Most people assume that larger breasts are always better for women and that no woman would want to reduce the size of her chest.
But women with large breasts, who struggle with back, shoulder, and neck pain (as well as other issues) know that this isn’t always the case.
For these women, a breast reduction procedure can alleviate a tremendous amount of pain and discomfort and can even help with feelings of self-consciousness that may stem from having a larger chest. At the same time, it’s not uncommon for women seeking breast reduction surgery to still want ample, feminine breasts they can feel good about. This usually means ensuring that their breasts will remain adequately full and perky after surgery.
Fortunately, this is why the vast majority of providers will include a within the scope of breast reduction surgery. Below, we’ll take a closer look at what patients should expect when it comes to breast reduction surgery in general, as well as the effects of the included breast lift.
How Is Breast Reduction Surgery Performed?
Also known as reduction mammoplasty, breast reduction surgery reduces the overall size and weight of your breasts while lifting and contouring the breasts for a pleasing appearance.
In order to achieve this outcome, your surgeon will start by making discreet incisions on your breasts and will then remove the necessary amount of excess fat, skin, and tissue. Most patients will also receive a breast lift, and some patients will have the size and positioning of their areolas altered. The incisions will then be carefully closed so as to reduce the appearance of visible scarring.
Breast reduction surgery usually takes around two to three hours and is performed under general anesthesia. The procedure is outpatient, which means that patients are able to return home on the same day as their surgery. Naturally, you will still need a trusted friend or relative to take you home after surgery.
The recovery period for breast reduction surgery is about one to two weeks. Your surgeon will inform you when you can return to work, regular childcare and home activities, and exercise.
Do All Women Who Get a Breast Reduction Need a Breast Lift Too?
Not necessarily. In some cases, simply removing excess fat, skin, and tissue will give the breasts a more lifted appearance. Experienced surgeons know exactly how to reduce the size of your breasts in order to achieve an optimal outcome. If they think you would benefit from a breast lift and possible repositioning of the areolas, they will recommend this, and you can discuss these options together.
How Is Breast Reduction Surgery Different From a Breast Lift?
While many breast reduction surgeries also include a breast lift, sometimes, patients only need a breast lift — and not the removal of fat, tissue, and skin that is required with a full breast reduction.
The biggest factors, when deciding between a breast lift and breast reduction surgery, have to do with the overall volume and size of your breasts. Most women are excited to get rid of sagging and drooping breasts. But if you’re someone who only wants perkier breasts and you’re satisfied with your breasts’ size, you don’t need breast reduction surgery. In this case, you simply need to have your breasts repositioned, and this would necessitate a lift.
Deciding on Breast Reduction Surgery
Many women contemplate breast surgery at at least one point in their lives. For many, the issue at-hand is related to extra-large breasts that can cause pain and discomfort. Women who struggle with the excess size and weight of their breasts often deal with physical and emotional issues related to:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Poor posture
- Limits on physical activities
- Skin rashes that are difficult to eradicate
- Difficulty finding satisfactory clothing that fits well
- Trouble sleeping
- Trouble breathing
- Emotional discomfort and embarrassment about the size of their breasts
- Unwanted attention because of their breast size
- Daily discomfort
If you’ve noticed several of these issues in your own life, it might be time to start considering breast reduction surgery. Not only will breast reduction surgery alleviate many or all of the issues listed above, but it can also actually boost your self-esteem and make you more able to live the healthy, happy life you want.
Breasts that are too large to allow you to exercise regularly, sleep a full eight hours every night, and move around every day without chronic pain and discomfort are causing real problems in your life. For many, it’s not simply a matter of aesthetics and wanting to look nice.
On the other hand, it’s okay to want to be proud of your appearance too. Shaping your breasts in a way that pleases you and makes you feel confident about your body is something special you can do for your future.
Breast Reduction San Francisco
Are you considering breast reduction surgery? Dr. David Sieber is one of the leading plastic and reconstructive surgeons throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. He is double board-certified and has vast experience performing both breast reduction surgeries and breast lift surgeries for his patients.
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your breasts and seek to alleviate pain or discomfort caused by excess weight on this area of your body, contact Sieber Plastic Surgery today to book a consultation appointment with Dr. Sieber. We look forward to hearing from you!
