Am I a Candidate for Breast Reduction? By Kenneth Smart Jr. on July 28, 2015

Do feel self conscious about the size of your large breasts? Does your large chest make you look overweight, even if you are at a healthy size? Do you experience physical pain because of heavy or pendulous breasts? If you answered yes, you may be a great candidate for breast reduction. During this procedure, Dr. Smart will trim away excess fat and tissue to give you a more proportionate figure. Before recommending breast reduction, however, he will consider you treatment goals and health history. Following this comprehensive evaluation, he can make an honest treatment recommendation for you. To find out if you are a breast reduction candidate, contact our Dallas practice today.

An Introduction to Breast Reduction

Dr. Smart can use one of several techniques to perform breast reduction. After determining your candidacy for this surgery, he will also select the most fitting method for your needs. In traditional breast reduction, he will use an anchor incision pattern. With this technique, he will create one incision along your breast crease. A second incision will extend from the crease up to and around your areola. An anchor incision pattern may be the best choice for you if you have very large breasts since it will enable Dr. Smart to remove more tissue than other methods.

Alternatively, he could use the vertical incision technique. He will create a single lollipop-shaped incision around your areola and down to the bottom of your breast. This can be a good option if you desire only a moderate degree of correction.

Cosmetic Goals for Breast Reduction

Breast reduction can significantly enhance your appearance and self-esteem. You may be a good candidate for this procedure if:

You feel that your large breasts make you look top heavy
Your chest gives you the appearance of being overweight, even if you are at or near your ideal size
One breast is larger than the other
You have a hard time finding clothes because of your bra size

Physical Signs that Breast Reduction May Be Right for You

While breast reduction can certainly improve your appearance, the procedure may also have tremendous benefits for your overall health. If your large breasts cause any of the following problems, reduction surgery may be the solution:

Upper back or shoulder pain
Pain in your breasts
Chafing under your breast crease
Chafing due to the shoulder straps on your bra
Breathing difficulties
Limited physical activity

Health Considerations and Limitations

Along with your goals for treatment, your physical wellness will determine your ability to undergo breast reduction. To be considered for this treatment, you should be a non-smoking adult in good physical health. Diseases such as diabetes or autoimmune conditions, which can impede healing, may limit your candidacy for breast reduction. Additionally, if you are currently overweight, you should lose weight naturally before considering cosmetic surgery. You should also be committed to a healthy lifestyle before undergoing this procedure. Breast reduction can yield permanent results, but future weight gain can alter the size of your breasts, reversing the effects of your surgery. Nevertheless, for the right candidates, breast reduction can yield beautiful, lifelong results.