When people think of plastic surgery, they often think of elective procedures such as breast augmentation and liposuction performed to cosmetically enhance their physique. However, plastic surgical procedures oftentimes are not so glamorous and are considered medically necessary to a certain group of patients. One of the most common plastic/reconstructive surgeries is a breast reduction. Women who are interested in a breast reduction usually have a predisposition for large breasts (big breasts often run in families), are sensitive to estrogen and/or can be overweight.
There are several considering factors making someone an ideal candidate for breast reduction. Some of these include:
• Neck and back pain
• Skin irritation under breasts
• Breathing difficulty from the weight of larger breasts
• Deep shoulder grooving from bra straps
• Poor posture
• Numbness in breasts
There are also cosmetic aspects of a breast reduction. If patients are unhappy with their breast size and appearance, it may be difficult to buy dresses and blouses because clothing does not fit correctly. “Patients with overly large breasts sometimes feel self conscious and uncomfortable in their own skin,” says Dr. Greenwald.
Once patients have reviewed common symptoms and have established if they are an ideal candidate for a breast reduction, they must then determine if it is safe to undergo surgery. Breast reduction candidates should be mature enough so their breasts have stopped growing and developing. Patients also need to confirm they are in good health with no active or pre-existing medical conditions. Ideal breast reduction candidates should have good skin elasticity. Equally important to the physical requirements of breast reduction surgery are the emotional requirements. Patients should be mentally and emotionally stable and have realistic expectations of their surgical outcome. Dr. Greenwald adds “as always, be sure to consult a board certified plastic surgery when determining whether or not you should move forward with breast reduction surgery.”
For more information on breast reductions surgery, contact our office and ask to speak to one of our patient coordinators.
Written by Dr. Joshua Greenwald on December 31, 2015
