Should you consider breast reduction surgery?

If your breasts cause back or neck pain, if bra straps cut into your skin or cause permanent creasing in your shoulders, if you have rashes or irritation under the breasts, if you find exercise difficult, if you have difficulty sleeping due to discomfort, or if you have trouble finding a bra or clothing that fit then you may consider breast reduction surgery.

Says Dr. Andrew Ordon, “Breast Reduction surgery is one of the most gratifying plastic surgery procedures that I perform. It’s a true balance of reconstructive and cosmetic work that improves a persons’ health and appearance.” Healthy Living Made Simple magazine, April/May 2016 p. 25 HLMS.com

Breast reduction surgery has some risks, and it is best to talk with a highly regarded breast surgeon or plastic surgeon before you make the decision on whether or not to have the procedure. Visit the Mayo Clinic to read about some of the risks associated with the surgery. Also in this article are things to consider if you decide to have the procedure including how to prepare and what to expect during recovery.

gentle on the skin

After surgery you may experience swelling and need to use cold therapy to keep it in check. When feeling discomfort the thoughts of using harsh ice may not be appealing. Maine Warmers offers gentle cold therapy with corn-filled flannel packs called Maine Ice (it's Wicked Nice) that bring cool, soothing relief to sensitive areas. All of Maine Warmers are washable and can be microwaved and used for heat therapy. They are soft on the skin and conform to your body.

Thoughts on losing weight

As soon as I decide to lose weight I get somewhat depressed and actually gain weight. So, instead of trying to lose weight, I may be better off trying to be healthy by eating well, exercising, and maintaining an active social environment.

There is a mindset that goes with losing weight that is one of self-empowerment. Feeling empowered, mindful, and confident that you can achieve your goals helps.

If you like to walk, hike, swim, kayak, ski and bike, you may find that physical activity increases your appetite, and you eat more. Although you might be in better shape, you may not lose weight. When exercising, fat turns to muscle which weighs more than fat, so you might see a weight gain at first.

Going to a gym and exercising daily helps my mental attitude, whether I lose weigh or not. I think when one is feeling well mentally then life is better all around.

One tried and true method of losing weight is to keep track of all the foods you eat everyday and cut back by eliminating some of the foods that have little nutritional value and are loaded with sugar, salt, and fat. Seeing a nutritionist may be another way to shed a few extra pounds, but chances are high that he/she will have you keep a food diary.  It also takes time, energy, and dollar. When it comes to your health, seeking a nutritionist help seems like a very good investment.

Having a positive support group that won't put you down for trying and sometimes failing is vital. That's why Weight Watchers is so successful -- because they offer support. It's important to talk with the people you live with and those who are close to you about keeping positive. Have a conversation with them that lets them know you need them to support you and how you need their support. Try to laugh a lot and maintain a sense of humor.

By all means, when you go to a grocery store put your blinders on! Every aisle is filled with temptation.

Maintaining good health is complicated, but is achievable if you first put your mind to it.

A Maine Warmer can help with relaxation when craving comfort and relaxation. It has no calories and lasts for years.

Woman relaxing with a Maine Warmers Panda Bear