Dear Teenage Torture, Women and even teenagers with very large, pendulous breasts may experience a variety of medical problems caused by the excessive weight, including back, neck, and shoulder pain. In addition, there may be other physical discomforts, such as bra straps leaving indentations in their shoulders. Large breasts can also make women, especially teenage girls like you, feel embarrassed or self-conscious.
Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, reduces disproportionate, oversized breasts by removing fat, glandular tissue and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter and firmer. It can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. The goal of the surgery is to give the woman smaller, better-shaped breasts in proportion with the rest of her body. In most cases, breast reduction isn't performed until a woman's breasts are fully developed; however, it can be done earlier if large breasts are causing serious physical discomfort..
Stitches are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line extending downward, and along the lower crease of the breast. Luckily, modern surgical methods leave patients with incision lines that are only around the areola and up and down, eliminating the horizontal incision at the bottom of the breasts. These scars should fade with time and are usually covered by a bra or bathing suit. After surgery, the patient is wrapped in an elastic bandage or a surgical bra over gauze dressings. The bandages are removed a day or two after surgery, though the patient continues wearing the surgical bra around the clock for several weeks, until the swelling and bruising subside. Although the patient may be up and about in a day or two, the breasts may still be tender for a couple of weeks. Most women can return to non-strenuous work, school or social activities in about two weeks.
The best candidates for this surgery are women who are mature enough to fully understand the procedure and have realistic expectations about the results. Every patient and every physician has a different view of what is a desirable size and shape for breasts. In your initial consultation, it's important for you and your mom to discuss your expectations frankly with the plastic surgeon, and to listen to his or her opinion.
Breast reduction surgery helps get rid of the physical discomfort of large breasts, the body looks better proportioned and clothes fit better. Chances are that, like most women, you will be pleased with the results. Talk to a board-certified plastic surgeon to see if this procedure is right for you.
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Dr. Daniel Man is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has dedicated his life’s work to helping people look younger and improve their appearance through cosmetic surgery. He is a noted author, artist, inventor and educator. Dr. Man has been featured on major television networks, as well as national and local magazines and newspapers for his work as both a plastic surgeon and an artist. He has a successful private practice in Boca Raton, FL. For more information about Dr. Man, visit www.drman.com.
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