Women with large breasts know that breast reduction surgery is an effective cosmetic procedure that can improve the appearance of their breast, but often don't realize the extent of the physical symptoms they have been living with until after they have surgery. The physical concerns accompanying overly large breasts are very real and can be effectively corrected through surgery. In fact, breast reduction remains a highly satisfying surgical procedure in large part because of the physical relief it brings.
Physical Problems Associated with Macromastia
There are many physical symptoms women experience from having large breasts (clinically known as macromastia), some of which can be very serious. In many cases the reduction of very large breasts will be considered medically necessary, with insurance companies covering all or part of the cost of the procedure.
The "approved" list of symptoms that warrant breast reduction varies depending on the insurance company, but here are a few symptoms that may result in insurance coverage for a breast reduction procedure:
- Chronic and unrelenting back, neck and shoulder pain
- Stooping shoulders and poor posture because of breast weight
- Skin rashes and infections from contact and rubbing underneath the breasts
- Inability to exercise or participate in certain physical activities
- Difficulty breathing due to weight and strain on the chest
Another common symptom is grooving in the shoulders caused by bra straps. In extreme cases this concern goes beyond discomfort and can result in scarring or permanent grooves in the shoulders. The pressure from bra straps can even result in numbing of the fingers as the ulnar nerve is compressed, a condition called coracoid syndrome, or ulnar neuropathy.
Other concerns associated with large breasts
The physical problems are enough to justify surgery, but there are many other problems associated with macromastia which cause women to seek surgery, some that are purely cosmetic and others that address day-to-day concerns. For example, many women find clothes shopping difficult since they may find it hard to fit into most dresses and tops and may have to specially order their bras. Women also may feel self-conscious that their breasts are abnormal or look out of proportion with their body, with a drooping appearance or the presence of stretch marks. While these concerns do not automatically necessitate surgery, they are inconveniences that most breast reduction patients are happy to do away with after surgery.
Research reveals intangible benefits
Breast reduction is not just a good idea; it can improve a patient's life dramatically. Research has shown that women who undergo breast reduction are some of the most satisfied of plastic surgery patients. A November 2007 (read the abstract athttp://www.jprasurg.com/article/S1748-6815(08)00832-2/abstract) suggests that women showed a "significant improvement in both physical and psychological symptoms associated with macromastia and in their overall quality of life" after breast surgery. Another study published in 1999 (read the abstract at http://www.journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/bjps/article/S0007-1226(99)93167-3/abstract) showed that women experienced a great decrease in anxiety, depression and body image issues in addition to a significant increase in satisfaction following surgery. Even on the popular online cosmetic review site RealSelf.com, breast reduction is one of the highest rated procedures for satisfaction, as reported by online users who have undergone the procedure.
Very simply, perhaps the number-one reason women should choose to have a breast reduction is to improve their quality of life. Many women feel almost immediate relief following surgery and experience a great boost in their overall confidence. All of these reasons should encourage women experiencing pain due to large breasts to explore their options for breast reduction. Start by looking for a qualified surgeon with experience performing the surgery to ensure quality results.
The board certified plastic surgeons at Marina Plastic Surgery Associates specialize in Los Angeles breast reduction. Their Southern California office is located in Marina Del Rey and serves patients from all over California including Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and Pasadena.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Grant_W_Stevens/795226
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