Women with very large, pendulous breasts may experience a variety of medical problems caused by the excessive weight-from back and neck pain and skin irritation to skeletal deformities and breathing problems. Bra straps may leave indentations in their shoulders. And unusually large breasts can make a woman-or a teenage girl-feel extremely self-conscious.
Breast reduction, technically known as reduction mammaplasty, is designed for such women. The procedure removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer. It can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. The goal is to give the woman smaller, better-shaped breasts in proportion with the rest of her body.
If youre considering breast reduction, this will give you a basic understanding of the procedure- when it can help, how its performed, and what results you can expect. It cant answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Please be sure to ask your doctor if there is anything about the procedure you dont understand.
Breast reduction is usually performed for physical relief rather than simply cosmetic improvement. Most women who have the surgery are troubled by very large, sagging breasts that restrict their activities and cause them physical discomfort.
In most cases, breast reduction isnt performed until a womans breasts are fully developed; however, it can be done earlier if large breasts are causing serious physical discomfort. The best candidates are those who are mature enough to fully understand the procedure and have realistic expectations about the results. Breast reduction is not recommended for women who intend to breast-feed. BRAVO Pre-Surgery:: Who is a candidate for breast reduction surgery? When is the best time of your life to have the surgery? a candidate for breast reduction surgery if (1) http://www.plasticsurgery.org/patients_consumers/links_resources/BRAVO-Pre-Surgery.cfmHOME |
All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk. Breast reduction is not a simple operation, but its normally safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. Nevertheless, as with any surgery, there is always a possibility of complications, including bleeding, infection, or reaction to the anesthesia. Some patients develop small sores around their nipples after surgery; these can be treated with antibiotic creams. You can reduce your risks by closely following your physicians advice both before and after surgery. Plastic surgery procedure - male breast reduction (gynecomastia):: Male breast reduction plastic surgery (gynecomastia) from New York plastic surgeon Dr. Antell. The best candidates for male breast reduction surgery http://www.antell-md.com/qgynecomastia.htmlHOME | Male Breast Reduction:: For men who feel self-conscious about their appearance, breast-reduction surgery The best candidates for surgery have firm, elastic skin that will reshape to the http://www.harbinclinic.com/plasticsurgery/breast_reduction_male.htmlHOME |
The procedure does leave noticeable, permanent scars, although theyll be covered by your bra or bathing suit. (Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers.) The procedure can also leave you with slightly mismatched breasts or unevenly positioned nipples. Future breast-feeding may not be possible, since the surgery removes many of the milk ducts leading to the nipples.
Some patients may experience a permanent loss of feeling in their nipples or breasts. Rarely, the nipple and areola may lose their blood supply and the tissue will die. (The nipple and areola can usually be rebuilt, however, using skin grafts from elsewhere on the body.)
In your initial consultation, its important to discuss your expectations frankly with your surgeon, and to listen to his or her opinion. Every patient-and every physician, as well-has a different view of
what is a desirable size and shape for breasts.
The surgeon will examine and measure your breasts, and will probably photograph them for reference during surgery and afterwards. (The photographs may also be used in the processing of your insurance coverage.) He or she will discuss the variables that may affect the procedure-such as your age, the size and shape of your breasts, and the condition of your skin.
You should also discuss where the nipple and areola will be positioned; theyll be moved higher during the procedure, and should be approximately even with the crease beneath your breasts.
Your surgeon should describe the procedure in detail, explaining its risks and limitations and making sure you understand the scarring that will result. The surgeon should also explain the anesthesia he or she will use, the facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs.
(Some insurance companies will pay for breast reduction if its medically necessary; however, they may require that a certain amount of breast tissue be removed. Check your policy, and have your surgeon write a predetermination letter if required.)
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