In recent years, breast reduction surgery has become a popular option for women frustrated with heavy breasts. In addition to helping improve the self-confidence of these patients, new studies also suggest that the procedure offers health benefits.
Breast Reduction and Your Health
Simply put, larger breasts weigh a lot. Every increase in cup size adds about a pound to a woman’s weight. Additionally, larger breasts are denser, heavier, and ultimately add to the upper half of the body. This, in turn, puts immense pressure on the back and spine, affecting nerve endings in this area; it is not uncommon for a woman with extremely large breasts to also experience pain in her fingers and arms.
The increased strain on the shoulders and neck caused by large breasts also puts a good amount of stress on the neck, leading to severe headaches and neck aches. As a result, these women are more likely to suffer from poor posture, in which the shoulders start to roll forward to alleviate the additional weight. Poor posture on its own is the source of many health complications, including impacting rib cage size and lung position as well as compromising the spine’s position and increasing the risk of scoliosis later in life. Extreme breast size can even compromise sleep, making it difficult for women to enjoy a full night’s rest without the stress of additional weight pulling chest muscles out of position.
With breast reduction, the patient will find that a heavy weight has been lifted off her shoulders – quite literally. The ability to sit up or stand straight for long periods of time and sleep comfortably does wonders for an individual’s mental and physical wellbeing.
Restoring Comfort
Larger breasts don’t just affect posture and back pain. Chafing is a common side effect for many and can occur when the breasts rub on the upper abdomen. Women with larger breasts may also find wearing traditional bras uncomfortable as the straps dig into the shoulders, creating deep welts when worn over extended periods of time. Sports bras are especially problematic for many of these women. Most athletic bras are extremely tight to keep breasts close to the chest during exercises. For women with larger breasts, multiple bras are often necessary to make exercise tolerable. At the end of the day, the discomfort tied to trying to get active keeps many from pursuing physical activity, contributing to unhealthy weight gain and poor health.
Something that is often overlooked that also contributes to the discomfort associated with larger breasts is how they can change the fit of clothing and the role that plays into a woman’s self-confidence. Large breasts often create the appearance of being much heavier, requiring the patient to buy a size up that may not fit the rest of her body. Disproportionate breasts can also lead a woman to feel self-conscious about her appearance and insecure or uncomfortable with unwanted attention. For many, these factors can undermine the individual’s self-confidence, leading to anxiety and even depression.
Breast reduction surgery offers the patient the opportunity to take control of her appearance in ways not traditionally accessible with diet and exercise. By giving her the opportunity to reduce and recontour disproportionately large breasts to a size that better matches the rest her body, she may find a new sense of freedom in being able to choose clothes without worrying about appearing overtly sexual or frumpy. For many, even fitting into a normal bra is a new and wonderful advantage.
Considering Breast Reduction? Contact our San Diego Plastic Surgeon
Choosing breast reduction surgery can be a life changing decision for countless women. At Tim Sayed MD, MBA, FACS Plastic Surgery, our San Diego and Newport Beach plastic surgery team is here to help you regain confidence, comfort, and exceptional health. Call (858) 247-2933 today and schedule your breast reduction consultation.
