Women with overly large breasts carry enormous weight on their chests, which can lead to a host of medical problems. This includes back and shoulder pain, neck strain, headaches, breathing difficulty, skeletal deformities, and chronic infections or rashes beneath the breasts. Additionally, tight bra straps may leave deep grooves in the shoulders, which can be painful. For some women, oversized breasts can hold them back from physical activity and exercise. It can also make women feel self-conscious, especially if they cannot find clothing that fits appropriately.
However, there is a solution that will help women with very big bosoms reduce their burden while still maintaining a beautiful breast shape. It’s called breast reduction surgery. Medically known as reduction mammaplasty, this surgical procedure removes excess breast fat, skin, and glandular tissue to decrease the size of the breasts, providing the patient with a more proportional figure.
In the Atlanta area, many women come to Dr. Mark Deutsch, MD, FACS, , founder and medical director of Perimeter Plastic Surgery, for their reductions. If you suffer from pain, stress, or discomfort due to disproportionately large breasts, you should schedule a consultation with Dr. Deutsch. As a highly-skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon, he has the skills and expertise to reduce the size of your breasts so that you are comfortable and happy with them.
Who is a good candidate for breast reduction surgery?
During your consultation with Dr. Deutsch, he will explain what is involved in breast reduction atlanta surgery and help you decide whether this procedure is right for you. In general, candidates should be in good overall health; at a stable, healthy body weight; free of serious diseases; and nonsmokers (which improves healing following surgery).
Many patients choose breast reduction to find relief from the types of physical and emotional discomfort mentioned above. Following the procedure, your breasts will be more proportional to the rest of your body, you will achieve a greater sense of freedom in your physical activities, and your clothes will fit you better.
In most cases, Reduction isn’t performed until a woman’s breasts are fully developed. Sometimes it can be done earlier if the large breast size is causing serious physical discomfort. The best candidates are those who are mature enough to understand the procedure fully and have realistic expectations about the results. Breast reduction is not recommended for women who plan to breastfeed.
What to expect during breast reduction surgery
Breast reduction is performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. The operation usually requires 2 to 3 hours to complete. Dr. Deutsch will begin by making an incision that circles the areola (the pigmented area around the nipple) and extends downward, following the curve of the crease beneath the breast. Through this incision, the excess glandular and fatty tissue is removed. The nipple and areola are then moved upward to a position that complements the new smaller breast size. The skin is then drawn together and down around the areola, providing a new shape to your breast. All incisions are closed with stitches.
Immediately after the procedure, you will be placed in a special surgical bra to provide support to your breasts and promote healing. You may also be required to have surgical drains in place for a few days to prevent the accumulation of fluid. Barring any complications, you should be able to go home the same day the surgery is performed after spending some time in the recovery room. If you need assistance, you will need someone to drive you home after the surgery and stay with you for the first 24 hours.
Recovery from breast reduction surgery
Because breast reduction is a major operation, recovery will take some time. You will experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, but this will generally subside in a few weeks. Dr. Deutsch will prescribe medication to help you manage the pain. Most patients are able to resume light activity and return to work within 1 to 2 weeks, although strenuous exercise or heavy lifting should be avoided for 3 to 4 weeks. Complete recovery and healing take approximately two months.
As healing progresses, the swelling will diminish and you will see the benefits of the procedure. Your new breast size should free you from the pain and physical limitations experienced prior to breast reduction. You’ll like to be able to wear new clothing styles and sizes you never dreamed of before. Breast reduction surgery does leave some scarring, but most patients find that the scars fade and flatten significantly in about one year. These scars will not show under a bra or swimsuit.
Breast reduction is considered a permanent procedure. However, the breasts may become larger or change shape during a future pregnancy, weight gain, or weight loss. It is very important to follow a healthy diet and exercise program after your breast reduction to help maintain your results.
How to get started
If you think you might be a good candidate for this life-changing procedure, your first step should be to contact Perimeter Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation with Dr. Deutsch. During the consultation, you will be able to discuss your concerns and what you’d like to accomplish with surgery. Dr. Deutsch will answer your questions in a non-pressured environment and tell you everything you need to know about the breast reduction atlanta procedure. Please call Atlanta plastic surgery at 404-255-0886 to arrange your consultation at either our Atlanta or Fayetteville, Georgia, offices.
