Health Problems Associated with Large Breasts

Breast size may be the greatest single biological variant among females. If the volume of a woman’s breast tissue continues to grow, exceeding a liter or so, it can pose health risks like back, neck and shoulder pain, breathing constraint and skin irritation. While oversized breasts are often correlated with general body weight, there are cases in which progressive breast hypertrophy occurs in individuals not considered to be obese. Alongside the physical complications oversized breasts cause, many women experience emotional health issues as well. Having a positive self-body image and high self-esteem are just as important to a person’s well-being as physical issues.

Chronic Pain
Women with an outsized bust often experience chronic or long-lasting pain that negatively affects their overall quality of life. The strain of heavy breasts can cause pain in the neck, shoulder and back and can even cause the individual to experience headaches.

Nerve Problems
The disproportionate size and weight of overdeveloped breasts can lead to abnormal posture that can potentially put pressure on an area of the upper body known as the “thoracic outlet”. If this happens, the extra pressure causes nerves and blood vessels to be compressed which can result in pain or tingling in the upper extremities during the day as well as night.

Encumbered Physical Activity
Large, pendulous breasts can also limit the individual from leading an active life and participating in certain activities. The individual’s large bust may prove to be a hindrance in activities like running, golf, yoga etc.. These physical encumbrances in addition to the self-consciousness one feels when partaking in them due to their body image, all prevent that person from enjoying the positive physical and psychological benefits that come with exercise.

Skin Problems
Because it is difficult to keep the areas beneath oversized breasts dry, many women will develop yeast infections, skin rashes and other irritations. Whenever sweat cannot evaporate from these areas, because it is trapped by skin or tight fabric, the surface of the skin will heat up as a result and cause heat rash. Many women with over-developed breasts will also experience chafing on the sides of the breast due to spillage when the bra cup is too small. Stretch marks are another skin blemish caused by large breasts, as well as indentions on the shoulders caused by pressure from the bra strap.

Psychological Health Issues
While many might assume it would be the opposite, many women with large breasts suffer from negative self-body image and feelings of self-consciousness. Having extremely large breasts often affects clothing choices and comfort in certain social situations. Many of these women feel judged by the size of their breasts, which can attract unwanted attention, and this unfortunately can begin to lead to the erosion of her self-confidence. If a female believes she is being pigeonholed because of her large breasts, she may eventually begin questioning her true talents and abilities. Teenagers of both sexes are especially vulnerable to teasing by their classmates and of suffering from feelings of not fitting in because their bodies don’t look like everyone else’s.

Breast reduction surgery is a very effective method for addressing all of the above issues. This type of surgery has helped improve the lives of thousands of women across the country. Studies have shown that for individuals who undergo the procedure, on average social adjustment, self-esteem and body image improve significantly. Breast reduction surgery is capable of alleviating a number of medical and psychological problems and will help create a more symmetrical and proportionate body contour.

Overdeveloped breasts aren’t just a problem reserved for women, many men develop enlarged breast tissue due to weight problems or a condition known as Gynecomastia, in which breast tissue swells as a result of hormonal imbalances. For men, having enlarged breasts can be even more stigmatizing and emotionally distressing. Fortunately, there is a surgical solution for this condition as well. Using a direct incision and lipoplasty, a plastic surgeon can help these men restore a smoother contour to their chest.