Women with very large, pendulous breasts may experience a variety of medical problems caused by the excessive weight-from back and neck pain and skin irritation to skeletal deformities and breathing problems. Bra straps may leave indentations in their shoulders. And unusually large breasts can make a woman-or a teenage girl-feel extremely self-conscious.
Breast reduction, technically known as reduction mammaplasty, is designed for such women. The procedure removes 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 is to give the woman smaller, better-shaped breasts in proportion with the rest of her body.
Breast reduction is usually performed for physical relief in addition to cosmetic improvement. Most women who have the surgery are troubled by large, breasts that restrict their activities and cause them physical discomfort.
In most cases, breast reduction is performed on woman who have fully developed breasts. Breast reduction is not recommended for women who intend to breast-feed.
Gynecomastia is a medical term that comes from the Greek words for "women-like breasts." Though this oddly named condition is rarely talked about, it's actually quite common. Gynecomastia affects an estimated 40 to 60 percent of men. It may affect only one breast or both. Though certain drugs and medical problems have been linked with male breast overdevelopment, there is no known cause in the vast majority of cases.
For men who feel self-conscious about their appearance, breast-reduction surgery can help. The procedure removes fat and or glandular tissue from the breasts, and in extreme cases removes excess skin, resulting in a chest that is flatter, firmer, and better contoured.
Individuals who drink alcohol beverages in excess or smoke marijuana are usually not considered good candidates for surgery. These drugs, along with anabolic steroids, may cause gynecomastia. Therefore, patients are first directed to stop the use of these drugs to see if the breast fullness will diminish before surgery is considered an option.
The initial consultation with your surgeon is very important. First, your surgeon will examine your breasts and check for causes of the gynecomastia, such as impaired liver function, use of estrogen-containing medications, or anabolic steroids. If a medical problem is the suspected cause, you will be referred to an appropriate specialist.
Treatment of gynecomastia may be covered by medical insurance, but policies vary greatly. Check your policy or call your carrier to be sure. If you are covered, make certain you get written pre-authorization for the treatment recommended by your surgeon.
If excess glandular tissue is the primary cause of the breast enlargement, it will be removed. The excision may be performed alone or in conjunction with liposuction. In a typical procedure, an incision is made at the edge of the areola. If there is a skin excess, a portion of the loose skin is removed as well.
If your gynecomastia consists primarily of excessive fatty tissue, your surgeon will likely use liposuction to remove the excess fat. A small incision is made around the edge of the areola and a slim tube called a cannula is used to remove the fat. Gynecomastia surgery can enhance your appearance and self-confidence and the results of the procedure are significant and permanent.
You will likely feel some discomfort for a few days after surgery, which is typically controlled with medications prescribed by your surgeon. In any case, you must arrange to have someone drive you home after surgery and to help you out for a day or two if needed.
You'll be swollen and bruised for a week or two. To help reduce swelling, you will be instructed to wear an elastic pressure garment continuously for about a month. Although the worst of your swelling will dissipate in the first few weeks, it may be three months or more before the final results of your surgery are apparent.
In the meantime, it is important to begin getting back to normal. You'll be encouraged to begin walking around on the day of surgery, and can return to work at about one week after surgery.
Strenuous exercise should be avoided for about one month. You should also avoid exposing the resulting scars to the sun for at least six months. Sunlight can permanently affect the skin's pigmentation, causing the scar to turn dark. If sun exposure is unavoidable, use a strong sunblock.