Recognized as one of “Boston’s Most Trusted Doctors” by Boston magazine, Richard A. Bartlett, M.D. is a board certified plastic surgeon in practice for over 30 years Dr. Bartlett is considered a “doctor’s doctor,” and is a favorite choice of New England medical professionals when referring family and friends for cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery in Boston, Massachusetts.
Big breasts are often glorified as the ideal look by the media, but in real-life, women know all too well that this is not always the case. Having big breasts is not full of perks. In fact, it comes with a lot of problems that can may day to day life frustrating.
Apart from the unwanted attention and feeling self-conscious, there are a whole lot of physical problems that come with having large breasts. You may experience minor to severe pain in the neck, back, and shoulders, Luckily, there is a permanent solution to this – reduction mammoplasty.
What is Reduction Mammoplasty?
Reduction mammoplasty, more commonly known as a breast reduction, is a cosmetic surgery procedure where excess fat from the breasts, grandular tissue and skin are removed.
The aim is to give the breasts an improved shape and proportion by decreasing their size. Moreover, it can help alleviates any kind of pain the patient may experience in the shoulder area, neck, and back – the common problem areas among women with large breasts.
What is the Procedure Like?
There are different kinds of surgical techniques that a surgeon may use depending on the results you want to achieve. These are:
• Traditional breast reduction
• Vertical incision breast reduction
• Scarless breast reduction
The difference between these techniques is the place where the incisions are made so the breast tissues can be accessed. General anesthesia will be administered, and after the incisions are made, the excess tissue, and some amount of skin may also be removed to match your new breast size and shape. Usually, the size of the areola is reduced and the nipple is repositioned as well.
In some cases, if it is only excess fatty deposits responsible for your large breasts, then liposuction alone may be enough. However, if excess fat and skin are the causes, then liposuction as well as any of the above surgical techniques will be used. A tiny, thin tube is generally placed under the skin to prevent fluid accumulation.
What to Expect During Recovery
Reduction mammoplasty may require some down time. For most people, taking a week off from your daily routine, including work and school, will be necessary to achieve optimal results. For some, it may take as long as two weeks. It depends on the extent of the surgery and how well you are taking care of yourself. During this time, you may feel tired and experience mild pain. Your doctor will provide you with medication for any discomfort you feel. You will also have to attend follow-up appointments to remove stitches and bandages.
It is recommended that you do not engage in strenuous activities like exercising for at least one month after the surgery. After this, it is safe to return to your normal daily function without having to avoid anything.
Good Candidates for Breast Reduction
The best candidates are over 18 years old and in good general health. If you have large breasts that are disproportionate to your body and are causing pain in your neck, shoulders, and back, then a breast reduction is the ideal solution for you.
Contact Our Office
To learn more about a breast reduction, contact our office to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Richard Bartlett.
