Breast Reduction for the Body and Mind BREAKING STIGMA

Dr Sandeep Sharma explains the importance of empathy and how to navigate when dealing with breast reduction surgery patients.

Breast reduction surgery, in my experience, has had the highest satisfaction rate among almost all cosmetic surgical procedures. This is probably because this procedure improves the quality of life by correcting physical issues and achieving body proportions. However, sadly, disapproving comments from near and not-so-near ones over someone’s choice to undergo breast reduction surgery, are quite common; and it shows an insensitive approach to a much more sensitive issue.

Women get this procedure done for their physical and mental health. These are persistent pain and discomfort, poor posture, bra strap issues, and weight of breasts; or simply to feel more comfortable, more active, and less self-conscious.

Take the case of Shreya, a bright and chirpy 18-year-old. She soon realised that her breasts were growing bigger than what she would feel comfortable with. She gave up dancing because she found her chest moved too much. Similarly, she also gave up her second love, swimming, because she became increasingly selfconscious. Instead of being supportive, everyone – including her close ones – commented on her physique; some even blamed it on her unhealthy lifestyle.

Most people associate a woman’s large breasts with an increased body weight. While this can be true in some cases, the reduction of breasts is not about losing weight. Studies have shown that genetics and hormones are often the cause of large breasts. The breast tissue is mainly glandular tissue, and the hormone receptors present in them can become sensitive to the changing hormonal levels, for example during puberty. The tissues can start growing rapidly and out of proportion.

That is precisely the trap Shreya fell into. She began working out, hoping to reduce her bust size and feel more comfortable. However, as expected, neither her cup size changed nor her mental agony. In fact, her mental health became worse and she started feeling depressed with a sense of hopelessness and gloom enveloping her. Her next two years in college were a struggle. She no longer enjoyed dressing up and started gaining weight. For her, everything seemed a downward spiral.

Fortunately, things turned around at a family dinner where she met an aunt, who had undergone breast reduction surgery. She counselled Shreya and her mother. The aunt empathised with her saying she had been through a similar journey, and undergoing surgery was the only option. She explained that while the operation was major, it was smooth. She had been discharged on the same day, although an overnight stay had been mentioned to her as a possibility. It was one of the best decisions she had made in her life. However, choosing an experienced and qualified doctor was the key to a good result.

Upon her aunt’s recommendation, Shreya and her mother consulted me and got all due answers. Fortunately, the more difficult part of the job, which is confidence-building, had been

BEFORE

AFTER

done by her aunt. They were explained about the procedure, which is usually done as a day case. The pain is usually manageable with oral painkillers as no muscle is being cut. An important concern for them, as is with all women who are yet to have children, was about breastfeeding. Studies have shown that 70 per cent of women can breastfeed after undergoing breast reduction surgery, but only 30 per cent do. These numbers are similar to breastfeeding rates in the general population with large breasts. The other concerns were the quality of the scars and the shape of the breasts. Again, these are issues better handled by experienced and qualified plastic surgeons.

It was a big sigh of relief when Shreya underwent breast reduction surgery after a year. It was a major procedure done under general anesthesia. After the surgery, she started feeling lighter almost right away, which she felt was the best thing about the procedure. She had an uneventful recovery. She went home the same evening. Shreya came back on day five, her dressings were removed and she was fitted into her new bra size. She was ecstatic! The light dressing under the bra was done away with within two weeks. An excerpt from Shreyas’s entry in the testimonial book states, “Like any surgery, it has its discomfort, like pain, change in sleeping position, wearing proper-fitted bras (heavy-chested people usually never find a proper fit). Medicine does take care of the pain and soon in time, one feels better. Here, I must say as patients have shared... Their dilemma, is whether they have made the right choice by going for breast reduction surgery. It happens at the loss of anything. Was it right? Will I look normal? Will this lead to any other complications later on in life? What about the scars? The general fears. Let me assure you, as I have helped many in this journey to the other lighter side of themselves. It will all pass and you will emerge a happy confident person.”

Shreya got immediate relief from her symptoms and her scars too settled down over the next few months. Now, the young lady has an upright posture and a bubbly personality. She attributes the renewed vigor in her character and vitality in her life to the surgery. Am I aplastic surgeon or a surgeon of the mind!

About the author: 

Dr Sandeep Sharma is a highly experienced Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon specialising in breast reduction. With 25 years of practice, he serves as the Medical Director of Aesthetique, a renowned Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Centre in Vadodara, Gujarat. He held the position of President at IAAPS (Indian Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) in 2021-22. He completed his medical education at Government Medical College, MS University, Baroda, and further honed his skills during his training and work in London and Melbourne, Australia for seven years. He has been invited as faculty to numerous national and international conferences. His expertise lies in Breast Surgery and Body Contouring Surgery.