ARE BIG BREASTS OUT?

There’s been buzz that when it comes to breast size bigger is no longer better. The New York Post ran an article recently on this trend of more and more women seeking a smaller breast size and getting augmentation and reduction to achieve a more toned, athletic look. The Wall Street Journal reported that Victoria’s Secret is responding to consumer demands of less push up and more comfort and more affordable undergarment options such as the “bralette.”

According to Dr. John Zannis a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon based in North Carolina a region where larger breasts were typically preferred, a C cup (or 400 cc’s if an implant), are the most in demand, most popular breast size. He explains that, there are other factors to consider when determining which cup size suits someone best. The over all body frame must be considered and it’s really all about proportion.

So what if you think your breast need a reduction.   I asked Dr Zannis all those questions I always wanted to know.

What kind of scar will I have?

The most common scar is around the areola and vertically down from there (referred to as a lollipo scar).  Sometimes a horizontal incision is made along the crease beneath the breast (anchor scar), but this is less common and usually only needed for extremely large breasts.

Can I pick out what nipple I want?

Not really.  Your nipple will be the same nipple, but commonly the diameter of the areola will be made smaller.  You can give some input into your desired areola size if this is important to you.

Will I lose sensitivity in my nipples?

You might have some temporary numbness in the nipples after surgery. All of the feeling should return by 3-6 months.  Very rarely, there is permanent loss of sensation.

What is the down time?

Typically people who have breast reduction surgery are off from week from 1-2 weeks. At this time it is important to follow all pre op instructions provided by the doctor so you heal quickly.

What is the recovery time?

Most patients are back to normal routine (including exercise) by one month.

While I am on the operating table what other procedures can I do?

There are lots of other things that can be done at the same time as a breast reduction or lift. Frequently, we do a tummy tuck or liposuction, and many refer to this as a “mommy makeover.”  You would have to check with your surgeon because if insurance is covering the reduction, you may not be permitted to perform any cosmetic procedures at the same time.

Dr. John Zannis is a New Bern, North Carolina board-certified plastic surgeon and best selling author. A graduate of Stanford University and The University of Cincinnati Medical College, he received his formal training in General Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina under the guidance of world-renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Louis Argenta. During this time, he performed over 5,000 surgical procedures and covered all aspects of plastic surgery including cosmetic surgery of the face and body, complex reconstructive procedures of face and body, cleft lip and palate surgery, hand surgery, facial and jaw fracture repair, and reconstruction following massive weight loss. He blends his interests and studies of classical art and symmetry to his surgery practices. Connect with him via twitter @JohnZannisMD or his website www.zannisplasticsurgery.com