Breast Reduction
Overly large breasts are a commonly overlooked cause of chronic neck and upper back pain. Typically women with excessively large breasts will experience pain at the base of the neck and between the shoulder blades. The pain is daily and worse at the end of the day. Shoulder grooving from bra straps, skin irritation beneath the breasts, restricted physical activity and difficulty finding clothing are some of the discomforts caused by breasts that are too large.
Breast reduction surgery can effectively alleviate all these problems by removing the excess breast tissue and creating a lifted, smaller breast that is proportionate to your figure. The new breast is smaller, comfortable, portable as well as being lifted and aesthetically shaped. Inherent in a breast reduction is a breast lift.
Women who undergo a breast reduction are extremely satisfied with their results. Their chronic back pain is resolved and they experience much more physical freedom. They are able to lead active healthy lives, and are no longer limited in the type of clothing they can wear. Many women wish they had had the procedure done years ago.Typically women are so pleased with the results, that they wish they had had the procedure done years ago. Overall, women feel better, have more energy and able to move more comfortably. There have even been reports of sleep apnea resolving after breast reduction.
Breast reduction surgery may be covered by your insurance company. We will make every attempt to obtain insurance approval for your breast reduction.. For minor reductions, or if your insurance approval is not obtained, breast reduction surgery is available as a cosmetic (self-pay) procedure.
The results of breast reduction surgery can be compromised with pregnancy and weight fluctuations. For this reason, it is advisable to seek a breast reduction once your breasts are fully developed, or stable after pregnancy.
The breast reduction procedure
Breast reduction is done as an outpatient procedure in a surgicenter. During surgery, the excess breast tissue and skin are removed and the breast is reduced to a size that is befitting your body. The breasts are lifted so that they are positioned higher on the chest wall, eliminating all breast droop.Depending on the amount of tissue to be removed, there are varying types of incisions that will be made. Possible incision types include a "lollipop" incision around the areola and down from the areola to the breast crease, or additionally an incision underneath the breast along the crease. Although the scars may be permanent, they commonly fade with time. The incisions are typically placed discretely so they are not visible under clothing or bathing suits. In rare instances of extremely droopy breasts, the nipple and areola may need to be removed and repositioned during surgery.
The acute recovery is typically about 2-3 weeks. During this recovery period, it is recommended that you do not participate in any activity that increases your heart rate or blood pressure. It is also important that the incisions are protected against mechanical strain. For 6-8 weeks after surgery, it is advisable to continue to guard against any mechanical pulling on the incisions. Depending on the physical demands of your job, it may be necessary to take 2-6 weeks off from work.
The incisions are large and it is not uncommon for there to be small areas along the incision that need topical care during the healing period. These restrictions will help minimize the chance of post-operative complications.
Testimonials
"I had my breast reduction done in December 2004. It was one of the best things that I have ever done for myself both physically emotionally. As a teenager I was only 5 ft, 105 lbs and a size 34DD. I was teased often and it was difficult to do many sports. I had difficulty breast-feeding my 3 children. I began having migraine headaches at the age of 25 yrs, indentations on my shoulders from the bra straps and upper back pain off and on. I would bind my breasts with ace bandages under a support bra whenever I danced or jogged. Years passed, 3 children and into menopause before I ever realized that a breast reduction was possible. ""I was 53 years old when I finally had the reduction. I had been on all kinds of medications for migraine headaches, had done physical therapy for backaches, and even bought a new mattress. I was now over weight, had that bent over kind of posture and my clothes never fit because I had to purchase clothes for my now, huge hanging breasts! After 30 years of marriage I was also going through a divorce. I remember crying as I looked at myself in the mirror."
"I loved my new breasts the minute I saw them after surgery. A month after the surgery I went on a weight reduction diet and lost 46 lbs. My whole body changed. My posture changed and I had fun buying new clothes that fit. I loved the cute sexy bras too! I started jogging again, took dance lessons and all physical activity was so much easier. Emotionally I felt so much better about myself. I know that the weight reduction had made a big impact. I had lost weight before, but with the huge breasts, I never looked like I lost much and still had to wear bigger clothes."
