As one of the operations with the highest levels of patient satisfaction in all of plastic surgery, breast reductions are a favorite procedure of Dr. Lowenstein. Breast reductions are performed in patents who’s breast size creates difficulties for them physically or socially. Excessively large breasts can have detrimental effects on a woman’s health, comfort, activity.
Women with large breasts are often unable to exercise and have the active lifestyle that they want because their breasts are painful or simply get in the way of athletics. This restriction in activity can produce secondary problems of weight gain, back pain, and many other health concerns that accompany a sedentary lifestyle. Women who have had breast reductions often report an increased ability to exercise and a generally more active lifestyle following their operation.
While many of these women are adults, the physical restrictions that excessive breast size can put on a teenager can be similarly problematic. Teens considering breast reduction should be counseled in conjunction with their families, but a more appropriate breast size can have life-changing effects in women of all ages.
Both teens and adults may also find that the size of their breasts creates awkward social situations. Embarrassment surrounding the size of a woman’s breasts, be it too large or too small, can contribute to discomfort in the work, school, or social setting. Dr. Lowenstein encourages women of all ages to feel confident about their natural bodies and to remember that being a woman is about what is on the inside as much as the outside. That said, women who feel improperly defined by their large breasts may wish to have a breast reduction. We respect each woman’s personal decision and enjoy working with breast reduction candidates to achieve their goals.
Breast reductions can be performed in several ways, and the manner in which these operations are performed have evolved with time. The most important aspect of any breast reduction technique is the manner in which the nipple receives its blood supply, and the tissue that provides this blood supply to the nipple is called the pedicle.
Breast reduction operations can be performed using pedicles of tissue from the upper, lower, medial, lateral, or central breast tissues. Classically, the inferior pedicle has been the workhorse of the breast reduction procedure, but with time we have found that inferior pedicle operations produce “bottoming out” or drooping of the lower breast after a few years. Dr. Lowenstein’s techniques of using the superior and central poles have proven effects of long-term beauty and very high patient satisfaction.
Incisions for breast reduction can range from a “keyhole” type of configuration to an “anchor” type of scar, and the type of incision used on your breast is based on the specific requirements of your breast size and your postoperative goals. During your consultation with Dr. Lowenstein, he will discuss with you the advantages and disadvantages of each type of operation and individualize your operation to your specific situation.
The most common “complaint” that we hear from patients following their breast reduction operation is that they wish they had the operation years ago. There is surprisingly little pain associated with breast reduction surgery, and the immediate and significant change in breast form is quickly appreciated by breast reduction patients. Following all of his aesthetic operations, Dr. Lowenstein encourages his plastic surgery patients to avoid excessive physical exertion for three to four weeks, though breast reduction patients often find they are back to normal activity in as little as a week. Reduction patients often appreciate the improved comfort in daily activity within days of their operation.
If you have concerns about the size of your breasts and would like to discuss your options with an experienced Board certified plastic surgeon with nearly 20 years of experience in breast surgery, call our office and make an appointment with Dr. Lowenstein.
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