Is a Breast Reduction Right for You?

While the number one top-requested breast surgery is still breast augmentation, more and more women are becoming aware of the benefits of having a breast reduction performed. Bigger breasts aren’t always better, as many women with overly large breasts can attest. For those women who would prefer to have smaller, more manageable breasts, a breast reduction surgery can deliver the results they really desire. Breasts reduced in size can relieve strain, improve physical mobility, increase self-esteem, and leave your body in better proportion. Are you a good candidate for this procedure?

Are You Eligible for Breast Surgery?

Before having any breast surgery performed, you will be evaluated during a one-on-one consultation with your plastic surgeon. During this meeting, he or she will ask questions about your medical history, past surgeries, current medications, and more to decide if you are physically healthy enough to undergo the procedure. If you have any conditions that could interfere with your healing process, it may not be safe for you to have any surgery.

To qualify for a breast reduction, you should also be a nonsmoker and you will most likely be asked to quit at least three weeks prior to your surgery. Finally, you should maintain healthy lifestyle habits to support your surgical results for years to come. Your surgeon will also discuss reasonable expectations for your surgery so there is no miscommunication about what changes are possible and what results you can expect to see.

What Are Your Body’s Proportions?

When it’s time to planning the new size of your post-surgical breasts, your plastic surgeon will determine your body proportions to get a better idea of the size your breasts should be to look as natural as possible. Leaving your breasts too large or reducing their size too much leads to the same problem—a disproportionality that appears unnatural.

If your breasts are too big for your body frame, you may experience chronic pain in your back, neck, and shoulders. To be considered a good candidate for a breast reduction, you should have experienced some problems with breasts that appear too large in comparison to your body proportions. Talk to your plastic surgeon to discover what changes would be suitable for your breasts.

Why Are Breast Reductions Important?

Overly large breasts can be very inconvenient in a number of ways, from daily annoyances to serious medical issues. Your breasts may make it difficult to exercise the way you want to, especially running and jumping. Breasts that are too large will get in the way when you try to bend over, sit down on the floor, or lean across a table or desk to reach something. Holding your children, crossing your arms, and even holding objects against your breasts can be a real struggle if your breasts are excessively large, leading to frustration and irritation.

Sometimes, more serious problems can result because of overly large breasts. In extreme cases, you may experience chronic pain and nerve damage as a result of the excess weight. If you are experience pain in your neck, shoulders, and/or back, you should talk with your primary care physician or a plastic surgeon about reducing your breast size.

Could a Breast Reduction Help Me?

Not all large breasts are large enough that a breast reduction seems like a necessity. If you do think that your breasts are too large for you, this list of possible indicators can help you to decide.

• Your breasts sag and feel heavy when you remove your bra.
• Your clothing never seems to fit properly.
• You feel constant pain in your neck, shoulders, and back.
• You have pendulous-shaped breasts with nipples pointing downward.
• You have deep indents on your shoulders from your bra straps.
• You experience discomfort in your breasts after exercise and other physical activities.
• You are shy and self-conscious about your breasts.
• You imagine how much easier life would be if you had smaller breasts.

If you have experienced some of these problems, a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast surgeries can help you.

Where Can You Learn More About Breast Reduction?

To learn more about breast reduction surgery and how it can help you, consult with an expert. Dr. Ronald Lohner is a board certified plastic surgeon based in Philadelphia who offers customized procedures to his patients after a one-on-one consultation. He completed his undergraduate education at Dartmouth College and medical school at UMDNJ-Rutgers. Currently, Dr. Lohner is Chief of Plastic Surgery at Bryn Mawr Hospital and holds a faculty appointment at the University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine. His peers have selected him as a Philadelphia-area Top Doctor for the past eight years. His office is located at [primary_address] in [primary_city], [primary_statefull], on the Main Line. Please call his office at [primary_phone] to schedule a consultation.