We have come a long way since the days of mandatory, rib-pinching corsets, but a woman’s challenge of supporting her breasts is the one thing that hasn’t changed. Although the fashion industry is continually trying to improve the design and comfort of bras, the simple fact is that most of these improvements are designed for women with smaller bust sizes. At DrYoungForever in San Antonio, TX we believe that every woman should be comfortable with her breast size, which is why we are proud to offer comprehensive breast reduction to our patients.
When Should You Consider Breast Reduction?
Undoubtedly, a breast reduction is a big decision for many women to make. In addition to this procedure altering your body composition, it can also greatly impact your confidence and your bank account, as cosmetic treatments such as this one are not covered by insurance. When the stakes are this high, a procedure such as this one becomes an investment for your well being, happiness, and future. So, when should you consider a breast reduction? Here are a few physical signs that reducing the size of your breasts might be in your best interests:
Pain and Soreness
There is no getting around it – large breasts are literally a pain. For women with larger breasts, the additional weight at the front of their body is a cause for pain and soreness in other areas of the body. Large breasts are a common cause of pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper-to-lower back. Large breasts are also a cause for soreness in the tissues of the breast as well as numbness or tingling in the arms or hands from the weight of breasts pinching nerves in the shoulders.
Pain and soreness in the upper body is not normal or healthy, yet women with large breasts tend to accept these pains as a matter of course. The truth is that overly large breasts that contribute to neck, shoulder, and back pain can cause significant physical injury over time. This is because the weight of large breasts stresses the body and can create injury to the spine.
Posture Changes
One of the most obvious physical signs that you may need to reduce the size of your breasts is a change in your posture. Because larger breasts weigh more, the weight at the front of the body causes the spine to bend forward, which creates a slumped posture. Women with overly large breasts tend to have poorer posture, particularly with shoulders that curl forward and an upper back that curves. Over time, poor posture caused by large breasts can permanently alter the spine, leading to a humped back in older age.
Pinching and Grooving
If your bras are pinching your skin and creating grooves around your ribs or over your shoulder, then you probably need to consider this procedure. Red marks left on the skin from underwire, support bands, and bra straps are not a sign that you need to shop for a bigger bra – even if you do, the red grooves will persist because it isn’t the bra that is the problem.
Women with large breasts often have difficulty finding bras that fit well, let alone bras that don’t leave marks on their skin. The reason bras cause grooving on the skin is because the weight of the breasts causes the material of the bra to dig into the skin in order to support the breasts. Even if you buy bras with wider straps or different material, you will continue to have this problem.
Skin Condition
The condition of your skin is often a physical sign that flies under the radar. However, women with large breasts face some skin challenges, particularly the risk of chafing, sweating, rashes, and even yeast infections that develop on the underside of the breasts. This is because the skin of the breasts is sensitive, meaning it is thinner and vulnerable to heat and moisture. Women who frequently experience these skin symptoms should seriously consider this procedure.
Breast Sensitivity
Overly large breasts also suffer from a loss of sensitivity, in part due to how stretched the nerves in the breast tissues become. Loss of breast sensitivity applies to the tissue of the breasts and the sensation of the nipples. Loss of breast sensitivity is a significant physical sign that you may need to reduce the size of your breasts.
Explaining Breast Reduction
A breast reduction is a surgical procedure that removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin from the breast to reduce the overall size. This is a procedure that lifts and tightens the breasts and can also be used to augment the shape of the breasts. Surgery to reduce the size of the breasts is also called a mammoplasty and is one of the more common cosmetic surgeries that women have.
What It Treats
This procedure treats a variety of breast-related issues. In fact, this procedure is often the first choice to address breast concerns, particularly concerns about the size and shape of the breasts. Surgery to reduce the size of the breasts can treat issues such as:
- Excessive breast tissue
- Sagging breasts
- Asymmetrical breasts
- Misshapen breasts
- Loss of breast sensitivity
- Skin irritation on or around the breasts
- Pain in the shoulders, neck, and back
Common Procedure Methods
How does this procedure work? There are a few common procedure methods that most plastic surgeons are well-versed in. The type of technique that is used in your procedure is determined by your overall appearance goals, your expectations for the treatment, and the specific condition of your breasts. It is important to know that a technique that is right for one woman may not be right for another.
Liposuction
Liposuction is the most common form of mammoplasty. For some women, liposuction by itself is enough to reduce the size of the breasts, although this is usually only true for women who need a minor reduction in breast size. Sometimes, liposuction can be combined with a breast lift to achieve desired results. Liposuction is ideal for patients who do not have significant issues in the shape or symmetry of the breasts.
Vertical
Vertical reduction is done with two incisions near the nipple that allows the surgeon to remove excess fat and tissue from the breasts. The vertical technique is best for women who have minor or moderate breast issues and women who want to augment the shape and placement of their breasts. This method is an ideal solution for many patients, especially those who are interested in a more restorative procedure.
Inverted T
Inverted T reduction is a procedure that involves 3 separate incisions, which allows for the removal of excess tissue, fat, and skin. Because this method is more invasive, it is often reserved for women who have a significant amount of breast tissue that needs to be reduced. The inverted T reduction is ideal for women who have excessively large breasts or moderate-to-severe breast-related concerns.
