Every woman who is considering reduction mammoplasty should carefully consider the breast reduction pros and cons before scheduling surgery. Although breast reduction is rated as one of the most satisfying of all plastic surgery procedures, there are both benefits and downsides to balance. In fact, since breast reduction is a highly invasive technique, the risks and possibilities for complications are substantial, although the potential rewards are just as meaningful and important.
Breast reduction is a popular procedure in which the breasts are made smaller, lighter and less cumbersome. Some women have suffered their entire adult lives with physical pain and various negative psychoemotional effects due to their very large breast size. Reduction mammoplasty offers hope to be free from the burden of heavy and painful breasts forever.
This objective analysis of breast reduction surgery is meant to put the facts in perspective for women who are thinking about undergoing the procedure. We will cover the good and bad points of reduction mammoplasty, as well as provide some valuable tips to help women navigate their options and achieve the look they truly desire with the least degree of risk possible. If you are one of the many women currently considering scheduling breast reduction, then this article is custom-made just for you.
Breast Reduction Pros
There are many benefits offered by reduction mammoplasty surgery, including both anatomical and psychoemotional rewards. Women have different reasons for wanting to reduce the size and weight of their breasts, so some benefits might be more important than others to each prospective patient:
Reduction mammoplasty will great decrease the overall size, weight, forward projection and mass of breasts. Reduction is often suggested as a treatment for chronic and treatment-defiant back, neck or shoulder pain.
Breast reduction will limit breast movement to a large degree, making exercise and impact activities far more comfortable.
Breast reduction will open up new avenues to explore in terms of fashion and undergarments. Women will be less dependent on “function” and can enjoy the “form” of their clothing more.
Women who have suffered negative emotional effects, such as poor self-esteem, self consciousness, poor body image or a lack of self confidence can address these mindbody issues using plastic surgery as a targeted intervention. Sometimes changing the body has the ability to greatly influence the overall wellness of the mind and happiness of the individual.
Breast reduction is a highly customizable procedure that can be tailored to meet the exact needs and preferences of each patient, increasing the chances for postoperative satisfaction.
Breast Reduction Cons
Breast reduction is certainly a very positive addition to the realm of plastic surgery. However, not everything about the operation is positive, as the negative considerations below highlight:
Reduction mammoplasty is a highly invasive surgical technique. The damage to the anatomy is usually extensive and involves multiple incisions around the nipple (periareolar incisions), down the front of the breast and under the breast (inframammary). In some cases, the nipple might have to be completely moved to a different location on the breast mound.
Since large and multiple incisions are required, there is virtually always visible scarring left on the breast. This scarring might look like very fine lines or might be raised and obvious. Keloid scarring is also possible, particularly on women with darker skin tones.
Loss of the ability to breastfeed is common in association with breast reduction. Likewise, decreased or lost sensation in the nipple is often demonstrated by postoperative patients. This loss of sensory ability might be temporary or might be permanent.
The surgery itself is risky, including the chances for anesthetic-related complication, infection, abnormal blood loss, nerve damage and other dangers.
Asymmetry is common in postoperative breast size. This can be easily corrected, but will require at least one additional surgical procedure to accomplish this goal.
The operation is expensive and might not be covered under some insurance policies.
Breast Reduction Pros and Cons Analysis
There are many positive and negative connotations regarding breast reduction to consider. Making the choice to undergo this level of invasive plastic surgery is never easy. Instead, the decision should be made after weighing all the evidence and doing additional research, including meeting with several plastic surgeons and speaking to a few successfully treated patients.
Women who decided to proceed with surgery definitely cite risks and complications that diminished their overall satisfaction rating, yet the vast majority of postoperative women report very good results and are thrilled that they decided to move forward in reducing the burden of their large breasts.
To help you make your decision, we have provided an entire section detailing every aspect of breast reduction. Please be sure to read all the articles contained therein, as well as in our counterbalanced resource section dealing the risks of plastic surgery. If you do decide to proceed with reduction mammoplasty, try to choose the least invasive approach to care with the fewest number of incisions possible. Of course, this is not always possible, especially with the largest of breast sizes. However, seeking care from a specialist in reduction will certainly improve your chances of achieving excellent results that will make you happy to have chosen the proactive path to mindbody satisfaction.
