When Bigger Isn’t Better: Breast Reduction Plastic Surgery in Lubbock

There seems to be an ever-present sentiment in our culture that “bigger is better” when it comes to breast size. The women who live with and carry those breasts on a daily basis, however, understand that there is a lot to managing large breasts than what the over-simplification of what “bigger is better” implies. In fact, there is even a medical term for when a woman’s breasts are too large: macromastia. For the woman whose back constantly aches due to the weight of her breasts, or feels uncomfortable with aerobic activities due to the weight and size of her breasts, or struggles to find a comfortable and fully supportive bra due to the size of her breasts, maybe it’s time to consider a breast reduction (or mammaplasty). Even in Texas, women know that, when it comes to breast plastic surgery in Lubbock, bigger is NOT always better. A smaller breast size could be the answer to health and lifestyle issues.

Is Breast Reduction Plastic Surgery in Lubbock Right for You?

Sometimes losing a few pounds is all it takes to feel better about your breast size. But, for a lot of women, even drastic weight loss cannot provide the relief they want from their large breasts. When the weight of your heavy chest becomes too much for you to bear, breast reduction could be the right option for you to consider. Here are a few questions to help you evaluate if a breast reduction is right for you:

• Does the weight of your breasts contribute to neck, back, or shoulder pain?
• Do you have heavy breasts with nipples that point downward?
• Is one of your breasts much larger than the other?
• Are you unhappy and self-conscious about your appearance because you feel your breasts are too large?
• Are you physically healthy?
• Do you have realistic expectations?

If you answered yes to one or more of the questions above, you may be a good candidate for breast reduction. The procedure is one of the top plastic surgeries in terms of patient satisfaction. In fact, breast reduction patients rated the procedure to be 98 percent “worth it” according to the online plastic surgery community RealSelf. The overwhelming satisfaction with breast reduction is due to the tremendous, immediate relief patients feel after their plastic surgery in Lubbock is complete.  

Learn more about breast reduction from Dr. Rowley in the video below:

How Large Breasts Impact Daily Life

Even though the media would like women to believe that larger breasts are better, many women who naturally have a bigger chest size can tell you differently. From getting dressed in the morning to trying to sleep at night, large breasts can make many aspects of daily life challenging. Consider the following disadvantages caused by overly large breasts. 

• Physical Discomfort: Women with very large chests commonly suffer from chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain because of the weight that constantly pulls them forward. These symptoms are often accompanied by tension or migraine headaches and can sometimes even lead to numbness or tingling in the hands. Bra straps supporting large breasts can dig painful grooves into the shoulders. A heavy chest can also create shortness of breath or breathing problems that disrupt sleep. As a result of friction and moisture that gets trapped under the breasts, women may also experience irritation in the form of skin rashes in this sensitive area. Breast reduction plastic surgery in Lubbock allows the skin to heal and relieves the body of a burdensome chest. 
• Emotional Stress: Society has a fascination with large breasts, which means that women who have them attract plenty of attention. For most of these women, those looks and stares are unwelcome and create a deep sense of insecurity. Over time, these self-conscious feelings can lower self-esteem and damage a woman’s emotional and mental well-being. Finding clothing that fits properly can also prove to be a challenge, and even when an outfit is modest, large breasts can make it fit wrong or look suggestive. A large chest can sometimes make it hard for a woman to present herself in a way that makes her feel comfortable.   
• Impaired Mobility: Large breasts can become an even bigger problem when it comes to physical activity. They make stretching, bouncing, lifting (and just about everything else you can do at the gym) much more difficult. In addition to getting in the way of a good workout, large breasts can make it hard to find active wear that fits comfortably. With all of these barriers, it is no surprise that large-breasted women are less likely to get the exercise they need to stay healthy. According to a study published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, women with large and hypertrophic breasts participate in significantly less physical activity every week when compared to smaller-breasted women. If your chest is so burdensome that it limits your ability to exercise or participate in sports activities, it may be time to consider breast reduction plastic surgery in Lubbock. Getting regular exercise is essential to enjoying a healthy, happy life, and if your breasts are preventing you from doing so, talk to a plastic surgeon to see if a breast reduction is right for you. 

While losing weight can make a small difference in your breast size, women who feel their breasts interfere with their lives can really benefit from breast reduction. No amount of diet or exercise will make large breasts into small ones. When you are ready to make a life-altering change in your appearance, consider the benefit of plastic surgery. Lubbock surgeon Dr. Jane Rowley has seen countless lives positively changed from a breast reduction procedure.

The Benefits of Breast Reduction

Breast reduction gives women the opportunity to find reprieve from the burdens caused by breasts that are too large. Living free of chronic pain and discomfort gives these women the chance to heal and feel a huge sense of relief. Insecurities tied to the appearance of large breasts are diminished and replaced with renewed confidence. And, breast reduction patients often find it much easier and more enjoyable to participate in their favorite physical activities. The procedure is known for greatly improving quality of life, and it could help you live your best life as well. 

