February 1, 2022 Tags: Plastic Surgery News
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast reduction surgery is rated amongst the highest in patient satisfaction out of all plastic surgery procedures. Many people with large breasts opt for breast reduction surgery, or breast reduction mammoplasty, to alleviate chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain and improve their self-image and confidence regarding their body image.
Did you know that all breast reductions also include a breast lift? It’s true! Every time, no exceptions, when you receive breast reduction surgery, you will also receive a breast lift. Studies suggest that improvement of symptoms may be related to both weight removal and lifting the breast into the proper position on the chest.
Heavy breasts can often sag below the level of the ribs over the abdomen due to age, genetics, or pregnancy. This sagging causes the shoulders to roll forward, leading to poor posture, and impacts the upper and lower back muscles that strain to support the forward bending of the chest. Visiting a chiropractor or physical therapist could be beneficial if you’re considering breast reduction surgery to understand what parts of your posture contribute to back pain and if the breast size and position are a factor. Most chiropractors and physical therapists know how breast size and position impact back pain in their clients. In many cases, if you have back symptoms related to large breasts, the surgery will qualify for insurance coverage.
For younger women in their teens, it is recommended to wait until the breasts are fully developed after puberty. However, there are some cases when a surgeon may perform a breast reduction before that time. Talk to your pediatrician and a pediatric plastic surgeon to determine if a breast reduction is appropriate in a patient under age 17.
Hormonal changes like puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and some medical drugs are the main factors that impact breast growth. Your surgeon can help you determine the best time to have a breast reduction related to these issues. Weight changes also impact breasts growth and natural reduction, but many times, even with significant weight loss, the breasts stay large.
Heavy breast tissue can cause back and shoulder pain, shoulder grooving from bras, or rashes below the breast. If you are in the process of losing weight, meet with a plastic surgeon to determine if you should wait until you reach your goal weight to have the reduction. It may be that getting a breast reduction during your weight loss journey will help your ability to lose weight by making exercising easier.
Any breast surgery, including breast reduction surgery, can impact breastfeeding. It is best to wait until after having children to have breast reduction surgery if you plan to breastfeed in the future.
Reducing the overall weight and lifting the breast will provide relief to most patients. The final size of the breast is often a matter of patient preference and safety. Talking with your board-certified plastic surgeon about your goals and what size will match your overall body shape is vital.
It’s not selfish to want to eliminate the back and shoulder stress caused by heavy breasts! If your breasts cause back and shoulder pain, your bra straps cause grooves in your shoulders, or you have constant rashes below your breasts, a breast reduction could likely help. Schedule a consultation today with Nashville-based board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. J. J. Wendel to learn more and discuss your options.
