BREAST REDUCTION

Excessive breast enlargement (mammary hypertrophy) causes a number of medical problems:

• back and neck pain
• strap marks and shoulder strain
• poor posture
• skin irritation and infections (intertrigo)
• shortness of breath
• difficulty participating in recreational activities
• difficulty fitting bras, swimming costumes and clothes
• social/sexual embarassment/harassment

Women with extremely large breasts may become very self-conscious about their appearance and will go to the extent of camouflaging their body shape by wearing baggy clothing, and avoiding social and recreational activities. In some severe cases, women become introverted, reclusive and depressed.

Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a commonly performed operation, designed to make large breasts smaller, lighter, symmetrical and more proportionate to the rest of the woman's body. In most cases the darker skin around the nipple is reduced in size and the nipples are elevated to a normal position at or just above the level of the fold where the breast meets the chest.

Breast tissue is a mixture of glandular tissue and fatty tissue. There is more glandular tissue and less fat in young women's breasts and less glandular tissue and more fat as women get older. Liposuction can be used to remove some of the excess fat but it is invariably necessary to cut out the excess glandular tissue and skin. The breast tissue is carefully examined afterwards to make sure it is healthy.

As a result of surgery there will be scars on the breasts but these are carefully placed so that they are relatively inconspicuous once they fade and are hidden by a bra or swimwear.

The vast majority of breast reductions are done for legitimate medical reasons rather than for cosmetic improvement. There is a dramatic improvement in musculoskeletal symptoms following the operation and women find they can exercise more easily. It is one of the most gratifying plastic surgical procedures. Many of our patients after breast reduction say "It is the best thing I have ever done".

This information has been written to give you the basic facts about breast reduction. If you decide you would like to know more about this procedure please make an appointment to see me. Please write down any questions you wish to ask.