Answering Frequently Asked Questions about Breast Reduction
Most people think of plastic surgery as a way to help them look better while improving their overall confidence and self-image. However, because plastic surgery procedures generally have such obvious and aesthetic benefits, it can often be easy to forget that many can also address specific health issues. In fact, as one of the leading plastic surgery centers in the southeast for nearly fifty years, the board certified surgeons at Atlanta Plastic Surgery have found that some of the most popular procedures are those that achieve both reconstructive and cosmetic goals simultaneously. One example of this sort of procedure is reduction mammoplasty, commonly known as a breast reduction. Despite the fact that breast reduction is one of the most popular body contouring procedures in the United States, many women still have questions about exactly what it entails. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about breast reduction.
What are the potential benefits of Breast Reduction surgery?
Some women can become self-conscious about breasts that are disproportionately large for their frame and so reducing the size or volume of the breasts can often allow clothing to fit better and contribute to a more aesthetically balanced physique. However, overly large breasts may also cause poor posture, skin irritation, and even chronic back and neck pain. Removing this excess skin, fat, and glandular tissue reduces the weight that the breasts place on the chest, back, and shoulders, often alleviating these painful and irritating symptoms.
Can Breast Reduction surgery be performed on teenagers?
In most cases, yes. Breast reduction procedures performed on patients between 13 and 19 years of age have become increasingly common in recent years. Many young women have found that their involvement in sports or other physical activities is greatly hindered by disproportionately large breasts, and young men suffering from gynecomastia can benefit from similar procedures as well. Several plastic surgery procedures have proven to be safe and effective when performed on younger patients, and because younger tissue generally heals more quickly than older tissue, these patients often require shorter post-surgical recovery times.
Can a Breast Reduction be performed with other cosmetic procedures?
The stretching and sagging that can result from overly large breasts may sometimes continue even after the size of the breasts is reduced. Breast reduction is often performed along with a breast lift procedure to help treat and reduce this excess skin and restore the breasts to a more natural and youthful position. Moreover, increased breast size can also accompany pregnancy or other significant fluctuations in overall body weight. Breast reduction is frequently one of the components of a mommy makeover, and can also be done in conjunction with other post-bariatric body contouring procedures.
Every patient’s body is unique, and so it is important to consult with an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon specialized in body contouring procedures in order to determine whether or not a particular procedure is right for you. If you are interested in talking to one of our board-certified plastic surgeons about your options in breast surgery, or in learning about the variety of financing options, including Alphaeon® and CareCredit®, that we can provide in order to assist you, please contact Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C. at one of our Atlanta, Alpharetta, Cumming, or Newnan offices.
