BREAST REDUCTION:

​WHY DO PEOPLE GET IT AND WHAT ARE THE FINANCIAL AND PHYSICAL IMPLICATIONS?

​Over time, we’ve seen everyone from influencers, celebrities,  media personalities to our everyday people engage in practices of body enhancement in their different ramifications and methods. One particular demographic are women who want ‘figure 8’ bodies. From liposuction to Brazilian Butt Lifts(BBL), we’ve seen it all play out both in real life and on social media with different people expressing different opinions on the subject. 
A topic we aren’t familiar with however, is the concept of breast reduction. With so many people going under the knife to get these body parts enlarged to taste, breast reduction is a topic that isn’t talked about enough or even considered enough. 
In this article, we’d be walking through an overview of what breast reduction is, who needs it and the physical and financi

​WHAT IS BREAST REDUCTION?

Breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty is a plastic surgery operation that involves reducing the size of a woman’s breasts. When breasts are too big, they are often not proportionate to  body size and this can lead to a number of alternate complications like back pain, neck pain, flappy skin on the stomach(where the breasts fall) and a few other discomforts that might be specific to each person. This procedure fixes all of that immediately by removing excess breast tissues, excess skin and excess fat after making an incision around the areola. We’ve seen people move from N size cups to C size cups after a procedure like this. 

WHO NEEDS A BREAST REDUCTION?

​Breast reduction is one of the few cosmetic procedure carried out due to need and not want. In the section above, we highlighted reasons that come with extremely large breast that make reduction more than just an aesthetic advantage. To answer this question, women with 
-Large breasts need this procedure. Especially if their body weight is not directly proportional to their breasts.  
-It is also recommended for people whose esteem is affected by their large breasts as some people who have large breasts don’t have problems with it. 
-People who suffer any pains physically from large breasts(as mentioned above)
-People with large breasts that have an issue fitting into bras and clothing.
-People who have difficulty moving due to the size of their breasts. 

​PEOPLE WHO SHOULDN’T CONSIDER BREAST REDUCTION

​-People who are overweight aren’t recommended to get breast reduction as their weight already probably matches their breast size. 
-People who smoke, have diabetes or any chronic, terminal conditions. 
-People who don’t want scars on their breasts. Breast reduction procedure is a surgery and surgery leave scars. 

​PHYSICAL IMPLICATIONS OF BREAST REDUCTION 

​There are a number of physical factors that come with breast reduction such as:
-Emancipation from physical pain that comes with it: When you get breast reduction, the neck pain, back pain, uncomfortable rashes and other physical anomalies that come with the procedure are fixed. 
-Aesthetically small breasts: This needs no explanation, your breasts look and feel smaller. 
-Smaller clothes/bras: Since your breasts are smaller, some clothes that are tailored to fit your previously bigger breasts will be too big as well as bras that are a bigger cup size
-Scar(s) on the breast: After the procedure, there will be scars on the breast where cuts were made. 
-Increased ability to take part in physical activities: Smaller breasts will make movement much easier. Running, jumping and all other full-body tasking activities are easier to do. 
-Immediate relief 

​There are temporary physical implications that include:
-Bandages on your breast
-Swollen/ bruised breasts
-Tender and sensitive breasts 
These could last anywhere between 1-4 weeks

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF BREAST REDUCTION 

​The costs of breast reduction toggle on the high side. 
This is due to the technicalities of the procedure. 
The price is anywhere between $11,900-$13,900. This will cover the costs to the very end of the post surgery phase. 
This means that unless the case is extremely worrisome, the average person will have to plan in the long-term in order to get breast reduction. 

​PROCESSES/ALTERNATIVES

​The surgeon will photograph your breasts in order to check them and set them against future results, measure them, ask you about how much of a change you’d like to achieve your desired results. You will also be enlightened about getting ready for the procedure and post procedure. You may get a breast exam as well.
During consultation, your surgeon will inquire about your day-to-day habits, including whether you smoke, what prescription you’re on and so on. If you smoke, you’d be required to stop to aid quick healing. You’d also have to stop taking certain medication for a period of time so be ready for that. These directives will be stated by your surgeon. 
Depending on the nature of your case, you may be allowed to leave the hospital post procedure or be required to stay a night. 
In any case, the anesthesia from the procedure will still be active. 
The procedure will take anywhere from 2-5 hours
Depending on your case, size of breast, preferred outcome and other factors, the surgeon may use a range of techniques. Including: 
-Liposuction: Here, a vacuum is connected to small cuts that will be made on your breasts which will suck out fats and fluids. This option is viable for people that want a small reduction done and have quick healing skin.  
-Vertical or “lollipop.”: This method is carried out for people that want moderate breast reduction and minimal sagging. The cuts will be located near the areola and down to the crease under your breast. This lifts the breast along with the fat that will be removed. 
-Inverted-T or “anchor.”: The surgeon will cut areas around the edge of your areola, from the areola to the breast crease, and along the crease under the breast. This type of surgery is good for huge reductions and for people who have a lot of sagging or unevenness.

​RECOVERY

​The recovery starter pack includes:
-Lots of ice 
-Alcohol pads and clean washcloths and towels 
-Loose, oversized comfortable shirts 
-Special ointments recommended by your surgeon for the cuts  
-Someone who’d drive you home or stay with you at the hospital. 

REFERENCE SITES

-https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/breast-reduction-surgery/about/pac-20385246

-https://www.australiaplasticsurgery.com.au/procedures/breast-reduction/

-https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-breast-reduction-surgery