Who Should Get Breast Reduction Surgery?

Popular portrayals of plastic surgery tend to concentrate on breast augmentation, but bigger is not always better or more beautiful. In fact, for a significant number of women around the world, large breasts are a burden that takes a physical and mental toll. Women with excessively large breasts are more prone to specific health issues, can be limited in their ability to participate in certain activities, and may feel embarrassed, insecure or uncomfortable in their skin.

Breast reduction surgery or mammoplasty is designed to reduce the size and weight of large, heavy breasts by eliminating excess breast tissue, fat and skin. Along with making the breasts smaller, lighter and firmer, the procedure helps to create a more streamlined and well-proportioned silhouette. If desired, your surgeon can also correct breast asymmetry, improve sagging or reduce the size of large nipples during the procedure.

Dr. Andrews performs breast reduction surgery to address both medical issues and aesthetic concerns. If your quality of life is negatively impacted by having disproportionately large breasts, breast reduction may be able to alleviate your physical and emotional discomfort and restore confidence in your body. You may be a good candidate for the procedure if:

You Are Experiencing Physical Symptoms

Large breasts have been linked to many health conditions and uncomfortable physical symptoms. Chronic pain in the back, neck and shoulders is one of the most common complaints among women considering breast reduction surgery. Excess breast tissue can significantly impact your ability to lead an active life, and lead to nerve pain, poor posture and skin irritation under the breasts.

Pressure caused by bra straps supporting too much weight can be painful and leave indentations in the shoulders. Some women with large breasts experience headaches, difficulty breathing or numbness in their hands and fingers. Others struggle to find a comfortable position for sleeping. If you are living with any one (or more) of these unpleasant physical symptoms, a breast reduction may be able to provide relief.

You Are Unable To Participate in Activities

For women with active lifestyles, large breasts can pose an even more significant challenge. Disproportionately large breasts can inhibit movement and discourage women from participating in athletics or exercise at a gym. It can be challenging to find a sports bra that fits well and is sufficiently supportive, which can cause pain during workouts and may result in a repetitive stress injury known as jogger’s breast. Shortness of breath, another symptom associated with large breasts, can also make exercise an unappealing prospect. Additional health problems could lie ahead for women who avoid exercise entirely for fear of injury or embarrassment.

Your Self-Esteem is Suffering

Breast reduction patients report mental benefits in addition to physical benefits after their surgery. For some women, having overly large breasts leads to a lack of confidence in social situations and intimate encounters. Prospective breast reduction patients sometimes feel self-conscious, anxious or depressed about the way they look and the unwanted attention their bodies receive from others. Some women think large breasts are holding them back from achieving their professional goals or living their personal lives to their fullest.

Emotional discomfort and physical discomfort are both valid reasons for considering breast reduction. Surgery can transform your breasts into a size and shape you are more comfortable with, helping to increase your body confidence and mental well-being.

You’re Interested in Cosmetic Improvements

Many women pursue breast reduction surgery as a way to achieve their aesthetic goals. The procedure reduces the size and weight of large, heavy and sagging breasts, helping to create an attractive breast contour that complements your body. A surgeon can also improve asymmetry between the breasts and reduce large areolas during the procedure.

After breast reduction, your breasts will be smaller, firmer and more lifted. This change achieves a more youthful look and creates a well-balanced figure with pleasing proportions. Another perk of the procedure for some women is the increased ease of finding clothing that fits and flatters. A more proportionate physique can be more comfortable to dress off the rack, meaning more clothing options available and more freedom to dress however you wish.

You Want to Turn Back the Clock Breast changes are expected as a part of the aging process. As a woman matures, her breasts may change in size, shape and firmness. The breasts can develop stretch marks or an elongated and flattened appearance. These changes can occur in breasts of all sizes but may be more pronounced for women with larger breasts. A breast reduction can help restore your breasts to a more youthful shape and position. In addition, smaller breasts may be less prone to stretching and stretch marks in the future. Depending on your goals, a breast lift or breast augmentation may also be appropriate. Dr. Andrews will recommend a treatment plan after conducting a physical evaluation and discussing your desired outcomes during a consultation.

You Are a Candidate for Surgery in General

To be a candidate for a breast reduction surgery, you must be a good candidate for surgery in general. You should be healthy, be a nonsmoker and have reasonable expectations about the results of the procedure. You should also have an in-depth understanding of what will be required of you before and after the surgery to ensure a healthy recovery, as well as any risks and potential complications associated with the procedure.

During your consultation, Dr. Andrews will talk with you about your health, your lifestyle, any medications or supplements you take, your treatment goals and what you can expect at all stages of your surgical journey. Be prepared to speak candidly. Honesty with yourself and your surgeon is essential to decide if surgery is the right option for you.

Breast Reduction in Coralville and Cedar Rapids

Modern beauty standards often celebrate larger breasts, but there is no one “ideal” breast size that suits every woman. Women with breasts that are disproportionately large for their body type can experience physical and mental challenges that negatively impact their confidence and quality of life. A breast reduction surgery can offer permanent relief. Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery offers breast reductions in Cedar Rapids and Coralville, Iowa, to help women look and feel their best. If you would like to learn more about breast reduction surgery, call us today at 319-800-6877 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Andrews.