Sometimes it seems that society has a fixation on large breasts. What many people don’t realize, however, is that having overly large breasts creates a lot of discomfort and can drastically decrease your quality of life, both physically and emotionally for many women. Being “well-endowed” can lead to physical discomfort, unwanted attention, embarrassment, and an inability to do everyday things like exercise or find clothes that fit well. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. Experts estimate that close to a million women nationwide experience physical problems due to larger breasts. If you are among them, then a breast reduction in Lubbock may be for you. 

Sometimes it can be difficult to determine whether plastic surgery is the right option. An experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Jane Rowley is your best resource when making plastic surgery decisions, but it is helpful to personally evaluate your situation first. Here are a few things to ask yourself when deciding if a breast reduction is right for you.

• How is your Posture? As women age, their shoulders tend to slump forward. Shoulders of women with larger breasts can roll even further forward, causing problems with posture that can contribute to back, neck, or shoulder pain. Some may even feel numbness in the body caused by nerve damage from poor posture. If large breasts are affecting your posture, consult a doctor about the benefits of a breast reduction. With this procedure, women can stand a little straighter with a lighter chest. If you have large breasts and often find yourself slumped over, reducing the size of your bust could improve your posture and help you stand taller with increased confidence.
• How is your Activity? We all know the benefits of exercise and living an active lifestyle, but women with large breasts often find it challenging to get moving. Larger breasts make some exercises difficult, or even painful to carry out. If you feel your breasts get in the way, or make normal activities difficult, consider the liberating effects of breast reduction in Lubbock. Women can move around with more freedom when a heavy chest is lightened.
• How is your Self Image? Having larger breasts can have adverse effects on your self-esteem and contribute to having a poor body image. If you feel self-conscious about your looks because of larger breasts, talk to your doctor about the advantages of having a breast reduction. Women who go through the procedure often have a better body image and rebuild their self-confidence.

The Struggle is Real

If you have overly large breasts, you know for yourself that these problems are all too real. You have felt the pain of bra straps digging into your shoulders or rashes underneath your breasts. You have felt the discomfort of squeezing your breasts into a swimsuit or sports bra. You have also felt the eyes of strangers on your chest even when your clothing isn’t meant to be revealing. Living in a state of constant pain, discomfort, and self-consciousness is no way to enjoy life. Plastic surgery has allowed many women to experience true relief from the challenges of having large breasts. As you learn more about breast reduction, imagine how the surgery could change your life for the better.  

What is a Breast Reduction?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a breast reduction is “a procedure to remove excess breast fat, glandular tissue and skin to achieve a breast size more in proportion with your body and to alleviate the discomfort associated with excessively large breasts.” Sometimes your areola (the darker area around your nipple) is also made smaller and may need to be repositioned. In practical terms, according to Dr. Jane Rowley, a breast reduction in Lubbock generally takes approximately two hours under general anesthetic in the office operating suite or a surgical center. Most patients are typically off work for 10 to 14 days, but may require up to three weeks, with six weeks before a return to full activity. The procedure is typically combined with a breast lift, as the nipple must be repositioned to match the new size and shape of the breasts. 

Dr. Jane Rowley has over 20 years of experience in breast reduction surgery. For her approach to breast reduction, watch the video below.

Benefits of a Breast Reduction

Women who have had a breast reduction procedure are among the most highly satisfied of all patients who get plastic surgery. In fact, 98% of women who’ve had their breast size reduced say that their procedure was worth it. Below are some of the leading benefits of breast reduction in Lubbock.  

• Pain Relief: Pain and discomfort are the most common complaints that women have about heavy breasts. A heavy chest can pull the body forward, causing poor posture and putting a constant strain on the neck, back, and shoulders. Given enough time, these issues can lead to more serious health problems, including migraines, pinched nerves, and numbness. Women who experience these struggles find almost immediate relief by surgically reducing the size of their breasts. Without a burdensome chest, a woman’s health and wellbeing can greatly improve.
• Increased Mobility: Among the many benefits is an improved ability to move and to be more active. Exercise will be less restricted. Breast reduction can help alleviate back pain and neck aches. Some women have even reported fewer headaches. Even your sleep quality may be improved. This is important, because with better sleep and exercise, your general health and wellbeing will improve. Many women with larger breasts also suffer from painful shoulder indentations from bra straps. This will be alleviated with smaller and lighter breasts.
• Enhanced Appearance: Women who undergo breast reduction in Lubbock also enjoy aesthetic benefits. It helps balance the symmetry of a woman’s body by bringing her breasts into proportion with the rest of her frame. Many large-breasted women have a hard time finding flattering clothing or swimwear because it often fits awkwardly. A reduced bust size allows these patients to feel more comfortable and confident in their appearance.
• Emotional Healing: The emotional impact of a breast reduction cannot be overlooked. Women with large breasts sometimes suffer from anxieties and depression caused by insecurities in their self-image. When you no longer feel self conscious about having large breasts, you can feel an emotional freedom as well as a physical freedom. Whether you are wearing a swimming suit or just shopping for clothes that fit, this freedom is emotionally healing. Mental health is an important part of our overall health and quality of life and should not be overlooked or underestimated.

