Ideal Candidates for Breast Reduction

Having large breasts is not always ideal; they can cause complications and difficulty in many different aspects of life. My breast reduction patients in Sacramento are typically elated after their procedures because they experience such relief—both physically and emotionally.
Breast reduction can help remove excess breast tissue in order to reach a breast size that is in proportion with your body and alleviate discomfort associated with overly large breasts. Though this procedure may sound like a great option, breast reduction is not for everyone. You must meet certain criteria before scheduling the surgery. This post should help you determine if the procedure is right for you.

Ideal Candidates Are:

• In good overall health: Surgery can be taxing on the body, so living a healthy lifestyle and being at a reasonable BMI is important. Certain conditions, such as diabetes, can place a person at higher risk during surgery, so having them well-managed is important. You must also be very open with your surgeon about your medical history.
• Well informed about the procedure and what to expect: Doing your research about both your surgeon and the procedure will ensure a better outcome. Keep in mind that your surgeon may also perform a breast lift during your breast reduction procedure. Knowing the specifics of each surgery can help ease any anxiety you may have about them. Electing to have a breast reduction is a big decision, so you should be informed every step of the way.
• Experiencing back, shoulder, or neck pain associated with overly large breasts: If your breasts are very large and heavy, this creates all kinds of physical complications due to strain on your body. If you are experiencing regular pain or your bra straps are leaving persistent indentations on your shoulders, you could be a prime candidate.
• Uncomfortable with your appearance because of the size of your breasts: You should not have to feel self-conscious or embarrassed about your body. If your clothes do not fit the way you want them to, or you feel like you can’t wear certain things because of your breasts, a breast reduction may be a good option.

Ideal Candidates Are Not:

• Pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to have children in the future: During pregnancy and breastfeeding it is not recommended to undergo any surgery unless it’s medically necessary. Additionally, while you breastfeed, your breasts are changing. You should wait at least a few months after you finish breastfeeding to schedule your surgery. And if you are planning to have children in the future, you may want to postpone breast surgery. Typically, waiting until after you have children is ideal to ensure optimal results that are long-lasting. Additionally, removal of breast and glandular tissue could possibly make it more difficult to breastfeed.
• Women with a history of irregular mammograms: A breast reduction involves removing and reshaping large portions of tissue in the breasts. It will also produce some scar tissue that can make interpreting mammograms more challenging. Make sure to be open and honest with your surgeon so you can discuss safe options.
• Smokers: The toxic chemicals from smoking have a number of negative impacts on the body, including limiting the body’s ability to heal itself. This causes poor wound healing, as well as sometimes unsatisfactory results from surgical procedures. Many doctors will not perform surgery unless the patient quits smoking at least a month prior to surgery.

You can see some of my patients results in our before-and-after photo gallery. If you think you may be a candidate for breast reduction and want more information or would like to discuss your options, request a consultation online with Dr. Yamahata.