 Boca
Beautiful
by Dr. Daniel Man
Dear Dr. Man, I am a junior in high school and I really
want breast reduction surgery. I’ve had large breasts since
I hit puberty. As a result, I have terrible back and shoulder pain.
I’m also oddly shaped- I wear a full D cup but I’m only
a size 2. I can’t buy dresses because my top is so much larger
than my bottom half. My mom thinks I’m too young to get plastic
surgery. She is also worried about me going under the knife. What
do you think? Will there be scars? Signed, Teenage Torture
Dear Teenage Torture, Women and even teenagers with very large, pendulous
breasts may experience a variety of medical problems caused by the
excessive weight, including back, neck, and shoulder pain. In addition,
there may be other physical discomforts, such as bra straps leaving
indentations in their shoulders. Large breasts can also make women,
especially teenage girls like you, feel embarrassed or self-conscious.
Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, reduces disproportionate,
oversized breasts by removing fat, glandular tissue and skin from
the breasts, making them smaller, lighter and firmer. It can also
reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple.
The goal of the surgery is to give the woman smaller, better-shaped
breasts in proportion with the rest of her body. In most cases, breast
reduction isn't performed until a woman's breasts are fully developed;
however, it can be done earlier if large breasts are causing serious
physical discomfort..
Stitches are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line
extending downward, and along the lower crease of the breast. Luckily,
modern surgical methods leave patients with incision lines that are
only around the areola and up and down, eliminating the horizontal
incision at the bottom of the breasts. These scars should fade with
time and are usually covered by a bra or bathing suit. After surgery,
the patient is wrapped in an elastic bandage or a surgical bra over
gauze dressings. Although the patient may be up and about in a day
or two, the breasts may still be tender for a couple of weeks. Most
women can return to non-strenuous work, school or social activities
in about two weeks.
The best candidates for this surgery are women who are mature enough
to fully understand the procedure and have realistic expectations
about the results. Every patient and every physician has a different
view of what is a desirable size and shape for breasts. In your initial
consultation, it's important for you and your mom to discuss your
expectations frankly with the plastic surgeon, and to listen to his
or her opinion.
Breast reduction surgery helps get rid of the physical discomfort
of large breasts, the body looks better proportioned and clothes fit
better. Chances are that, like most women, you will be pleased with
the results. Talk to a board-certified plastic surgeon to see if this
procedure is right for you.
Dr. Daniel Man is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has dedicated
his life’s work to helping people look younger and improve their
appearance through cosmetic surgery.
Email your questions or comments to askdrman@yahoo.com
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