When the Weight of Your Breasts Becomes Too Much

Are you struggling with disproportionate breasts? Do your oversized breasts weigh down your back? If so, you should think about having a breast-reduction surgery, or reduction mammoplasty.
Breast reduction can help with chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain, posture issues, rashes below the breasts, and more. It can allow you to participate in physical activities you were uncomfortable taking part in previously.
Your Consultation for Breast Reduction
Since breast reduction is a major surgery, you will need to consult with Dr. Wallace beforehand and learn more about the procedure, its benefits, and the recovery process.
Discuss your medical history with Dr. Wallace, including whether you’ve had any operations on your breasts or any medical complications. You will also need to discuss your medical history. Be honest about your expectations and communicate them clearly.
Dr. Wallace may go about preparing for the surgical process in various ways. This can involve taking photos of your breasts prior to the operation, measuring your breasts, and telling you the amount of breast tissue that must be removed to achieve the desired results.
He will also instruct you on the best way to prepare for the surgery and give you steps to follow during the recovery process. You may be asked to have a mammogram or breast exam before the surgery.
If you smoke, you will be asked to stop smoking in the weeks preceding and succeeding the surgery. If you’re taking certain medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that may complicate the recovery process, you will be asked to refrain from taking them for a time.
Postpone your reduction mammoplasty if you intend to undergo childbirth or weight loss, as having the procedure performed may interfere with your ability to breastfeed. These may also affect your results.
The Breast-Reduction Procedure
A breast-reduction surgery can be performed in two ways:
• Via incisions and scalpel excision of glandular breast tissue
• Via liposuction to remove excess fat from the breasts
In many cases, both techniques are performed. It all depends on the tissue composition of the patient’s breasts.
Generally, the following steps take place during this procedure:
1. Incisions are made to allow Dr. Wallace access to the underlying tissues.
2. Excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are removed to reduce the size of each breast.
3. The breasts are reshaped and the nipples and areolae are repositioned and/or reduced.
4. Incisions are closed with sutures and then dressed.
After Your Breast Reduction
Arrange for a family member or friend to take you home after the breast-reduction surgery and stay with you for the first night in case of any emergencies. Avoid any strenuous activities for at least the next two to four weeks to allow the breasts to heal completely.
Like any other major surgery, breast-reduction surgery will result in some degree of swelling and bruising. These will be temporary and will reduce over time. Wearing supportive post-surgical bras without underwire will help control the swelling.
Taking the Next Step
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Charles Wallace, a well-respected medical professional, will be happy to help you get smaller breasts for improved quality of life. Contact us to schedule your consultation today.