INCREASE IN QUALITY OF LIFE AFTER BREAST REDUCTION

Recent medical study shows Breast Reduction Surgery to decrease pain and significantly improve the quality of life.

Large, heavy breasts can cause much physical and psychological pain to women of all backgrounds and ages. Excessive breast size can literally weigh a woman down and throw off her center of gravity and the alignment of her spine. The result is a large array of health problems including chronic back, neck and shoulder pain, strained and overworked muscles, headaches, skin rashes, sagging breasts and stretch marks as well as low self-esteem and dissatisfaction with overall body image. Studies have also shown that women living with this type of physical pain compare their symptoms to other medical conditions with chronic pain such as arthritis, joint pain and low back pain.

Many women who suffer from these physical and emotional problems seek a breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty. This common surgical procedure can not only create a natural breast shape that is firmer and more proportionate to the body, but also improve the overall quality of a woman’s life. A recent medical study conducted by the Department of Plastic Surgery at Helsinki University Central Hospital found that reduction mammaplasty resulted “in significant improvement in the quality of life and a decrease in pain and breast-associated symptoms.”

In the study, 82 female patients suffering from symptomatic breast hypertrophy, were examined and surveyed to access the effectiveness of surgery to reduce breast size. By alleviating the physical symptoms caused by full, heavy breasts, this procedure not only provided great relief of pain but also significantly relieved or eliminated a large variety of debilitating physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, skin irritation and poor posture. The study also cites that “the effect of intervention of reduction mammaplasty was comparable to that of hip and more than knee total joint replacement.”

As evidenced by this scientific medical study as well as numerous other ones, the benefits of breast reductions are extremely positive. To better understand the benefits associated to this surgery and how it can change your life, please visit http://www.labreastreduction.com or call our Beverly Hills office to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Doctor Daniel Golshani.

Source: Saariniemi, K., Keranen, U., Salminen-Peltola, P., Kuokkanen, H. (2007) Reduction mammaplasty is effective treatment according to two quality of life instruments. Journal of Plastic, Reconstrutive and Aesthetic Surgery, 61(12), 1472-1478.

A Romanian professional tennis star, Simona Halep, unfortunately suffered from heavy breasts – 34DD to be exact. As expected, she suffered from problems as a result of her large breasts, except her problems were experienced on the tennis court.

By having large breasts, Simona was physically unable to seamlessly take certain shots, leading to mistakes and diminished reaction time – effectively pitting her with a disadvantage to other highly competitive players.

The article mentions how the University of Portsmouth found that one in five women did not participate in physical activity solely because of their breasts. The study found that the main reasons why are because it was too hard to find the right sports bra and because of excessive breast movement.

However, by opting to undergo a breast reduction, Simona has since climbed from around number 250 in the world to the 3rd spot; an incredible jump in rankings largely in part because of her decision to reduce the size of her breasts to a 34C when she was 17 years old.

Simona had placed very poorly in the 2008 French Open, leaving many spectators to wonder what had happened. Before surgery, she mentioned, “It’s the weight that troubles me. My ability to react quickly, my breasts make me uncomfortable when I play.”

She returned in 2014 – with smaller breasts – and made it all the way to the finals where she was unable to secure the victory over Maria Sharapova. She did, however, secure a 3rd place world ranking for her incredible performance this year.

Her unique case serves as a testimony to the many benefits a breast reduction can offer to those who are suffering from pain of any sort – whether related to sports or not. Nobody should ever compromise their own health simply because of the breasts they were born with.

The first question that patients interested in breast reduction ask is, “Am I a good candidate for surgery”? To answer this question, I ask that all patients consider the following:

• Have they always felt that their breasts are too large for their body?
• Do they feel like their breasts are too heavy?
• Do they feel like their nipples point downward?
• Are their breasts symmetric or is 1 breast larger than the other?
• Do they have back, neck, or shoulder pain?
• Are there certain activities that they avoid because of the size and weight of their breasts?

