Heavy breasts can be more than just a cosmetic problem. Back aches, shoulder stiffness, and neck pain is ever-present and extremely uncomfortable. Physical activities like exercising and playing sports can be difficult. Oversized breasts can also irritate the skin just below the breast, leading to soreness and infections.
Breast reduction surgery can offer you relief from the many frustrating symptoms that come along with oversized breasts.
Preparing for Breast Reduction Surgery
It all begins with a consultation with your surgeon. The doctor will assess your health and medication history. Any allergies will be noted. Detailed measurements of the breasts will be taken to assist in creating a surgical plan.
You’ll be asked to quit smoking before and after the surgery so that the tissues can heal faster. If you are taking blood-thinning medications like aspirin, your doctor will ask you to discontinue these before the surgery. Blood thinners can make it difficult for your blood to clot and may lead to excess bleeding during surgery.
The Steps of the Procedure
On the day of the surgery, you will be given general anesthesia. Incisions will then be created.
There are two options for breast reduction surgery incisions. In the lollipop technique, incisions are made around the areola and directly below it in a vertical line down to the breast fold.
If a greater amount of tissue needs to be removed, the anchor incision is made. With this technique, the first incision is around the areola, the second one is a vertical incision from the areola down to the breast fold, and the third is a curved horizontal incision across the breast fold.
After the incisions have been created, the surgeon lifts the skin and gains access to the deeper fat and other tissue. The extra fat and other tissue are removed, and excess skin is also trimmed away. The incisions will then be closed with stitches.
Healing Period
After the surgery, dressings and drain tubes are placed, and you will be moved to a recovery room for observation. You will go home the same day with a set of instructions on how to care for the surgical sites. A surgical bra should be worn to aid in healing and help the breasts conform to their new shape after surgery.
You will be required to rest for a couple of days after the date of surgery. Although you can resume many of your typical daily activities, you will need to avoid heavy exercise and bending over for up to a month. You can return to work within a couple of weeks.
Relief from Oversized Breasts
After you have healed from your breast reduction, you’ll be able to enjoy life without those back aches and neck pains that were dragging you down. That heavy, uncomfortable feeling is no longer there, and you’ll have well-contoured breasts that are in better proportion with your overall body frame. Exercising and other physical activities will also be much easier.
Dr. Morwood has over 20 years’ experience as a plastic surgeon, he is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, he is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and for years he has served as either the chief or vice chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery of Monterey.
For more information about Dr. Morwood or if you would like to schedule a consultation, please contact us here.