BREAST REDUCTION

f you are a woman with overly large breasts, breast reduction surgery (mammaplasty) can be a tremendously life enhancing option. Having the procedure will give you far more than just smaller, firmer breasts. You'll also get significant relief from many physical and emotional discomforts, a new sense of freedom and the ability to wear a greater variety of clothing styles. Of all plastic surgery procedures, breast reduction ranks among the highest in patient satisfaction.

Breast reductions can be performed at any age but plastic surgeons usually recommend waiting until breast development has stopped. Childbirth and breast feeding may affect the size and shape of your breasts. If you plan to breast-feed in the future, you should discuss this with your surgeon.

You may be a could candidate for breast reduction if you have any of the following conditions:

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The most common method uses a three-part incision. One part of the incision is made around the areola. Another runs vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease underneath the breast. The third part is a horizontal incision beneath the breast, which follows the natural curve of the breast crease.

After the surgeon has removed the excess breast tissue, fat and skin, the nipple and areola are shifted to a higher position. The areola, which is usually larger than ideal, is reduced in size. Skin that was formerly located above the nipple is brought down and together to reshape the breast. Liposuction may be used to improve the contour, especially on the sides of the breasts.

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When surgery is complete, you'll be taken to a recovery area. In some cases, small drainage tubes will have been placed beneath the breast skin to help prevent fluids from accumulating. Gauze dressings will be placed on your breasts and covered with an elastic bandage or surgical bra. Most of the discomfort you will feel following the surgery can be controlled with medication prescribed by your plastic surgeon.

Although everyone heals at different rates you can expect to be moving around more comfortably with the first week and perhaps even return to (non strenuous) work. Your surgical drains will be removed and dressings will be removed during this time as well.

After several weeks you can expect the bruising and swelling to have gone down. The discontinuation of the support bra and the sensation within the nipple and areola area will gradually improve over this time period.

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The long term results of the operation cannot be predicted in a specific patient, due to many factors unrelated to surgery, such as normal slackening of tissues, pregnancy, use of birth control pills, breast feeding and weight changes. This operation also permits the patient to feel better about her figure, to more easily acquire properly fining clothing and to be more comfortable while engaging in physical activity. Without the excessive weight, you may feel that you enjoy life more now.

You can expect to maintain your new breast size, unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight or become pregnant. If, overtime, the effects of gravity and aging cause your breasts to lose their shape or firmness, you may choose to undergo a cosmetic breast lift to help restore a more youthful contour.

Heavy breasts can
lead to physical discomfort, a variety
of medical problems, shoulder indentations due to tight bra
straps, and extreme self-consciousness.