Interview with Dr. Gary Horndeski of The Horndeski Method

*Lindsay’s Note: Dr. Gary Horndeski is a surgeon based in Texas most known for his innovative procedure for women called The Horndeski Method (THM).  Some women have trouble just fitting into a sports bra and it makes them not want to work out. What are the options for these people? At what point should they begin to seriously consider a breast reduction? And what about women who are just getting back into exercise after childbirth? I had the opportunity to ask Dr. Horndeski some questions around this in the below interview. 

I am not a fan of getting a breast surgery for cosmetic reasons, but I do think there are medical conditions where women can benefit from a breast reduction to alleviate back, neck, and shoulder pain and help them to feel more comfortable while working out. This is what I wanted to explore in this interview. Enjoy! 

Lots of women come to see you for breast reductions from all over the world.  Are there any tips for women who are big into fitness and find the size of their breasts a problem? Anything to do without surgery?

It’s an interesting question.  If you look at professional female athletes, runners, gymnasts and others, many have smaller breasts.

It really depends how much of a hindrance the pain and discomfort of larger breasts play in someone’s daily exercise routine and if someone has decided to get surgery.  With today’s options, there is no reason why a woman should be uncomfortable with her breasts.

There are many sportswear manufacturers who make all kinds of supportive bras and the technology has advanced over the years from racer backs to underwire support.  The real test is finding one that works for your particular size and issues.  There are three things I would recommend reviewing when looking to purchase a sports bra.

1. Make sure the sports bra isn’t too stretchy.  You want fabric and a fit that doesn’t allow for too much movement
2. Choose an option with more fabric and support.  Some women may not like how they look but it’s more important to have a high functioning sports bra over the hottest color, trend or pattern
3. Two separate cups can help control each breast and movement and there are many options on the market today.

Another non-surgical option is to try and can get on a weight loss plan if you are overweight.

At what point should a woman decide to get a breast reduction? What should people know before getting breast surgery?

 There are several different kinds of procedures available today. Before having any elected breast surgery, I ask that patients do their research and fully understand any potential complications or adverse effects.

Social media sites, like RealSelf have helped provide patients all over the world with information to help make an informed decision. In a relatively short time, RealSelf has become the world’s largest community for learning and sharing information about cosmetic surgery, dermatology, dentistry, and other elective treatments.

The Horndeski Method has been performed on women ranging from ages 17 to 71. This procedure has evolved to accommodate women of all breast sizes who are seeking relief from pain associated with large breasts. The Horndeski Method does not produce visible vertical scars which many women find unacceptable.

What are the differences and benefits of The Horndeski Method breast lift/reduction compared to the traditional techniques?

I developed The Horndeski Method (THM) to increase breast surgery options for women, particularly if they are looking for the most up-to-date, state-of-the-art procedure absent of visible vertical scars or the use of implants.

The Horndeski Method transfers the weight of the breast to the chest muscle resulting in immediate relief from neck, back and shoulder pain- a painful and common complaint among many patients.

Additionally, the chest muscle acts as the support for the breast and provides longer-term stability for the lift or reduction.

Lastly, an exciting benefit of THM is that it “all natural,” using a women’s own breast tissue to reshape and reposition the breast.

How soon after a reduction can someone get back to their normal fitness routine?  

Typically, I recommend that patients can get back to their normal workout routine about two months after surgery. They can get back to exercise fairly soon, but not anything that involves the pectoral muscles.

Now I’d like to ask you a personal question since I just had my first child. What is your advice for women whose breasts change after having children and breast feeding? Is there anything that can be done with stretch mark scars?

Stretch marks occur when the collagen and elastin in your skin stretch beyond the point of snapping back.  There is a lot of misguided information on the internet on what you can do.  There are many ads for creams to make the marks go away but typically this does nothing but make your skin feel soft and smooth.  The good news is usually over time the stretch marks can fade.  Depending on the placement of the stretch marks they can most likely be removed with a lift or reduction but every case is different.  Some have seen success with laser treatment but it’s not a guarantee.

What’s the most common thing you hear and get requests?

 Most women want the same thing. They want for their breasts to be repaired so they can be comfortable in their bodies. What I love most about my job is the ability to restore comfort, smiles and improve self-confidence for my patients. It really is a wonderful thing.

What about you? Do you have any questions for Dr. Horndeski? Post in the comments and we’ll work on getting responses for you!