Breast Reduction Surgery
Mammaplasty Surgery
Have you been considering breast reduction surgery? Patients with overly large breasts present with physical symptoms that have a negative impact on health and the quality of the patient’s life. Shoulder, neck and back pain are frequently experienced by our patients. Skin rashes and ridging of the shoulders may also occur. Mammograms, self examination and examination by the patient’s doctor may be more difficult than normal, limiting the discovery of an early cancer of the breast. Breast reduction repositions and reduces the size of the breasts and the nipple-areolar complex. A physical and aesthetic improvement is achieved accompanied by enhancement in self-image and self-confidence.
If you would like to learn more about breast reduction surgery in Middlebury or NYC, contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Paula Moynahan.
Does the size of the female breast matter?
Yes, it does and for a variety of reasons.
Breasts are a “secondary sex attribute, the development of which takes place throughout a female’s life span and serve as both a sexual characteristic and as mammary glands. Breast growth is influenced by hormones in the ovaries which supply estrogen and progesterone, activated in puberty to promote the healthy development of female sex attributes. Until then young girls and boys breasts are identical.
Overly large breasts cause a multitude of problems.
— Problems Caused by Overly Large Breasts Can be Both Physical and Psychological
Psychological
Some woman due to their large breasts become the focus of intrusive attention. Many women experience social awkwardness associated with large breasts. Anxiety, self -consciousness and depression may occur, even mental health issues have been reported. When a woman’s breasts are out of proportion to her other body contours extreme difficulty with clothing is a perplexing consequence.
Physical Signs and Symptoms
Shoulder, neck and back pain are inevitable and often interfere with such simple tasks as sitting at a computer, participating in sports, comfort while sleeping, indentations of the shoulders, poor posture, dermatitis and infections of the skin on the undersurface of the breasts and adjacent abdomen. These departures from normal function are regularly encountered. Difficulty in the performance and interpretation of mammograms, self examination and examination by a physician are persistent. The impediments of buying and wearing clothing unless clothing consists of separates are pesky annoyances.
Do large breasts lead to unrecognized breast cancer?
Unfortunately the answer is yes. This reality is well documented in both the medical literature and the popular press. Despite exhaustive consultation and meticulous evaluation by the plastic surgeon, physical examinations and mammography may be hampered and obscured therefore allowing the breast cancer to escape detection. It is only when the pathology report is received that the diagnosis of breast cancer is assuredly made or dismissed. Breast reduction surgery fosters the accuracy of mammograms, self-examinations of the breasts and breast examinations by the physician.
The onset of puberty with estrogen and progesterone production
At puberty, the pituitary gland messages the ovaries to begin the production of estrogen and progesterone. As the female hormones flood into the bloodstream, profound effects on the mind and the body of the young girl will occur. Adolescence commences as chemical messengers are sent through the body awakening every organ system which causes changes in the size and shape of the breasts.
Genetics are a primary influence upon the development of the young female breast which responds to estrogen and progesterone initiating growth. Breast growth is usually completed by the age of 21 or younger. However; heredity, certain medications, obesity, pregnancy, multiple pregnancies, birth control, breastfeeding and hormonal fluctuations are all factors contributing to macromastia (abnormally large breasts)
Breasts consist of glandular and connective tissue as well as fat. Rarely are breasts symmetrical, one being slightly larger or smaller or higher or lower than the other. Normal development of the breast continues throughout life’s passages beginning in childhood. The onset of secondary breast development, puberty, adulthood, pregnancy, and menopause directly impact upon the female breast.
YOUR INTRODUCTION TO BREAST REDUCTION begins with a personal consultation by Doctor Moynahan.
Upon entering the Doctor’s office you will be greeted pleasantly and made comfortable in an environment that is welcoming and professional. During the consultation, you will be listened to and heeded, you will be given the full opportunity to express your concerns and your ultimate goals. The consultation is relaxed and unhurried.
Your symptoms due your large breasts are assessed. Frequently patients present with shoulder, neck and back pain. Permanent indentation of the shoulders, rashes, infection of the skin of the lower breast as it contacts the upper abdomen are not uncommon. The plight with clothing selection that comprises a woman’s wardrobe may be persistent requiring separates or alterations of various articles.
A thorough personal, medical and surgical history as well as a family history is obtained, particularly a history of breast cancer. Any allergies you may have are recorded, but specifically, those to local and general anesthetic are documented including adverse events. Should you be planning on pregnancies with or without breastfeeding, the timing of your breast reduction operation is of utmost gravity.
Medications, botanicals and food supplements you may be taking are evaluated and registered. A physical examination is performed. The location of incisions, the resulting scarring, strategically identified for minimizing detectability, are clarified. Large pendulous (hanging, over-projected, drooping breasts) require repositioning of the breasts primary landmark, the nipple areolar complex (NAC) in an aesthetically appropriate location on the breast mound which is comprehensively addressed.
Pre-op photos are taken and a mammogram within the past year is required. The risks, benefits, and alternatives including no surgery and possible complications are explained. You are encouraged to ask questions which will not only result in information to you but additional insights for your surgeon.
The benefits of plastic surgery are more than physical.
- Many satisfied patients experience increased confidence
- A rise in self-esteem then follows.
- Patients have reported being “happier” and looking and feeling their “best.”
- Many said they felt a positive impact on their quality of life.