"I haven't had any back pain since the surgery. My migraine headaches have completely disappeared! Although I still have indentations on my shoulders, the straps don't cut into my shoulders anymore."
"I was fortunate to have had my insurance company pay for this procedure and I figure that I am a healthier person because of many issues related to this surgery. My only regret was I wish I had done it sooner. Now when I look at myself in the mirror I think to myself, not bad for a 57 year old and what great breasts I have!"
"My breast reduction and benefited me in the following ways:
- No neck or back pain,
- More mobile
- An unexpected benefit
- No sleeping difficulties, and I now sleep throughout the night
- Best thing I have done for myself." - Patricia W.
"Regarding my breast reduction, I would like to make these points:
- best decision my husband and I made
- no more mid-back pain or painful breast swelling once a month
- better posture
- Dr. Ma is a caring, compassionate, and understanding surgeon
- Dr. Ma and staff made me feel completely comfortable in all aspects of the decision, the surgical procedure, and my recovery
- glad to be have a breast size more symmetrical with the rest of my body
Thank you for the opportunity to publicly state what a blessing the surgery and Dr. Ma have been to me."
"My breast reduction procedure performed by Dr. Ma was life changing. I had immediate relief from the neck and shoulder pain that I'd experienced for years. My posture has improved immensely and my clothes fit beautifully. Dr. Ma and her staff worked with my insurance company to support the medical necessity of my treatment to maximize my insurance benefits. I was pleased with every aspect of my care and the results have exceeded my expectations."
"I am writing this letter as a testimonial to the excellent care and treament that I have received at your clinic (Blue Aspen Plastic Surgery). I began researching surgeons for a breast reduction surgery to help relieve back and neck pain. When I met with Dr. Debora Ma and her staff, I was greeted warmly and I quickly became comfortable with everyone I came in contact with. Julie really fought to get my insurance to pay for the surgery, continually on the phone with them and faxing paper work, while keeping me up to date. When we got the 'go ahead' for the surgery I could barely contain my joy. Dr. Ma did an amazing job. Now, nearly 2 months after my surgery, I am living a better life. It's amazing how much better my quality of life is now that I'm no longer suffer from daily pain. My neck and back no longer hurt. The head aches, that I thought were an altitude thing, have gone away. I enjoy my children and can now run and play with them. I think I even walk a little taller. My husband loves the new look and the new attitude. Please don't misunderstand, I was happy pre-surgery, but giving birth to three children can take a toll on ones body and it certainly did on mine. I am twenty-six years old and have a lot of living to do. Pain free. Dr. Ma and her staff worked very hard for me and I am grateful."
"I would recommend breast reduction to any woman considering it. Literally, a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders and back. I have had no back pain since the surgery. I am also much more confident in how I look! It is actually fun (and much easier) to go shopping for clothes!"
"This is what I would say: I suffered all my life having large breasts; physically and emotionally. Although my insurance did not cover the cost of the surgery, I decided to save until I could afford it. I am so happy I did and I met Dr. Ma. I have only one regret... I wish I had done it twenty years ago! My life is totally different now, it is a pleasure to dress in the morning and face the day on a positive note. I am very greatful to Dr. Ma who took such a good care of me and made it so easy."
"I was very nervous going into this procedure because I have never had surgery. Words can not express how fabulous the whole experience has been. You will not be able to realize how life changing this is until you do it! Just do it! Don't hesitate because this is the best decision I have ever made. I can not begin to tell you how great I feel and look now! I was worried for nothing! I love the new me! I not only feel better without the back aches etc….but I look better in all my clothes. I used to hate bra shopping and now love it! I do not need $60.00 grandma bras anymore! I can feel pretty!"
