These days, it seems everyone wants to have larger breasts. That explains why breast augmentation surgery is one of the top three most performed procedures every year in the U.S.
That said, it could seem counterintuitive that a woman would want to reduce the size of her breasts.
But for some women, their breasts have become a true burden, causing back and neck pain, chafing, embarrassment, and a host of other problems. For these women, smaller breasts are the goal. Breast reduction surgery with Dr. VanAntwerp or Dr. Mallalieu can deliver the results they seek.
Would breast reduction help me?
Very large breasts can be a pain, literally and figuratively. The excess weight can cause back and neck pain and damage. A bra isn’t supporting lingerie; it’s a torture device as straps dig into the shoulders. Finding clothing can be difficult. Overly large breasts can become a hindrance when pursuing certain sports and exercise routines. And the attention they merit can make a woman avoid many social situations.
Breast reduction surgery is known as reduction mammaplasty. The procedure involves the removal of excess skin, fat, and tissue from the breasts. The end goal is to have breasts that are smaller, lighter, and proportional to the body.
The procedure
When Dr. VanAntwerp or Dr. Mallalieu perform breast augmentation surgery it is an involved procedure with the patient under general anesthesia. As with most cosmetic surgeries, every case is unique, but the most common method employs an “anchor” incision around the nipple-areolar complex. The incision extends vertically below the nipple down to the breast crease and then horizontally along the bottom crease of the breast. The nipple-areolar complex is moved upward to the desired position and excess tissue and fat are removed. The entire procedure usually takes from two to four hours.
Sometimes, scarring can be minimized by using liposuction to remove the excess fat in the breasts. Obviously, this option is only a possibility if a woman has a good deal of fatty tissue in her breasts. Women with more glandular breasts cannot have liposuction alone; they need more breast tissue removed.
Recovery
Patients usually return home the same day of the surgery. A surgical bra will need to be worn for a couple weeks to provide support and decrease swelling, and a bra must be worn 24 hours a day for four to six weeks. Swelling can persist for up to eight weeks, and a patient’s final results won’t be fully realized until six months after surgery.
If it feels that your breast size has become a burden, come in and talk with the team at Profile MD. We’ll go through your options and see where we go from there. Call us at 410-544-4600 to make an appointment.
