Popular culture often puts value on one type of female form. Every week in the tabloids and magazines, you see a celebrity and/or model showing off their bodies in bathing suits. Women with small figures and large breasts are typically highlighted. It’s a common perception that large breasts are an asset for women, shown off with skin-tight dresses and low-cut tops. There are many women, however, for whom large breasts are not a desirable trait. Rather than augment their breasts through implants, these women are seeking breast reductions at my Boston plastic surgery practice.
Bigger Isn’t Always Better
Larger breasts can create a host of problems. There is the increase in weight on the front of the body, which can cause back pain and discomfort. Large breasts require more support, limiting clothing options in a department store. The bigger cup size makes exercise more difficult, which contributes to poor health and obesity. Even if a woman’s figure isn’t overweight, larger breasts make her appear bigger in size. Girls who obtain their large breasts early on in puberty may be subjected to teasing, bullying, and unwanted attention, which can be detrimental to their self-esteem and confidence.
While breast augmentations are still by far one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries sought by women, breast reductions are now on the rise to help women who have struggled with these problems their whole lives. It’s also common for women to want a breast reduction as they reach middle age due to their breasts sagging from years of excess weight. This procedure lifts the breast while reducing its overall size, creating breasts that are more comfortable and proportional to the woman’s body.
The Reduction Process
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, either at a nearby hospital or here at Dr. Davidson’s office. Incisions are made along the areola, then vertically down the breast, then horizontally under the breast. These incisions allow the doctor to lift the breast and grant access to the extra tissue. The nipple will also be lifted and repositioned higher on the breast. In the case of extremely large breasts, the areola and nipple may need to be completely removed and transplanted. The repositioning is done in such a way that preserves the blood flow and nerves in the nipple without damage.
After removing the extra breast tissue and any unnecessary fat deposits, the doctor will close the incisions with sutures. These sutures are placed deep inside the breast tissue, which provides support and security while the incisions heal.
The Recovery Process
When you wake up from the surgery, you’ll feel sore and a little groggy until the anesthesia wears off. Your upper body will be wrapped in bandages and a couple of drainage tubes will be in place to help remove any fluid buildup and ease the swelling. For the first month or so, it’s recommended that you wear a support bra without wires to keep your breasts comfortable as they heal. Dr. Davidson will give you a medication treatment plan to help with the pain and swelling, and will give you full instructions for the entire recovery process.
Most patients are able to return to work after a couple weeks, though heavy lifting and other extraneous activity should be avoided until recovery is complete. The incisions will leave scars behind, but they are easily concealed under bras or bathing suits and will fade over time.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you are a woman who struggles with the burden of overly large breasts, contact our office in Wellesley, MA, for an initial consultation. You can reach our friendly professional staff through our Patient Contact Page, or by calling us at (781) 237-7700. Dr. Davidson helps local and out-of-town patients everyday to become the best version of themselves with natural-looking, professional results. To find out more about breast-reduction surgery or any of the other cosmetic procedures performed by Dr. Davidson, contact us today!
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