With cosmetic surgery becoming more mainstream and affordable, many patients are able to take advantage of surgical capabilities to address a variety of concerns. For some, who have breasts that may not be proportionate to their bodies or who suffer from Gigantomastia – i.e., breasts weighing more than 600 grams – breast reduction may help to ensure a more balanced body and improved self-image.Although breast reduction has been available for more than 20 years, many are unaware that this procedure is a viable option for making their lives better. Instead, many women and men have experienced pain and discomfort due to their breast size. For them, the stigma and physical problems associated with disproportionate breasts are very real. The good news is that there are safe, reconstructive surgical procedures that can help alleviate these symptoms.When Breast Reduction May Be NeededThe symptoms and effects of very large breasts can be long lasting and varied. Since the breast is primarily fatty tissue, larger breasts can be very heavy and cause additional stress to the muscular-skeletal system. This added stress can also cause chronic neck and back pain, as well as circulation and breathing problems. What’s more, disproportionate breasts can make physical activities uncomfortable and awkward, causing chafing and skin irritation. As if these physical symptoms aren’t bad enough, many people also experience psychological symptoms as a result of these larger breasts as well. For many, disproportionate breasts create an emotional burden, resulting in anxiety and embarrassment over their physical appearance.Although women comprise the majority of those who experience symptoms of disproportionately large breasts, men may suffer from overdeveloped breasts as well. According to ASPS, there were 17,326 procedures for breast reduction in men with Gynecomastia in 2009. Although a significant portion of men experience the stigma of larger breasts, many have found relief from both physical and psychological symptoms through breast reduction surgery.Those who make the best candidates for breast reduction are those who experience neck and back pain in addition to the physical and emotion discomfort due to larger breasts. Candidates should have realistic expectations and should be in good physical health. They should not be smokers or diabetic. In addition, high blood pressure can also be a problem for those wanting this surgery. Patients should ideally have a BMI under 35.What’s Involved in Breast ReductionDuring the procedure, a few small incisions are made. At this time, skin, fatty tissues and glands are removed, followed by the incisions being stitched. In some cases, reducing the breast may require removing the nipple and reattaching it at a higher point on the breast to give a more balanced appearance. For most, the procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis, without the need of an overnight stay. While a patient can return to work in about 1-2 weeks, they should allow 3-6 weeks for full recovery.To determine if you are a good candidate for breast reduction or any other type of body contouring surgery, contact Dr. Sheridan at (309) 691-7800 or visit the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website at www.plasticsurgery.org.About Dr. SheridanOne of the most highly respected plastic surgeons in the Peoria area, Dr. Sheridan is fully trained in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery and is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Sheridan’s surgeries are hospital-based, and his long-established practice, Illinois Valley Center for Plastic Surgery www.ivcfps.com, is now a part of one of the most comprehensive surgical teams in Central Illinois – Mid Illini Surgical Associates www.misateam.com.

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In the middle of winter, it’s not unusual for thoughts to turn to warmer weather and vacations. As many people dream of exotic places to visit, it’s easy to begin thinking more about appearance as well—perhaps a desire to fit into a special outfit or wear a new swimsuit. Whatever the case may be, some consider fine-tuning their appearance to make a difference in how they look and feel. The Truth About Body Contouring Although some may joke about body contouring surgery (liposuction in particular) to eliminate excess weight, these procedures are never intended as a substitute for weight reduction. In fact, only patients in good health who are within 20 to 25 percent of their ideal body weight should consider body contouring. Instead, these procedures are often considered by patients with a stable body weight who want to enhance what they have and improve their confidence. Many times, a seemingly small change can greatly affect clothing fit, activities and self-esteem.Standard body contouring procedures include liposuction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), brachioplasty (arm lift), and thigh and buttock lifts. These treatments target pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise or sagging skin due to extreme weight loss, aging or pregnancy. Body contouring can also involve surgical manipulation of the muscles, skin and/or subcutaneous fatty tissue. By reshaping body lines and contours, correcting localized fatty deposits and contouring deformities, appearance can be improved. Oftentimes, these problems can be the result of pregnancy, prior surgeries (including bariatric surgery), weight gain or weight loss. Growing Popularity According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), body contouring has grown in popularity since the early 1970s. In fact, the demand for liposuction has grown significantly until it has become one of the most popular surgical cosmetic procedures available; ASAPS statistics indicate that more than 340,000 procedures were performed in 2008 alone. This is partly due to advances in technology and technique, which have resulted in greater safety and improved outcomes.Often performed in conjunction with abdominoplasty, liposuction is the removal of undesirable fatty deposits from certain parts of the body. These methods can be performed with other surgical procedures as well, such as hernia repair, urologic or gynecologic surgeries. Depending on the areas treated, liposuction can be performed with local or general anesthesia. Although typically an inpatient procedure with an overnight stay, it is performed occasionally on an outpatient basis.What’s Involved During Liposuction?Small incisions are made and a thin vacuum tube is inserted to remove the fat. Although the concept sounds simple, liposuction is actually a complex process just like any other surgery. Therefore, selecting a skilled physician who is well trained in all aspects of liposuction is important to your outcome and well-being. iBi [iBi - February 2010]To determine if you are a good candidate for any type of body contouring surgery, contact Dr. Sheridan at (309) 691-7800.

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