There is a great deal of stigma attached to breast-related plastic surgery procedures. Often times these procedures are seen as cosmetic in nature. However, breast reduction is one area of breast reconstructive surgery that is not entirely appearance-based. Sometimes this surgery is done for the purpose of relieving back and neck pain. Specific surgical methods, such as the Bellesoma Method, have been shown to help women who suffer from back and neck pain by re-positioning breast tissue and relieving stress and tension on the upper back and neck.
Why Breast Reduction Surgery Isn’t Cosmetic Surgery
Many plastic surgeons are also cosmetic surgeons, so this distinction often gets overlooked. But the truth is that when doctors change and reshape the body, they can do it for different reasons. One reason is to help their patient reach an aesthetics, appearance-based goal. This is called “cosmetic surgery”. For example, a tummy-tuck would fall into the “cosmetic surgery” category if the person asked for the procedure because they want to look more fit in the abdominal area.
In contrast, plastic surgery is defined by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery as “Focused on Repairing Defects to Reconstruct a Normal Function & Appearance”. Breast reduction may fall under both umbrellas, and it is important to note that breast reduction is not always done with an appearance-based motive in mind. In addition to improving a woman’s body image, the procedure can also help a woman feel comfortable while exercising and relieve back and neck pain.
Surgical Methods For Breast Reduction
One method of breast reduction is called the Bellesoma Method. This procedure was developed in 2000 and is based on a foundation of math and engineering. With this method, a surgeon reduces the size of the breast and lifts the remaining breast tissue higher on the chest wall. The tissue is supported by the chest muscles, giving relief to the upper back and neck.
The procedure is unique in that it does not create the vertical scars of many other breast reconstructive surgeries. Instead, small suture areas are configured around the nipple and under the shadow of the breast, leaving minimal scars that are much less visible than other types of breast reduction surgeries.
Other methods of breast reduction include surgical removal of breast tissue and possible repositioning of the nipple and areola. Traditional methods of breast reduction usually use a skin tightening procedure to create a lift to the breast.
The Relationship Between Breast Size and Pain
Studies show that there is a positive correlation between cup size and shoulder and neck pain. Women who wear a D cup bra or larger may experience changes to the curve of their spine due to the weight of the breasts. For women with large breasts, breast reduction surgery is about much more than simply improving the appearance of the body.
The aim of the reductive surgery is to relieve them of chronic pain which they may have been experiencing for most of their adult lives. Chronic pain affects many areas of life, including sleep, exercise habits, ability to work, and psychological health. It is important to recognize that breast size and chronic pain are related and that there are solutions available.
Women who suffer from chronic back, shoulder and neck pain can find relief from breast reduction surgery. The methods of reducing and lifting the breasts have changed over the past decade, and new procedures are available that can transfer the weight of the breast and therefore relieve pain. Instead of thinking about breast surgery as cosmetic surgery, consider the fact that often times it is done as “plastic surgery”, meaning that it is correcting a problem for the overall health of the client.
