Large and heavy breasts can create serious physical and emotional discomfort for a woman. The weight of large breasts can cause headaches; back, shoulder, and neck pain; and excessive sweating under the breasts can lead to skin irritation and rashes. The impact on a woman’s self-image can be equally devastating, causing her to feel self-conscious and frustrated about the breasts’ disproportionate size on her body and the difficulty this creates in finding clothes that fit well and flatter her appearance, not to mention the unwanted stares and attention she often receives.
In light of these challenges, it comes as no surprise that breast reduction surgery has one of the highest satisfaction rates among all cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. The rewards it provides are not only cosmetic improving the shape of the breasts to make them lighter, perkier, and more proportionate with the rest of the body but a strengthened self-confidence and relief from physical discomfort are equally valuable benefits of the procedure for most breast reduction patients. Breast reduction surgery is a liberating experience for many women, allowing them to engage in a more active and energetic lifestyle and to wear a greater range of styles that flatter their new contours beautifully.
The Breast Reduction Procedure
In a breast reduction procedure, Dr. Laufer resculpts the breasts to make them lighter, firmer, and more proportionate with the rest of your body. This is achieved through the removal of excess fat, skin, and glandular tissue. The technique that is selected will depend upon the amount of reduction you desire and the characteristics of your breasts: their size, shape, laxity, and skin thickness.
In some cases liposuction alone to remove excess fat is sufficient to achieve a more ideal breast contour. But because large breasts typically sag due to their weight and the effects of gravity, most breast reduction patients benefit from techniques which reduce excess skin and tissue and elevate the breasts and nipples into a more attractive position. The size of the areolas (darkened area surrounding the nipples) also may be reduced to bring them more into proportion with breasts’ new contours.
In two of the most commonly used incisions, the “anchor” and “lollipop” incisions, an incision is made around the areola and vertically down the lower portion of the breast. In the anchor technique, an incision is also made horizonally in the breast crease. Though breast reduction surgery leaves permanent scars, most patients feel the benefits of the procedure are worth this tradeoff. Scarring fades over the course of a year.
Breast Reduction Recovery
Most women can return to work in one to two weeks but should avoid lifting or strenuous exercise for about four weeks. During the weeks following your surgery, you will wear a bra to support and promote the healing of your breasts and to help reduce swelling and bruising.
Corrective Surgery
Many women suffer from asymmetrical breasts, inverted areolas, and other issues that affect their self image, confidence and emotional well being. Dr. Laufer has provided corrective solutions for such issues allowing patients to regain their self confidence.