My Large Breasts Hurt My Back: Should I Get a Breast Reduction?

More is not always better when it comes to your bustline. While some smaller-chested women may envy more bountiful breasts, you know the pain that it can cause your back to carry around.

Getting a breast reduction surgery is also called a reduction mammoplasty. This is normally done on an outpatient basis, but it does come with a significant recovery period. The specialists at Advanced Plastic Surgery Center explain more about the process and when you should consider it.

Benefits of breast reduction

If you have large breasts and decide to get a reduction, you may experience a lot of benefits from the procedure. Some of the problems large breasts can cause include the following:

• Chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain
• Grooves from your bra straps
• Chronic skin irritation or rash under your breasts
• Poor body image from not fitting well into clothes
• Nerve pain
• Being unable to participate in certain activities

Large breasts can have a negative effect on your life. A reduction can eliminate many of these problems.

Who shouldn’t get a reduction?

Even if you have large breasts and could benefit from a reduction, not everyone is a good candidate for the procedure. Some of the reasons you may not be a great candidate for a breast reduction surgery:

• If you smoke
• If you are not finished building their families
• If you’re significantly obese
• Don’t want scars on your breasts
• Want to lose a lot of weight

Some of these factors might be changeable in the future, so you can always keep it in mind for later.

What to expect from the procedure

If you decide to get the procedure done, we’ll have already had a consultation about your expectations and overall health. 

When you come in for surgery, you’ll get general anesthesia. Incisions are made in your breasts, then the fat is removed from your breasts. 

Once your breasts are the desired size, we’ll reposition and reshape your nipples if necessary so that they’re in the right place. 

Your chest will be wrapped in a bandage, which you’ll wear during the recovery period. The specialists do not generally use drains.

The recovery process

Because the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, you can go home the same day once the anesthesia has worn off. Someone will need to drive you home.

In the days after the procedure, your breasts may be tender and sore. You also may experience bruising and swelling.

You’ll need to wear a surgical bra that closes in the front during the initial phase of recovery.

Once you’re past the initial recovery, you’ll still need to avoid exercise for 4-6 weeks. You’ll also want to wear an approved surgical bra.

If you’ve decided you want to get a breast reduction, the best thing to do is to get a consultation. Contact the specialists at Advanced Plastic Surgery Center in Arlington, VA, or make an appointment online.