Particularly heavy or pendulous breasts can create more than just aesthetic problems. The added weight can cause severe neck and back problems, and bra straps can cause serious lines and indentations in the shoulders. Patients with overly large breasts also complain of physical constraints, such as the inability to engage in certain vigorous athletic activities and added respiratory stress due to the weight of the breasts.
Other associated problems include:
If you experience one or more of these symptoms, you may be a candidate for breast reduction surgery.
From his Atlanta area practice in Georgia, Dr. Whiteman has been performing breast reduction surgeries—also called reduction mammoplasties—for over a decade. During the breast reduction procedure, incisions are made on the underside of the breast from the nipple, and excess skin and tissue are removed. Breast reduction surgery is sometimes performed in conjunction with a breast lift, to give the breasts a perkier, more youthful look. Patients recommended for this surgery are generally 20 years of age or older, at which time the breasts are likely to have developed fully. Although, teenagers who have prematurely developed can also be candidates, especially if patients suffer from negative emotional effects, due to teasing and embarrassment, in addition to the physical limitations placed on them. It is also recommended that patients wait until after they are done having children; pregnancy can cause an enlargement in the amount of breast tissue and the reduction surgery can make breast feeding difficult.
As breast reduction surgery is often performed in order to solve a medical problem rather than merely for aesthetic purposes, many medical insurance companies will cover some or all of the cost of the surgery. Contact our office in Atlanta , Georgia to find out if your breast reduction may be covered by your insurance company.
Interested in learning more about breast reduction? ask Dr. Whiteman today!