We live in a “Bigger Is Better” world. Bigger homes, bigger cars, bigger boobs. With unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by pop culture and the mass adoption of social media, plastic and cosmetic surgery procedures have increased significantly. Especially breast augmentation. The pressures woman face to conform to body images is making us want bigger, lips, bigger boobs, bigger hips and bigger thighs. Today, it is not uncommon to even see mannequins’ boobs getting bigger – a display that bigger is the goal. But for some it’s a course and when it comes to breast size, bigger is not always better.

For some women, bigger means more pain and more trouble – breast reduction surgery and breast reconstruction can be the key to a better life.

Yes, there are many women who actually want smaller breasts. Women with naturally large breasts often suffer from emotional and physical problems. Besides feeling self conscious and anxious, these women also experience back, neck and shoulder pain, irritated red skin underneath breasts, chronic headaches, etc. Not to mention difficulties with finding appropriate bras, shirts or dresses…a constant nightmare! Carrying so much weight in the chest actually impairs their ability to lead an active life. 

And this is not just some simple issue. Large breasts can be debilitating and a hindrance to every day life. Breast reduction is the answer, the question for you to answer is if breast reduction surgery is worth it. Let’s understand the procedure so we can make the right decision.

Life Changing Breast Reduction Surgery

Fortunately, women who suffer from macromastia, gigantomastia or large breasts do have options and can absolutely lead a more active, comfortable life. Reduction mammoplasty, aka, breast reduction surgery, can help patients alleviate their upper body issue by removing excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin in the area. It reduces the size of the breasts to a more proportionate size, gives a new shape and lifts breasts into a higher, more youthful position.

Not only will be the size of the breast change, but it will also be shaped by experienced plastic surgeons. Both your quality of life and overall appearance will be improved during the same procedure.

How it Works

Liposuction, the surgical removal of fat deposits, is a common plastic surgery treatment performed today. With recent advances in both equipment and surgical techniques, liposuction for breast reduction is one of the safest procedures in breast surgery. Not only easier to perform than traditional surgical excision, (cutting off extra breast tissue), there is significantly less blood and scarring, and a quicker recovery for the patient.

“Women’s breasts may contain up to 90% of fat tissue, depending on age and hormone levels. Liposuction may reduce up to 70-80% of breast size,” says Fort Lauderdale’s board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Zoran Potparic. “Reduction and tailoring of the skin envelope is done the same way as in traditional (excisional) breast reduction, decreases blood loss, as well as operating time. This technique was promoted in Europe in late 1980 and early 1990 by Belgian surgeon, Dr. Madlene Lejour. We used this technique for a number of years with excellent results in selected patients.”  

Breast reduction with liposuction is performed under general anesthesia, although in some cases twilight or local anesthesia may be used. A few tiny incisions are made on the breast and a local anesthetic with saline is injected, as for any liposuction procedure. A liposuction cannula, a thin, straw-like instrument, is inserted into the incisions and fat is selectively removed from the breast. Redundant skin is removed based on a vertical breast lift/reduction pattern leaving a lollipop scar in smaller breasts and an anchor scar in very large breasts. With a low risk of postoperative complications, patients can return to work and normal social activities within 4-5 days.

Is Breast Reduction Worth It?

If you are in need of a life altering surgery, yes, completely. But there are so many factors to consider. Price, recovery time and, physical and emotional stress. Even though the surgery will change your life, you will have to endure these challenges first.

We recommend asking for a consultation first to determine how necessary and worthwhile breast reduction surgery is in you particular case.

So feel free to finally get that weight off your chest! Breast reduction surgery with liposuction offers you a better quality of life with less risk than ever before. To get a behind the scenes look at an actual procedure, visit Dr. Zoran Potparic’s Youtube channel.

Faith

Dr. Zoran Potparic is a board certified plastic surgeon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, committed to performing surgery of the highest quality, safety, and artistry. He applies his years of global study and research, as well as more than 30 years of hands-on experience performing reconstructive and cosmetic surgery for patients coming from all over the United States.