The Benefits of Breast Surgery

The Benefits of Breast Surgery

by Dr. Diane Gibby • M.D., P.A., F.A.C.S

In America today, there are millions of women who are unhappy with their breasts. Self-conscious because they’re too small. Embarrassed because they’re too big. Or disappointed because the size and shape of their breasts has changed over the years. They may be shrinking, sagging or atrophying. Whatever the problem is, it can often have a serious impact on a woman’s self-esteem. Surgery of the breast can improve all of these problems. Underdeveloped, small breast can be enlarged, a lot or a little. Oversized, burdensome breasts can be reduced to a smaller, more proportional and comfortable size. Sagging, shrinking breasts can be lifted and reshaped. Even breasts that have been removed by mastectomy can be reconstructed to restore a natural figure. Small, underdeveloped breasts or breasts that have become smaller after childbearing can be improved with breast augmentation. This surgery is performed through an incision, either made under the breast just above where it touches the chest, or around the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple). After creating the incision, the surgeon makes a pocket either directly under the breast tissue or under the muscle, depending on the surgeon’s judgment and the patient’s physique. An implant is then placed into the pocket and the incision closed. Minimal swelling and some bruising which might occur immediately following surgery will disappear gradually. As the years go by, almost every woman notices a gradual change in the size, shape and feel of her breasts. Gravity, pregnancy, breast feeding, weight gain and loss all take their toll. Even if the volume stays the same, the firmness and elasticity are often lost. A breast lift can reshape and firm sagging breasts. During surgery excess skin is removed from the lower part of the breast. The nipple, areola and underlying breast tissue are lifted up to a new, higher position. Sometimes an implant is used if extra fullness is desired. Oversized, heavy breast can cause physical and psychological problems.  They can be painful, causing backaches, chafing and making it difficult to exercise or perform everyday functions. Then there is the mental burden. Stares and rude comments often cause women to feel embarrassed and extremely self-conscious. These are just a few of the reasons why women with large breasts choose to have a breast reduction. This procedure can reduce the size of and reshape large breasts by removing excess skin and underlying tissue. An oversized areola can be made smaller at the same time. Though the procedure is permanent, breasts can still increase in size afterward in the event of weight gain, birth control pills or pregnancy. The surgeon makes incisions horizontally and vertically following the natural contour of the breast. Excess tissue, fat and skin are removed and then the nipple, areola and underlying tissue are moved to a new higher location. With the nipple in the new position, skin on both sides of the breast is moved down and around the areola and brought together. This firms up and shapes the breast. Although scars may be long with this procedure, since they are made around and below the nipples, they should not be noticeable even in low-cut clothing. While women shouldn't let their breasts define them, it can make a difference in how they perceive themselves and can directly affect a woman's self-esteem. Undergoing breast surgery is a very personal choice, and as with any cosmetic procedure, risks and benefits should be considered carefully before proceeding.

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