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Breasts Weighing You Down? Time to Consider Breast Reduction

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Posted May 02, 2024 in Breast Reduction
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Are you tired of your back aching from the weight of your breasts? Very large breasts can make it challenging to do specific exercises, make clothes fit poorly, and overall cause lots of pain to the back and shoulders. If you find yourself saying no to activities or particular articles of clothing because of the way your breasts will look or the pain you’ll feel, then it may be time to look into breast reduction. This blog discusses when it is time to consider breast reduction, how the procedure works, the option of adding a breast lift, and the general benefits of breast reduction surgery. 

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Heavy Breasts 

While many women desire to have large, voluptuous breasts, other women naturally have breasts that are more pendulous than they would like. Heavy, large breasts can make it challenging to find bras, clothes, and swimsuits that fit properly. Some women dislike how their overly ample breasts draw unwanted attention to their chests and how their body proportions are unbalanced because their breasts are so large. 

Outsized breasts can cause many physical inconveniences as well. When the breasts are too big for your body frame, they can cause pain in your back, neck, and shoulders from having to carry the weight. Many women with larger breasts find that they are limited in the amount of exercise and other physical activities they can do, as their large breasts get in the way and cause them pain. 

Breast reduction surgery can relieve women of heavy breasts and the pain associated with them. 

When Is It Time to Consider Breast Reduction Surgery? 

Choosing to get breast reduction surgery is a highly personal decision. Ultimately, every woman should decide for herself if she wishes to undergo surgery and if it will enhance her quality of life. If you’re trying to decide if you should get a breast reduction surgery, consider the following questions: 

  • Do your breasts cause you pain in your back, neck, shoulders or any combination of those areas? 
  • Does the skin underneath your breasts get easily irritated? 
  • Is it difficult to find shirts, swimsuits, bras, and other clothing that fits your chest properly?  
  • Do you get grooves in your shoulders from your bra straps? 
  • Is your posture affected by the weight of your breasts? 
  • Do you experience difficulty breathing? 
  • Are you unable to exercise or participate in other physical activities without discomfort because your breasts get in the way?  
  • Do you dislike the appearance and size of your breasts and feel uncomfortable or self-conscious about them? 

If you find yourself answering yes to any of the above questions, then it may be time for you to consider a breast reduction. The best way to determine your candidacy for this procedure is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon.  

During your breast reduction consultation, your breasts will be examined, and you’ll discuss your medical history to determine whether you’re a good fit for surgery. You’ll also discuss your concerns about your breasts and your goals for the reduction. Your surgeon will give you detailed information about the procedure and what techniques may be used to best achieve your desired results. 

How Does Breast Reduction Surgery Work? 

Breast reduction surgery decreases the size of the breasts by removing excess breast tissue and skin. In some cases, liposuction may be used as a part of your surgery to remove excess fat in the breasts. 

Before the procedure begins, your surgeon will mark the areas around your breasts where the incisions will be placed. You’ll also be given anesthesia to make you comfortable during the surgery. Once the anesthesia has been administered, your surgeon will create the incisions, allowing them to remove and reposition the breast tissue. The nipple and areola may also be reduced and adjusted if necessary. Excess breast skin will be trimmed. Once the breasts have been resized and reshaped, the incisions will be closed. 

Does Breast Reduction Hurt? 

During your breast reduction procedure, you won’t feel pain due to the anesthesia. After surgery, once the anesthesia wears off, you may feel some pain and discomfort. This will be temporary and can be managed by prescription pain medication. You’ll need to avoid strenuous activities during your recovery to ensure your body heals safely. 

Do I Need a Breast Lift With My Reduction? 

You may be wondering if you’ll need to get a breast lift with your reduction. Breast lifts are often combined with reduction procedures to give the breasts an elevated, youthful appearance after they have been resized. This is a common combination of procedures, as many women with heavy, overly large breasts also experience sagging due to the weight of their breasts. 

A breast light removes excess breast skin and tightens the remaining skin and tissue, resulting in perky, firm breasts. Breast lift surgery can be a standalone procedure for women who are satisfied with the size of their breasts or combined with other breast procedures, such as breast reduction. Many women choose to get a breast lift with their reduction to reposition the breasts for a more youthful look and a total breast makeover. 

What Are the Benefits of Breast Reduction? 

Breast reduction provides a major relief for many women struggling with heavy breasts. Many women who get breast reduction describe it as one of the best decisions of their lives, as the procedure allows them to feel confident in the way they look and in the activities that they can do. Breast reduction can allow you to regain control of your body and feel comfortable running, jumping, dancing, and doing other physical activities. 

In addition to the physical benefits of no longer experiencing pain and skin irritation, many women also experience psychological benefits after breast reduction. Making the breasts a more manageable size allows many women to feel good in their skin and enjoy wearing clothes that fit them better than they ever have before. 

Want to Know More About Breast Reduction Surgery in Northern Virginia? 

If you’re tired of back pain and other inconveniences caused by large breasts, then it may be time for you to take the first step of your breast reduction journey. For more information on breast reduction surgery or to schedule your consultation, call NOVA Plastic Surgery and Dermatology at 703-215-9152 or complete our online contact form today. 

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