*My Breast Reduction*

Here are the links to the documented journey of my Breast Reduction.

Breast Reduction - Part 1
Breast Reduction - Part 2
Breast Reduction - Part 3
Breast Reduction - Part 4
Breast Reduction - Part 5
Breast Reduction - Part 6 *Surgery*
Breast Reduction - Part 7 *Healing*
Breast Reduction - Part 8 *1st Post-op*
Breast Reduction - Part 9 *2nd Post-op*
Breast Reduction - Part 10 *Videos*
Breast Reduction - Part 11 *1 month appt*
Breast Reduction - Part 12 *2 month appt*


Here is some information from a brochure I got in my doctor's office:

Breast Reduction - also known as Reduction Mammaplasty
Overly large breasts can cause some women to have both health & emotional problems. In addition to self image issues, you may also experience physical pain & discomfort. The weight of excess breast tissue can impair your ability to lead and active life. The emotional discomfort & self-consciousness often associated with having large pendulous breasts is as important as issue to many women as the physical discomfort & pain.

The procedure removes excess breast fat, glandular tissue & skin to achieve a breast size in proportion with your body & to alleviate the discomfort associated with overly large breasts.


Is it right for you?
Breast reduction is a highly individualized procedure & you should do it for yourself & not to fulfill someone else's desires or to fit some ideal body image. Breast reduction is a good option for you if:
*you are physically healthy
*you have realistic expectations
*you don't smoke
*you are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too large
*your breasts limit your physical activity
*you experience back, neck & shoulder pain caused by the weight of your breasts
*you have regular indentations from bra straps that support heavy, pendulous breasts
*you have skin irritations beneath the breast crease
*your breast hang low & have stretched skin
*your nipples rest below the breast crease when your breasts are unsupported
*you have enlarged areolas caused by stretched skin


Some risks include:
*unfavorable scarring
*infection
*changes in nipple/breast sensation - may be temporary or permanent
*anesthesia risks
*bleeding, blood clots
*poor wound healing
*breast contour and shape irregularities
*skin discoloration, swelling, bruising
*breast asymmetry
*fluid accumulation
*excessive firmness of breasts
*potential inability to breast feed


-from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
www.plasticsurgery.org