Cosmetic Enhancement

What if your breasts are big, but not big enough to cause pain or discomfort? Some breast reduction patients seek the procedure with aesthetic change as their main motivation. A large bust can make a woman’s figure appear top heavy and off balance. When the breasts are made smaller, it gives the body a more proportionate appearance. Large breasts also tend to have large or stretched areolas. With breast reduction, your plastic surgeon also reduces the size of the areola to match the newly shaped breasts.  

Breasts that are too big can begin to sag and can make women appear older than they really are. Removing excess skin and fat from the breasts can give you a younger appearance. Without the extra weight making them hang low and causing you to slouch, your new smaller breasts will help you look and feel more youthful and fresh. Women who have breast reduction plastic surgery in Lubbock enjoy a renewed sense of confidence and energy.    

How to Prepare for Plastic Surgery in Lubbock

A little planning and preparation can help you feel less stressed during your plastic surgery experience. If you are looking forward to your breast reduction, here are some items you may want to add to your to-do list.

• Stop Smoking: We all know how dangerous smoking is for our health, and it is even more dangerous for people who are having plastic surgery. Nicotine restricts the blood vessels, which limits the amount of oxygen that tissues need to stay healthy. Patients who smoke are more likely to develop infections, have poor wound healing, and put themselves at greater risk for further complications. Your doctor will inform you of specific guidelines, but most plastic surgeons require patients to stop using nicotine in all its forms for several weeks before and after the surgery.
• Get a Mammogram: It is common for patients to undergo various types of lab testing before having plastic surgery in Lubbock. Some plastic surgeons recommend that patients who are preparing for breast reduction have a mammogram. This test helps by providing a baseline to which your physicians can refer as they monitor your breast health.  
• Request Time Off Work: Breast reduction is major surgery and requires most patients to take 10-14 days off work. Depending on the amount of physical activity your job requires, you may need up to four weeks of medical leave. Be sure to schedule your time off well in advance of your procedure so that you don’t have to reschedule if your request isn’t approved right away.   
• Ask for Help: After surgery, you will need someone to drive you home. It is best to have someone stay with you for at least the first 24 hours of your recovery. You will need extra help around the house, especially if you have pets or children. Making these arrangements ahead of time will ease your mind and make your recovery go more smoothly after plastic surgery in Lubbock. 
• Prepare for Recovery: Some patients are so excited for their procedure that they forget to plan for their recovery. Pick up any prescriptions you can ahead of time so you don’t have to run to the pharmacy after surgery. Stock your kitchen with healthy, easy to prepare meals and snacks. Make a stack of magazines and books to occupy your mind when you’ve had enough of binge watching. Make your space as comfortable as possible so you can get the rest your body needs as it heals. 

Breast Reduction Surgery: the Procedure

A breast reduction plastic surgery in Lubbock takes about two hours and is performed under general anesthetic. It can be done in either a surgicenter or in an office operating suite. It involves an incision made around the nipple and another incision down vertically to reach underneath the breast. This type of incision allows the plastic surgeon to reposition your nipple, reduce the size of the areola, and remove excess breast tissue. In most cases, milk ducts, nerves, and blood vessels are left intact. This gives women the best chance to still be able to breastfeed after the surgery. 

Breast Reduction and Breast Lift Combined 

A breast reduction always involves a breast lift (mastopexy) to create a natural appearance with the new breast size after surgery. Breast reduction simply reduces the size and volume of the breasts by removing tissue, but a lift is what gives the bust a more flattering shape. A breast lift helps give forward projection to the breasts as it allows your plastic surgeon to reposition the nipple. If younger, perkier breasts are what you want, these two procedures work well together to achieve those goals. 

Results of a Breast Reduction

Women who have undergone breast reduction surgery enjoy a more proportionate body; an alleviation of neck, back, and shoulder pain; and more confidence in the fit of their clothes and their general appearance. 

It’s important to remember that the results of the surgery, for some, may include a decrease in sensation in some areas, including the nipple and around the nipple, a difficulty in breastfeeding, and a slight unevenness between the breasts or nipples. Dr. Jane Rowley will guide you through additional questions prior to your plastic surgery in Lubbock to ensure a breast reduction is a good solution for your concerns and goals. Setting up a consultation is a great next step for you to get more information.

Explore Your Breast Reduction Possibilities 

Breast reduction patients are some of the happiest people who choose to have plastic surgery in Lubbock. Women with larger breasts feel greater self-confidence, less physical discomfort, and an overall sense of relief. Dr. Rowley carefully talks with her patients to know their individual expectations for their surgery. She is committed to giving the best care with breast reduction procedures. Call for your personal consultation today.

Contact Dr. Jane Rowley for a personal consultation today to determine the right procedure and size for you and your body.