Treatment Steps
Although the specific steps involved in your treatment will be determined by the mammoplasty technique being used, there are a few common steps that you can expect from this procedure. These steps include:
Consultation
An initial consultation is a mandatory step for all prospective patients. At the consultation, we will discuss your concerns and examine the condition of your breasts. We will discuss your general medical history, particularly any previous cosmetic treatments you have had and drug allergies, if any. We will help you explore all viable treatment methods and help you select the best method for your particular needs and goals.
Pre-Treatment Instructions
We will provide you with a list of pre-treatment instructions for you to follow to prepare for your surgery. These instructions will help ensure that your surgery is successful. Some pre-treatment instructions may include:
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco
- Avoid certain over-the-counter medications and supplements
- Complete certain labs and exams, such as a mammogram
Treatment
Because this is a surgical procedure, you will be asked to arrange for transportation on the day of your appointment. We may provide you with additional special instructions to follow on the day of your treatment.
Step One: Anesthesia
This procedure requires the use of general anesthesia, which is a sedative that will keep you asleep for the duration of the surgery. Prior to your surgery, we will discuss the sedation options that are appropriate for you.
Step Two: Incision and Reduction
Regardless of what method is being used, this procedure will require at least one incision. The incisions in breast surgery are often placed around the nipple or the underside of the breast to minimize visible scarring. Once the incision is made, your surgeon will be able to remove the desired amount of tissue, fat, and skin. During this time, the shape and position of the breast will also be augmented to the desired appearance.
Step Three: Closing
After each breast has been reduced and placed at the desired position, the incisions will be closed with sutures or dissolving stitches. Your breasts will then be dressed in bandages and you will be transferred to a recovery room until the general anesthesia wears off.
Post-Treatment Instructions
After your procedure, we will provide you with a list of post-treatment instructions to help ensure that your recovery is fast and comfortable. Some of these instructions may include:
- Directions on how to use the compression bra
- Directions on how to care for the incision site
- Advice to avoid medications, supplements, alcohol, and tobacco
- Prescriptions to use during recovery
Recovery
Recovery from this surgery takes about two to six weeks, depending on the degree of the reduction and the method used. Most patients take two to three weeks off of work, which is the time where your daily activities will be the most limited. During your recovery time, you will be asked to attend a follow-up appointment to assess your healing.
Benefits of Breast Reduction
There are many benefits to this treatment. Aside from reducing the size of the breasts, many women find other benefits attractive when considering this treatment. Other benefits of this procedure include:
Reduced Pain
One main benefit of this procedure is reducing the pain and soreness of the body, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and back.
Improved Symmetry
Overly large breasts usually mean an issue in the symmetry of individual breast shape. This procedure allows for an improved symmetry of the breasts, such as the shape, size, and breast position.
A More Youthful Appearance
Reducing the size of the breast also improves your overall appearance. Breasts in a higher position with a tighter shape creates a more youthful body composition and a sleeker body shape.
Better-Fitting Apparel
The ability to buy a well-fitting bra and shirts that fit properly is one of the biggest benefits of this procedure. When breasts are a proportional size to your body, it is much easier to find clothing that fits comfortably.
Improved Body Confidence
A huge benefit of this treatment is the boost in body confidence and self-esteem it brings. Women who are no longer worried about the appearance of their breasts are able to be confident in their appearance, which also improves their self-esteem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Causes Large Breasts?
The most common causes of large breasts are genetics, hormones, and pregnancy. Many women have a genetic predisposition to have larger breasts, to store excess fat in the breasts, and to have a specific breast shape. Hormonal imbalance is also the cause for breasts that grow disproportionately large to the body. Pregnancy and breast feeding also cause the development of larger breasts.
Does This Treatment Effect Breastfeeding?
It is possible that after this treatment you will no longer be able to breastfeed. This is because some reductions include interfering with the milk ducts on the nipples, which sometimes prevents breastfeeding in the future.
Is This Treatment Permanent?
For most women, reduction surgery is a permanent solution to overly large breasts. However, excessive weight gain and pregnancy can alter the size of the breasts again. As such, it is important to maintain your body weight and to postpone this procedure until you no longer plan to be pregnant.
Can You Combine This Treatment With Others?
Breast augmentation is commonly combined with many other plastic surgery procedures. For example, a mommy makeover usually includes some kind of breast treatment, such as a reduction. It is also common to combine a reduction with liposuction in other areas of the body to minimize recovery time. You can also combine this procedure with non-surgical body contouring treatments.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Good candidates for this treatment include any woman who is burdened by the size or shape of her breasts. Mammoplasty is ideal for women who have mild, moderate, and severely overly large breasts.
Renew Your Confidence With Breast Reduction!
You shouldn’t have to resort to restrictive, uncomfortable bras just to get through the day. When your large breasts are causing you physical pain or other difficulties, then a surgical solution might be the answer. If you are ready to renew your confidence and win back your body comfort with a breast reduction, contact DrYoungForever in San Antonio, TX to schedule your initial consultation today!