What Benefits Can Breast Reduction Offer You?

Maybe when you think about breast surgery, your first thoughts are about augmentation surgeries. However, there are other surgeries designed to enhance the breasts in other ways. For some women, a breast lift is the way to go. For others, a breast reduction can be the solution to a life-long problem: overly large breasts that cause daily pain and discomfort. Women who suffer the effects of very large breasts may experience back pain, teasing, low self-esteem, physical limitations, and more. Breast reduction surgery offers the right candidates a long list of benefits that can change their lives.

What Is Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction surgeries are performed to reduce breast mass to be more proportional to their bodies. For some patients, the minor discomfort they experience because of large breasts makes the procedure optional. Many women, on the other hand, may have a breast reduction recommended for medical reasons, especially if they are experiencing more serious side effects as a result.

While there are a number of various methods used to reduce breast size, the most common technique begins with an incision made around the nipple, vertically down to the natural crease, and then along the crease. The shape of this three-part incision is very similar to an anchor. Once the incision is in place, your surgeon will move the nipple and areola upward to be centered on the intended new breast shape. Often, the areola will be reduced in size to be more proportional to the small breast size. Many of the techniques used to move the nipple will maintain its attachment to the blood vessels, nerves, and even the milk ducts, meaning breastfeeding can remain an option for these patients.

Your breast reduction surgery will then include the removal of excess skin and tissue to reduce the overall size of the breasts. Liposuction techniques may be incorporated to eliminate excess fat that has collected around the breasts. Once the new size has been achieved, your breasts will be reshaped and the incisions will be closed. Your surgeon will work to ensure they are even in shape and size.

What Problems Can Breast Reduction Solve?

Overly large breasts are heavy, uncomfortable, and sometimes damaging to one’s physical and mental health. Breast reduction surgery is most often sought by women who find that their breasts are making them uncomfortable and unhappy. This surgery can resolve problems with back strain, balance, proportion, and chronic pain in the neck and shoulders. A breast reduction may also solve the frequent occurrence of rashes beneath large breasts, as well as any athletic limitations these women experience.

In terms of mental health and wellness, a breast reduction can relieve some of the stressors causing self-consciousness or embarrassment, perhaps even social anxieties and fear. Shopping, wearing clothes, and learning to be comfortable with their bodies can become a possibility with breasts that are in proper proportion to the rest of their physique.

Are There Other Benefits to Breast Reduction?

Oversized breasts can create enough discomfort, pain, and trouble for women that it is easy to see how a reduction surgery could be truly beneficial. For the women who seek this surgery to solve their individual problems, they may enjoy the following benefits:

• Freer movements without the inhibitions of their large breasts. The excess weight of the breasts can slow women down, while the excess mass of large breasts can simply get in the way. After a reduction, movement will likely become much easier, making many activities suddenly possible.
• Relief from the pain of the neck, shoulders, and back. Heavy breasts can put a tremendous amount of strain on the body. When the weight is finally lifted, those aches and pains are history.
• New self-confidence for your new look. Breast reduction patients are often uncomfortable wherever they go, so the sensation of a more proportioned physique can make a profound difference. Post-surgery, they may experience a new boost of self-esteem.
• Freedom to shop almost anywhere. Women with large breasts are restricted to certain stores where they can find bras, shirts, and dresses that will fit them. After surgery, they have new options and a new freedom to pick out regular sizes. A breast reduction might mean a whole new wardrobe for you.

If you’re considering breast reduction surgery, remember that the goal is to help you become happier, healthier, and more comfortable with your own body. You should plan your surgery to eliminate your concerns, like chronic back pain or an inability to achieve your fitness goals. Become proactive about your body and your mind by talking to a surgeon about the possibilities breast reduction might offer you.

Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction?

First and foremost, if you’re considering a breast reduction surgery, you should be a nonsmoker in good physical health without any medical conditions that could impair the healing process. To be eligible for this surgery, there are some common concerns that you may be experiencing. Typically, breast reduction patients have trouble participating in athletics and other activities. They may be self-conscious of their breasts and have difficulty maintaining their balance. These women might also feel that their breasts are very heavy, especially without a bra, and may notice that they are pendulum-shaped with nipples pointing downward.

Breast reduction candidates may also have a constant indentation on either shoulder from their bra straps, which are strained under the weight of their breasts. The large size of their breasts make it difficult to shop for lingerie and clothing, since nothing seems to fit right. Any woman who finds herself wishing for smaller breasts that would allow her to be comfortable, more active, and more comfortable in her body might be a good candidate for breast reduction surgery. Contact a plastic surgeon to schedule your consultation and find out for sure if this life-changing procedure is right for you.

Where Can I Find the Right Breast Surgeon?

Choose a reputable board certified plastic surgeon to perform breast reduction in order to get the optimum results and benefits. By selecting the right surgeon, you will maximize your chances for great results while minimizing your risk for complications.

Dr. Ronald Lohner is an experienced and board certified plastic surgeon based in Philadelphia who offers other body-shaping procedures to his patients, including butt lift, thigh lift, tummy tuck, arm lift, and the Mommy Makeover. 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 last 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.