Posted on February 8, 2024 in Breast Reduction
Beyond societal expectations, large breasts can be a real pain—literally. Many women struggle against chronic discomfort, posture problems, and more daily due to breast size. Fortunately, breast reduction surgery is not just a cosmetic choice. This operation can provide patients with physical and mental comfort like never before, improving not just their self-image, but their overall quality of life.
Cosmetic Reasons
Being a plastic surgery operation, it is no surprise that many breast reductions are used for aesthetic enhancement. Women may notice enlarged breasts after puberty, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations. Most commonly, breast reduction candidates consider the operation to balance their breast size with their figure, or to correct visible breast asymmetry. Other women may consider breast reduction or combination breast surgeries to correct the size or position of the nipple and areola.
While women are the majority of breast reduction patients, these operations can be tailored to the male chest for a more sculpted finish. The male breast reduction offers a modified operation to minimize gynecomastia in male patients.
Medical Reasons
With breast reductions, many patients seek surgery for more than physical enhancement– enlarged breasts can create a host of painful or difficult symptoms. Most commonly, patients consider a breast lift as a means to alleviate chronic neck and back pain brought on by weighted breasts. Enlarged breasts and chronic pain can result in continued symptoms, leading to frequent headaches, chest pain, or shortness of breath. With excessively large breasts, it is common for patients to experience difficulty with sleep and exercise as their breasts physically get in the way.
Many patients who need breast reduction for medical relief will likely notice how their breasts have affected their posture and may notice uncomfortable bra strap grooves from the excess weight shouldered. In certain cases, patients may also be affected by rashes under the breast where the skin is frequently in contact.
Medically necessary breast reduction is usually covered by insurance so long as patients can prove their symptoms and the weight of their breast tissue. The process of gaining insurance approval can be tricky, but Dr. Ellen will assist you through the process.
Who is a Candidate?
There are countless reasons why someone may seek breast reduction, and no two patient’s reasons are exactly alike. Anyone looking to reduce the size and profile of their breast tissue may consider the benefits of breast reduction. Whether your goals are medical or cosmetic, patients who consider this surgery will need to be in good overall health—this includes being within your ideal weight range and becoming a nonsmoker a few weeks pre-operation. Additionally, patients will need to have finished puberty to ensure their breast size does not continue to change post-operation. Gaining candidacy will require a consultation with Dr. Ellen in the office to assess your situation and develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
Schedule a Consultation
Have you struggled against enlarged, heavy breasts? Are you curious as to whether there is a solution suited to your goals? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ellen Plastic Surgery & Reconstructive Surgery to learn more about relief from enlarged breasts.
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The first step to any cosmetic procedure is a through consultation with a qualified and trusted professional. Schedule your consultation by filling out the form below or calling our Bloomfield Hills office.