Breast fat is a major component of the human breast mound anatomy. Fat is one of the most variable tissues in the breasts and is a major determining factor for breast size and feel. Fat content changes regularly throughout life and is responsible for considerable alterations in both the volume and shape of the breasts.
This essay profiles the function of fatty tissue in the breast. We also explore why it is crucial to understand how fatty tissue works inside the breast, before considering any type of reduction surgery.
Breast Fat Development
Fat surrounds the glandular breast tissues and helps to provide softness to the touch and protection for the sensitive interior structures.
When a girl begins the physical change into a woman, hormonal activity in her body will encourage her anatomy to store fat in certain areas, including her hips, buttocks and breasts.
Although fat does play a part in how large breasts will grow, the actual percentage of fat in the breasts varies greatly from woman to woman.
Changes in Breast Adipose Tissue
Generally, women who have a higher percentage of mammary fat will experience noticeable changes in breast size as they gain or lose weight. This is due to the storing or burning of fat in the breasts as the body meets or falls short of its caloric needs.
Women with a lower percentage of fat in the breasts will not demonstrate significant changes in breast size, despite moderate weight loss. However, their breasts might still grow if they put on body weight.
As women get older, it is common for their breasts to develop a higher percentage of fat. However, once women reach an old age, it is also typical for fat to burn off in many areas of the body, including the breasts. The exact age at which these changes occur is highly individualized and not every woman undergoes identical bodily alterations.
Breast Fat and Reduction Surgery
Women who are considering undergoing surgical breast reduction should be very interested in how much of their breast is fat content and how much is glandular tissue.
Women with a high percentage of fat can often enact considerable changes in their bust simply through dieting and exercise. Additionally, these women can also reduce their breasts to a more comfortable level using minimally invasive techniques, such as breast liposuction.
Women with a higher percentage of glandular tissue are unlikely to see good results from conservative modalities and usually must resort to breast reduction surgery to achieve the size which fits them best.
To find out the best option to create your specific body image goals, contact a qualified plastic surgeon near you.
