The Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery

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 correlation of general body weight to breast size is common, there are conditions of progressive breast hypertrophy in patients who are not considered to be obese. In addition to experiencing physical problems, many women experience harmful emotional and psychological pain due to their overdevelopment. Self-esteem and one's own body image are equally important to an individual's overall well-being as physical issues.

Chronic Pain
Individuals with large breasts often experience chronic, long-lasting pain that significantly affects 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 large size and weight of a woman's bust may cause her to alter her posture with the shoulders rolled forward, which can 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.

Exercise Hindrance
Large, pendulous breasts can also hamper the patient's opportunity to lead the active lifestyle they desire. 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
Women with large breasts often develop yeast infections, rashes and irritations underneath the breasts because it is difficult to keep this area dry. Heat rash is a particular problem for women with a large bust, which occurs when sweat cannot evaporate, thus heating up the skin surface and causing 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
Having disproportionately sized breasts can cause one to suffer low self-esteem, negative body image and self-consciousness for a number of reasons. Having overly large breasts often affects clothing choices, especially if the individual is at a healthy weight but has very large breasts. Many women with overdeveloped breasts feel that their bodies attracts unwanted attention which can begin to erode their self-beliefs. If a female believes she is being pigeonholed because of her large breasts, she may eventually begin questioning her true talents and abilities. Teenagers, both boys and girls, are especially vulnerable to teasing by their peers for having overdeveloped breasts and are more likely to suffer from feelings of not fitting in because their bodies don't look like the norm for their age.

Breast reduction surgery is a very effective method for addressing all of the above issues. Breast reduction surgery has allowed thousands of women throughout the country regain their lives back. Studies have shown that for individuals who undergo the procedure, on average social adjustment, self-esteem and body image improve significantly. Breast reduction surgery can alleviate a multitude of medical problems and psychological issues and will help create a more proportional and symmetrical 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.