Smaller Breasts, Bigger Smiles

Most plastic surgery procedures take time to reveal their full results. However, breast reduction patients get almost instant gratification as soon as their surgery is complete. The procedure is known for bringing women a tremendous amount of physical and emotional relief. A survey of 73 breast reduction patients revealed just how effective the procedure can be. Most of the survey participants reported improvement in their breast appearance (93%), self-esteem (85%), posture (84%), and activity level (77%). Ninety-five percent felt happy with their decision to have breast reduction plastic surgery. 

Dr. Rowley sees a similar level of satisfaction in her patients who receive breast reduction in Lubbock. She explains, “Overall, breast reduction patients are some of the happiest patients I treat postoperatively. I can honestly not recall a case where the patient did not have almost immediate relief of symptoms related to the size of the breasts… The risk factors are very minimal and patient satisfaction is very high. It’s very rewarding to see the relief patients enjoy.” 

Surgical Methods for Reducing Breast Size

Breast reduction is not a one-size-fits all operation. The procedure can be tailored to your exact needs and goals. Breast anatomy, size, and the amount of excess tissue all play into the decision about which technique to use. Your plastic surgeon will guide you as to which surgical method would best achieve the outcome you desire. The most common techniques for reducing the size of large breasts include:

• Anchor Incision: The anchor, or inverted T incision is the most common surgical technique for breast reduction patients. Incisions are made around the areola, vertically from the areola to the base of the breast, and then horizontally in the breast crease. This allows for the maximum amount of breast tissue and skin to be removed. Patients’ breasts are then reshaped and lifted to create a firmer, smaller bust line. 
• Vertical Incision: Also called a lollipop incision, this method is for procedures that remove moderate amounts of breast tissue. Patients with mildly large and sagging breasts are good candidates for this approach. Excess skin and tissue are removed through incisions around the areola and vertically down the bottom half of the breasts. 
• Liposuction: If a patient has a minimal amount of sagging and excess fatty tissue, liposuction may be the best option. This method leaves no scars, and the recovery period is significantly shorter than it is after a traditional surgery for breast reduction in Lubbock. You may be a candidate for breast liposuction if you have good skin elasticity and want a slight decrease in size. 

Insurance Coverage for Breast Reduction 

One of the most common questions about breast reduction is whether insurance companies will pay for it. Because larger breasts can create legitimately difficult life experiences, breast reduction surgery may be covered by your insurance. Every company and every plan has different requirements for breast reduction coverage, so be sure to contact a representative directly to fully understand your options. Most insurance companies will need information such as the amount of breast tissue to be removed, history of health problems related to the breasts, and even a photo showing the size of the breasts. Your doctor can help you gather the documentation and medical evidence you need so you will get the best chance at having your procedure approved. So, cost may not even have to be a factor when deciding whether you can move forward with breast reduction in Lubbock.

Life After Breast Reduction Surgery

After learning about the ways that breast reduction could change their lives for the better, many women are anxious to take the next steps toward smaller breasts. But, it is important to remember that breast reduction is major surgery, and the road to recovery will take some time. Most patients will need to take 2-3 weeks off work. Any strenuous activity or heavy lifting is off limits until your doctor gives the green light, usually around 6 weeks. Some pain and discomfort are normal after breast reduction surgery, but never hesitate to contact your doctor with any questions or concerns. Be sure to follow all of your surgeon’s post-operative instructions to avoid potential complications. 

Once your body has healed from surgery, you can begin to enjoy all of the newfound freedoms that come with your new look. Back, neck, and shoulder pain should improve, movement and exercise will be less restricted, clothing will look more flattering, and best of all, your confidence will soar. With such a dramatic improvement in their overall quality of life, many breast reduction patients wish they had sought out the procedure sooner. 

Where to Get a Breast Reduction in Lubbock

The benefits of a breast reduction procedure include less back pain, greater mobility, and increased self-confidence. Women considering a breast reduction in Lubbock also have the added benefit of having access to a world-class plastic surgeon, Dr. Jane Rowley. As one of the top plastic surgeons in Lubbock and Texas itself, Dr. Rowley has considerable experience in carrying out successful breast reductions. Dr. Rowley’s patients always get honest, straightforward answers to their plastic surgery questions and concerns.  

Plastic surgery is a personal decision and can be a life changing experience. Don’t let the size of your breasts get in the way of the life you want to live. If you are experiencing difficulties because of overly large breasts, contact Rowley Plastic Surgery and learn about the options that are available to you. Call today to schedule your no-obligation consultation.