Many men and women suffer from excessively large breasts that can cause physical issues such as skin irritation, back and neck pain, and/or poor posture. Large, heavy breasts often cause a strain on a patient’s body and limit their ability to participate in physical activities. Patients can also be emotionally affected by self image issues and difficulty finding proper-fitting clothes. Double board certified cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. David Whiteman often recommends breast reduction surgery to patients who suffer from overly large breasts.
Breast reduction surgery may seem straightforward since its goal is to remove excess fat, skin, and tissue contributing to macromastia, or overly large breasts. However, there are various techniques for breast reduction surgery, depending on the patient’s needs. Not only do women undergo this procedure, but men can also suffer from a condition called gynecomastia, or large male breasts. In order to obtain a more masculine appearance, Dr. Whiteman employs a different technique in male breast reduction surgery. Patients who have also had post bariatric surgery or experienced significant weight loss may choose breast lift surgery to remove excess, drooping skin.
Female breast reduction includes a surgical incision to remove fat and tissue from the breast mound. Dr. Whiteman will also remove excess skin to provide a more proportional result. Often, female patients choose to have breast lift surgery in addition to a reduction to reposition their new, smaller breasts to a more youthful location. In male breast reduction surgery, Dr. Whiteman removes fat and tissue through both liposuction and excision. For men, the goal is to yield a smoother, flatter chest.
For post bariatric patients, excess skin is typically the main concern since massive weight loss often leaves patients with inelastic, stretched skin. Like most post bariatric procedures such as a tummy tuck or thigh lift, Dr. Whiteman uses liposuction to eliminate small areas of residual fat and then tightens the area by removing excess skin. It is especially important for the patient to maintain a healthy weight since weight change can reverse results.
For more information on breast reduction surgery, or other cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, visit our website or contact us today for a consultation. Be sure to find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for more plastic surgery updates and news.