When BIGGER breasts are not always better…

Posted: January 08, 2008

Imagine a 25 year old woman who stands 5 feet and 3 inches tall has a vital statistics of 38-23-34. She’s lucky that she is slightly taller than Country songs legend Dolly Parton, but we all know that Ms. Parton’s breasts are not inborn...Well, that’s another story and not all women feel comfortable flaunting their ‘assets’. Our subject is an administrative officer in a progressive marketing company in Makati City, Philippines. Her 38(cup D!) size breasts make her feel insecure for years. She said that she is not happy looking at them whenever she undressed herself in front of a mirror. Although she has somehow proven herself in her chosen profession, she still wants to unload her burden that she’s been carrying since high school. Another patient a 55-year-old businesswoman whose breasts size were 40 cup C was complaining that her so called big boobs make her feel embarrassed because people tend to look at them in a somewhat funny way. She also thinks that her husband doesn’t find her attractive anymore. For her, greatly-endowed women when they’re young can be the envy of other women and a trophy for most men…but  after she had 3 children and 1 grandchild, her breasts become sag and droopy…and as she described her ordeal, ‘My breasts were much too heavy to handle.’  

“Sad to say there is a social stigma for women with oversize breasts. It is a fact in our society that anything that looks unusual becomes a subject of ridicule or humiliation. There are also teenagers aged 13 to 18 years old whose breasts size is already 36 cup D or 40 cup A. The main culprit is genetics. If you are from a family of greatly-endowed women then you might as well embrace it until old age, or if you are but you decided you want to make your breasts look ‘better’ to feel better (figuratively and literally) then Breast Reduction is for you,” says Dr. Firmalino.  

He added that large pendulous breasts can also contribute to certain health risks like painful strain on the neck, shoulders and back caused by excessively heavy breasts, which can lead to chronic headaches, shoulder indentations, back and neck deformities, skin irritation, including respiratory and circulation problems.

BREAST REDUCTION technically known as Reduction Mammaplasty can help you in 2 ways: Aesthetic and Health.

Aesthetic because it can reshape and lift your breasts to make them in better proportion with your body frame. Health because it can lessen the discomfort related to having oversize breasts.

Consultation
Before you go ahead with the surgery, Dr. Firmalino will initially evaluate your suitability for Breast Reduction. To do this, he will take photographs for your medical record, examine your breasts and measure your breast’s size, shape and skin quality. He may also ask for your previous and current mammogram (or breast x-ray) and biopsies results. He will also ask you about any medications you are currently taking and any health conditions you have.
Should you qualify, he will discuss to you in detail the procedure including the location of incision, type of anaesthesia that will be used, as well as its likely outcomes, risks and complications, etc. He will also give you instructions on how to prepare for your surgery, among others.

“Results of any breast surgery should be based on the patient’s desired breast size, breast anatomy, and body type or figure. Surgeons should also take into consideration the patient’s goal, lifestyle, job and personal preferences,” Dr. Firmalino stresses.

Procedure
The surgeon will make a small anchor-shaped incision underneath (along the natural contour of) your breasts, and then the extra fat, skin and glandular tissue are removed, and then the nipple and areola are moved into their new position. Liposuction may also be used when the patient’s breasts size is largely due to fatty tissue and excess skin is not a factor.  

The incisions, however, will be closed with layered sutures deep within the breast tissue to create and support the newly shaped breasts. Finally, a surgical tape will be used to close the skin. Surgery generally takes 1 to 3 hours per breast, and is performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia which may require an overnight stay in the hospital. After surgery, your breasts will be wrapped with an elastic bandage for support and protection. The surgeon may also put a small, thin tube under the skin to help drain some of the excess blood or fluid. You will also be advised regarding wound care, bra selection and follow up care instructions. Before you return home you will also wear a surgical bra to help minimize swelling and hold your new breasts in the correct position.

Post Surgery and Recovery
Expect swelling, tenderness, bruising and some minor pain so it is important that you take the medications prescribed to you to alleviate you with these discomforts. You will be asked to go back to the clinic after 2 days for the removal of bandage, but continue wearing the surgical bra around the clock for a few weeks until the bruising, swelling and marks are gone. You will go back to the clinic again within 2 to 3 weeks for the removal of stitches. Stretching of the arms for 7 days is strictly prohibited. You can go back to work and resume light activities within 7 to 10 days. You will also be instructed to avoid sex for at least 2 weeks because sexual arousal can cause prolong swelling. Avoid strenuous activities such as exercise and contact sports for at least 6 weeks. Swelling, bruising or skin discoloration normally subside after 2 to 4 weeks. Incision lines will fade over time as your healing progresses. Our surgeon and staff will contact you from time to time to monitor your healing and post surgery recovery progress. Final outcome can be seen within three to four weeks.

Possible risks and complications
May include asymmetry, infection, unfavorable  scarring, bleeding, blood clots, loss of sensation, altered nipple or breast sensation which maybe temporary or permanent, delayed wound healing, excessive firmness of the breasts, fluid accumulation, but these can be reduced and/or avoided if you follow Dr. Firmalino’s instructions closely before and after surgery.  

For optimal results, Breast Reduction is usually done alone or at the same with Breast lift, Nipple and/or Areola reduction.