All of my patients who are good candidates for breast reduction clearly answer “Yes” to most of the questions listed above. The first step in fulfiling their goal of feeling more comfortable and self-confident about their breast size, is to schedule a consultation. During the consultation, I ask about each patient’s desired breast size as well as whether they have other concerns about their breasts that they would like addressed. The preliminary consultation is essential because it enables me to understand the expectations of my patients so that we can establish real goals and begin to plan out an ideal surgical experience so that those goals are effectively reached. Patients who undergo breast reduction consistently state that it changes their lives and gives them physical freedom and comfort that they gladly welcome.

Are you considering breast reduction surgery but are fearful of the possibility of developing an infection? Don’t be too worried, because others are wondering the same question and the outlook is good. It’s always a plus when you head into any surgery with a positive outlook. You would be amazed at the difference it can make. The goal of this article is to help you become as mentally prepared as possible for a procedure that is rapidly growing as women begin to see the real benefits it can offer!

Board-Certified Breast Reduction Surgeon Answers

You may have performed tons of Google searches by now trying to find an answer in order to become comfortable with your decision. This is a common phase that many patients experience and it’s an important barrier to overcome in order to get the results you are seeking.

Dr. Golshani offers his expertise on the subject matter: “Infection with breast reduction is extremely rare. Causes could be poor blood supply to the tissues such as in a patient who refuses to quit smoking, more than 1500gram reduction per each breast, poor surgical technique, and poor patient compliance with the surgeon’s recommendations after surgery. Wound dehiscence can result in incisional infections which are also rare and mostly resolve with oral antibiotics and post-op wound hygiene.”

Are You Over 50?

In short, you should not be worried about developing an infection after receiving a breast reduction as your chances are very low and are often the result of ignoring a surgeon’s post-op procedures in order to recover quickly and efficiently.

However, researchers from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons have found that women aged 50 are 2.7 times more likely to develop an infection compared to those under 40. The article noted that those aged 40-50 showed a “non-significant trend” toward an increased risk of infection.

Both men and women elect to have breast reduction surgery. A condition called gynecomastia causes men to develop breasts that resemble a woman’s. Women may choose to have breast reduction surgery to alleviate discomfort and back injuries caused by the excess weight carried or to create a breast size proportionate to their body.

Breast reduction surgery is complex, even more so than breast augmentation. Unlike it’s outpatient care counterpart, breast reduction surgery usually means an overnight stay in the hospital and will require general anesthesia. The complexities of breast reduction stem from the required three incisions: one around the areola, a second vertical line extending down from the areola and the third along the lower contour of the breast. It takes an experienced surgeon to perform a breast reduction.

The surgeon will remove breast tissue, fat and skin, and will reposition the areola. In most cases, the surgeon will try to keep the nipple attached, especially if, as a female, you have not yet finished having babies. In some cases, the nipple will have to be detached in order to put it in the desired location. This is why it takes a skilled breast reduction surgeon with deft hands to perform. The process is mathematical as much as it is artistic.

Common Problems After Breast Reduction

The most common problems patients experience after a breast reduction surgery are the potential side effects resulting from the trauma of the surgery on the body:

• Infection – fever and other signs of infection are representative of your body’s inability to respond to the trauma that was caused.
• Scarring – usually denoted by painful red areas that subside and fade over time.
• Breastfeeding issues – if the breast reduction is performed while you are pregnant, then complications with breastfeeding may arise. This is why it’s recommended to wait until the child is born.
• Loss of shape – preserving the curve underneath the breast and maintaining its shape creates a good aesthetic. Loss of shape may happen if a surgeon is not careful enough.
• Loss of sensation in the nipples – there’s always a chance that loss of sensation in the nipples will occur, but is only temporary.

Careful choice in selecting the best surgeon for your needs will set yourself up for the best possible outcome for the surgery: a board-certified plastic surgeon is a good starting point. With that in mind and implemented into the surgical plan, the external surgical risks are lessened and the post-op results are up to your mind and body. Believing in the power of your body to heal is more than half the battle.