Reduction mammaplasty, commonly known as breast reduction, is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to reduce the volume and size of excessively large breasts to make them proportionate to the rest of the body.
While the procedure is usually performed for cosmetic reasons, some women may also need it for medical reasons if they are experiencing persistent pain and discomfort in the neck, shoulders or back, skin rashes, and other problems due to oversized breasts.
Common Problems with Very Large Breasts
Oversize breasts will disrupt the natural balance and proportion of a woman’s body, and may also cause other concerns. Physical movements, sports activities and exercises may be restricted, and simple acts such as bending may become difficult. Many patients with this problem may hesitate to wear tighter clothes of their choice, and feel embarrassed about their body in social gatherings.
Medical problems such as pain in the back, neck and shoulders, and rashes or infection in the breast fold may occur in some cases. Dr. Eugene Kim is a board certified plastic surgeon providing breast reduction and other surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding locations.
Ideal Candidates
A woman who is in general good health, but unhappy with the appearance of heavy and pendulous breasts may make a good candidate for breast reduction cosmetic surgery. Some candidates may not have aesthetic worries, but may suffer from physical discomfort, movement restrictions, or may feel self-conscious due to oversized breasts.
Sterling candidates will be non-smokers or committed to keeping away from smoking for a specified period of time as suggested by the surgeon. The candidate should have clear cosmetic goals and realistic expectations. She should also be dedicated to maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle after the breast reduction surgery.
Surgical Procedure
Once the patient is placed under anesthesia, the surgeon will begin the procedure by creating an incision in a discreet location as per the pre-determined surgical plan. The incision may be made in a keyhole pattern or placed around the areolar border. Anchor shaped or vertical incisions may be used depending on the amount of fat tissue to be removed.
Through the incision, the surgeon will remove the excess fat tissue and trim away loose breast skin. In some cases, the underlying weak breast muscles may also be tightened or repositioned. Resizing and repositioning of nipples may also be carried out. The breast tissue will be sutured deep inside to support the new shape of breasts.
After the surgery, the incisions will be closed carefully with removable or absorbable sutures. Experienced plastic surgeon Dr. Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby areas for breast reduction.
Recovery
Following breast reduction, most patients can go back to their normal routine or return to work in about seven to 10 days. Bruising will start resolving soon, but swelling will subside gradually over several weeks or months. The patient should follow the surgeon’s instructions for safer and faster recovery.
Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.
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