Many women with oversized breasts complain of chronic back pain. Pain relief can be found with the aid of painkillers, but this solution is only temporary. The only cure is the breast reduction procedure.
Reduction mammoplasty, more commonly known as breast reduction surgery, is the procedure used to remove excessive tissue from the breasts in order to reduce them in size. Breast reduction can correct chronic back pain, along with a wide variety of other physical and emotional issues.
Upper-Back Pain
A strong upper back provides protection and an anchorage point for the rib cage. Pain in the upper back is generally a sign of increased pressure on the back or posture issues, both of which can be caused by heavy breasts. In many cases, the pain can become quite severe and can become chronic.
With age, some women with larger breasts develop worse posture issues – their shoulders roll forward, which in turn increases the pressure on the rib cage, nerves, shoulder blades, and upper back. The size of the breasts determines the magnitude of the gravitational force – the greater the size, the larger the force of gravity. The greater the force exerted on the back, the worse the back compression.
Benefits of Breast Reduction
In a study in the journal published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 179 women with a bra size of over DD complained of a compressed back and chronic spinal discomfort. After breast reduction surgery, this number dropped all the way down to 18.
Apart from relieving pain in the upper back, the benefits of breast reduction surgery can include:
• Correction of shoulder and neck pain
• Lessening of posture issues
• Relief from rashes beneath the breasts
• Relief from deep grooves in the shoulders from bra straps
• An easier time finding clothing that fits properly
• Less discomfort when performing physical activities such as exercise and sports
• A boost in self-confidence
• A more youthful look to the breasts
The Breast Reduction Procedure
At the start of the breast reduction procedure, anesthesia is administered to the patient. To facilitate the removal of tissue from the breast region, the surgeon first makes incisions. The most commonly performed incision type is the inverted-T incision. This incision resembles an inverted T or anchor shape. It offers the greatest degree of access to the tissues, making it ideal for extremely large breasts.
After the incisions have been created, the tissue is extracted. Glandular breast tissue, fatty tissue, and excess skin can all be removed using various methods. In some cases, areola repositioning and/or resizing is necessary in order for them to better fit the breasts’ new dimensions. Finally, the incisions are stitched up.
Discuss Your Procedure with a Skilled Plastic Surgeon
If you have been suffering from chronic back pain or another issue due to oversized breasts, it may be best to discuss breast reduction surgery with Doctors William Umansky and Jeffrey Umansky. These board-certified plastic surgeons have years of experience when it comes to aesthetic procedures and more. To arrange a consultation, contact our office today.