Ladies, is Breast Reduction Right for You?

Some men would of course ask: “Why would you want to make your breasts smaller?” Clearly these men are in the dark about the adverse effects of large breasts. While they may look great, oversized female breasts can lead to a host of physical problems including neck and back pain. In order to relieve these symptoms, more than 78,000 women had breast reduction surgery in 2009 according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Fact Sheet. Furthermore, most women who underwent breast reduction were very satisfied with the results.

Before getting breast reduction surgery, the initial consultation with your plastic surgeon is essential. During this pre-operative discussion, your doctor will take a detailed medical history, asking about any other medical conditions affecting your breasts such as biopsies, cancer concerns and a detailed family history. Be sure you are in excellent physical and mental shape before surgery. Honesty is key during the pre-operative consultation. Be prepared to answer questions about your emotional health, why you are seeking the procedure, and your expected outcome.
Your surgeon will most likely photograph your breasts as well as take measurements, informing you as to how much tissue will be removed. The doctor will also provide you with detailed instructions on at-home preparation leading up to the day of the procedure which may include a mammogram.
Depending on your custom surgical plan, the actual breast reduction may be performed in either an outpatient facility or hospital setting. General anesthesia is administered, which means you will be “out” for the entire procedure and can take two to five hours. In rare cases, it may take longer. The procedure itself entails making an incision around the nipple, then downward along the breast. Excess skin, fat, and tissue are removed while the nipple is cosmetically relocated. Upon completing the procedure, the doctor may utilize drainage tubes to mitigate infection. Your breasts will be most likely be wrapped in gauze and you may also wear a surgical bra during recovery.
Because the after-effects of general anesthesia can be incapacitating, it is imperative that you arrange for transportation. You will not be in any shape to drive after this! You will be provided with a very specific after-care and post-operative recovery plan. It is essential to follow the doctor’s instruction specifically to get the best results from your new breasts.

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