcomes and limitations.
- Have stable body weight and are non-smokers.
- Be at least 16-18 years old and fully developed.
Your surgeon will do a thorough evaluation to determine if your breast size and health profile make you a good candidate. Factors like medical history, lifestyle choices, and breast composition also play an important role in deciding candidacy and surgical approach.
Benefits of Undergoing a Breast Reduction Surgery
For women suffering from overly large breasts, breast reduction surgery offers numerous physical and emotional benefits.
• Relieves pain and discomfort
The number one benefit is lessening the pain and discomfort caused by excessively heavy breasts. This can provide long-lasting relief from chronic back, neck, and shoulder issues.
• Improves your appearance and confidence
Getting smaller, well-proportioned breasts consistent with your body type vastly improves physical appearance. This boost in confidence and self-esteem can have positive mental health impacts.
• Enables a more active lifestyle
With lighter breasts, activities like running, hiking, swimming, and team sports become much more enjoyable. No more worrying about breast movement or support.
• Prevents future skin and posture problems
Large breasts can pull down on the skin and distort posture over time. Early reduction prevents future issues like drooping, sagging skin, and poor spinal alignment.
• Improves breathing and sleep
Heavier breasts can make breathing awkward and disrupt sleep. Reduction provides breathing ease and more restful slumber.
With all of these convincing advantages, it’s no wonder breast reduction ranks among the most popular cosmetic surgeries today for women seeking enhanced physical and emotional well-being. When conservative options fail to deliver relief, reduction mammoplasty can be life-changing.
What to Expect from Breast Reduction Surgery?
While every patient’s surgical journey is unique, here are some general expectations from breast reduction surgery.
- Procedures are usually performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia and take 2-4 hours, depending on breast size and techniques used.
- Post-surgery drain tubes may be used for a few days to prevent fluid buildup.
- Significant breast swelling and bruising occur, which subside gradually over 6-8 weeks. Pain levels are typically controlled with oral medication.
- Incisions are made in inconspicuous sites around the areola or in the breast crease. Scarring fades with time but may remain permanent.
- Most people can resume daily activities within 2 weeks, but rigorous exercise or heavy lifting needs 4 to 6 weeks to return.
Final results take 3-6 months to fully manifest as swelling subsides. Weight changes post-surgery may impact results long-term. - Satisfaction rates are very high, ranging from 90-97% typically. Complications are rare when done by a board-certified plastic surgeon.
With a concerted commitment to postoperative care and lifestyle changes, most women find breast reduction to greatly transform their quality of life. However, it is still a surgical procedure; hence, realistic expectations are important for optimal outcomes. Your surgeon will evaluate your specific needs and help plan the procedure accordingly.
Risks Involved with Breast Reduction Surgery
No matter what type of surgery you undergo, there are always risks involved. Breast reduction surgery, for instance, carries potential risks including:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Scarring
- Temporarily/permanently altered breastfeeding ability
It’s always best to have your plastic surgery performed by an experienced plastic surgeon who puts your safety first. This way, you can rest assured that the risks involved will be minimized and you’ll be in good hands throughout the entire process.
Conclusion
For over 33 years, Dr. DeLozier at DeLozier Cosmetic Surgery Center, has been dedicated to improving self-image and quality of life through plastic and reconstructive surgery solutions for his patients in Nashville and Brentwood, TN. As a board-certified surgeon with extensive expertise in breast reduction procedures, he has successfully performed reduction mammoplasties on hundreds of grateful patients.
If you have been suffering due to overly large breasts, reach out to DeLozier Cosmetic Surgery Center today for your confidential consultation. You can expect a thorough candidacy evaluation, discussion of your goals, and get a better understanding of the breast reduction process from an experienced professional. Call 615-565-9000 or visit https://drdelozier.com for more information. It’s time to bid adieu to your pain and embrace an active, confident new you!
