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Benefiting
from Breast Reduction
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| by Dr. Diane Gibby • M.D., P.A., F.A.C.S |
Most people would agree that what is inside a
person is more important than what is on the
outside. Increasingly, however, we're learning
that the outside is important too. How you look
can have a direct impact on how you feel about
yourself. If you are unhappy about some aspect
of your appearance, it can make you feel
self-conscious, unconfident and unhappy.
This especially seems to be the case for women
who have overly large, pendulous breasts.
Large-breasted women may suffer emotional and
social consequences of their breast size, and
they often suffer painful physical symptoms.
A breast reduction procedure often provides
freedom to women who have been plagued by a
lifetime of discomfort from bras that never fit
properly, painful shoulder muscles, a stooped
posture and heat rashes. In addition, it can
improve the self-image of women who are
embarrassed by their oversized breasts.
Reduction surgery also relieves concerns some
women may have about accurate mammogram results;
studies have shown that it may be more difficult
to diagnose a small lump in a woman with very
large breasts
As we age, the composition of our breasts
change. Younger women's breasts consist of 20 to
30 percent fatty tissue, as compared to older
women's breasts, which may be up to 70 percent
fat, as a result of hormonal changes.
So, while a 20-year-old can gain a few pounds
without altering the size of her breasts, an
older woman may find that gaining weight goes
directly to her chest, increasing her bust size.
Breast reduction can remove excess fat and
breast tissue to provide a more proportionate
look. The amount of tissue removed depends on
the desired size.
Breast reduction may be done as an outpatient
procedure or with an overnight stay in the
hospital. The surgery takes two-and-a-half to
four hours, depending on how much tissue is
removed.
During the procedure, the surgeon makes an
anchor-shaped incision around the areola, which
extends down and follows the curve of the crease
under the breast.
The nipples remain attached to the underlying
breast tissue and nerves. The nipple and areola
are moved into their new position and skin is
pulled around the areola to shape the new
breast. If the breasts are very large or
pendulous, the nipple and areola may have to be
completely removed and grafted into a higher
position, resulting in a loss of feeling in the
nipple and areola.
After surgery, the breasts are wrapped in an
elastic bandage or a surgical bra over gauze
dressings. A day or two following surgery, the
bandages are removed, although a surgical bra is
worn for several weeks or until the swelling and
bruising subside. Stitches are removed in five
to 10 days following surgery.
Routine exercise and physical activity can be
resumed about four weeks after surgery. Breast
reduction allows women increased mobility to
play sports, exercise and move more freely than
before. It allows women the physical freedom to
be more involved with life.
The procedure may be covered by insurance if it
will alleviate discomfort such as back and neck
pain. It may also prove to be medically
necessary, if a certain amount of breast tissue
is removed.
Before proceeding with a breast reduction, it is
important to have a thorough understanding of
the options available and potential risks
associated with surgery. Discuss any questions
or concerns you might have with your doctor.
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Diane Gibby, M.D., P.A., F.A.C.S Licensed in Texas, Dr. Diane Gibby is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and the founder of The Women's Center for Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery. She is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), American Medical Association (AMA), Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons (TSPS), Dallas County Medical Society (DCMS) and the Board Certified Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeons of Dallas. She is also a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons (F.A.C.S.). Dr. Gibby's office is located at Medical City Dallas, Building C, Suite 820, (972) 566-6323. Individuals interested in brochures or names of qualified plastic surgeons in their area may call the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons at 1-800-635-0635.
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