In plastic surgery, I see a lot of people who have had their life changed for the better with surgery. One surgery that seems to always have a profound effect on a woman’s life is a breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty in technical terms).
These women have usually had large breasts all of their lives and have suffered with a cluster of health related and functional problems as a result of the size of their breasts. These include neck and back pain because of the extra weight of their breasts, affecting their posture and ability to exercise comfortably. The idea of going for a run or doing high impact exercise is often out of the question, even with the most supportive sports bra. The skin of the breasts resting on the abdomen can cause intense skin irritation and further inflammation can result from the breasts rubbing on the abdomen when moving.
Our patients also tell us that shopping for clothes is a source of frustration because of the difficulty finding tops and dresses that fit their silhouette. Ultimately, having large breasts can make these women feel like they are different from other women and somewhat restricted in what they can do.
A breast reduction aims to reduce breast tissue and skin leaving breasts that are smaller, lighter, and that sit higher on the chest. A one size fits all formula is not the way to go with this surgery. It is very important that a woman’s pre-existing body shape is taken into account so that the surgery results in breasts that are in proportion to the rest of the woman’s body.
The impact of having ‘new’ breasts is remarkable. The women we have helped with this journey tell us about doing things in their life that just weren’t possible before the surgery. Running, and for some, walking without pain for the first time. Buying and wearing swimmers and under garments that fit well and are flattering. Mums say that they are much more involved in playing and doing boisterous activities with their kids, chasing them around the park and playing sports with them for the first time. We have even had women report feeling neck and back pain relief as early as when they woke up in hospital.
The body we are born with doesn’t always help us to be the best human being we want to be. Having large breasts is a real and legitimate problem for many women, and one that they have no control over. I enjoy seeing the positive impact that plastic surgery can have for the lives of these people.
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