Breast Surgery Options, Part 1 — Breast Reduction
Submitted by Dr. Bernabe Vazquez on September 1, 2021
Every year thousands of women and men opt-in to breast surgeries. Breast surgery is continuously among the top three most-requested plastic surgery procedures in America, according to Johns Hopkins university school of medicine. Motivations for choosing a breast procedure vary widely, and might include: aesthetic desire, chronic pain, reconstruction after a mastectomy, correcting sagging after childbirth or aging, fleshy nipples or “man-boobs” in men, and more.
In our next few blogs, we’ll take a closer look at the three most common plastic surgery procedures for breasts — breast augmentation, breast reduction, and breast lift surgeries — in an effort to help you understand a bit more about your surgical options. First up, breast reduction surgery.
What is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery removes breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin to create a more appropriate breast size in relation to the patient’s body type. Not all who opt in for a breast reduction procedure are doing so for aesthetic purposes. Often, those with extra large breasts choose this route to decrease physical pain and discomfort. The neck, back and shoulder pain caused by the weight of heavy breasts is no joke!
Reduction Surgery for Men
In recent years, breast reduction surgery has spiked in popularity among men. Most commonly, men pursue this option to remove the excess fat most commonly known as “man boobs”. Enlarged breast tissue can be painful and embarrassing for men. This condition — known as gynecomastia — typically goes away in male children as they grow into adulthood. However, genetics, weight gain, certain medications, and substance abuse can all play a part in gynecomastia following them into adulthood.
Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery?
If any of the following apply to you, you may be a candidate for breast reduction surgery …
Breast Surgery Recovery
The recovery period is similar for most breast procedures. Post-surgery, the breasts will be wrapped with gauze dressings. Patients are expected to wear a sturdy support bra or elastic breast bandage to reduce swelling and support the breasts as they heal. The plastic surgeon will place a small drainage tube under the skin to allow any fluids that may collect to be drained. Before heading home, you’ll be given instructions for your recovery period, and scheduled for a follow up appointment with your surgeon.
- You suffer from neck, back, or shoulder pain caused by heavy breasts
- Your breasts cause emotional pain or embarrassment
- You have skin irritation beneath your breasts
- The size of your breasts interfere with your lifestyle and comfort
Dr. Bernabe Vazquez has been safely and successfully performing cosmetic surgery procedures in Miami, Florida for more than three decades. If you’re interested in exploring a cosmetic procedure with Dr. Vazquez, start the conversation by giving our South Miami offices a call at (305) 858-8222. View before & after galleries on our website, or on Facebook or Instagram.
