Does Breast Reduction Surgery Have Medical Benefits?

Many women suffer from physical symptoms of having larger breasts but are unaware of the cause of their discomfort.

Large, heavy breasts can cause multiple painful symptoms and can even be taxing on a woman’s body. With age and weight gain, the shoulders may naturally curve forward as they try to comfortably support the excess weight across the front. As a result, this position compresses nerve fibers in the delicate space between the collarbone, shoulder blades, and ribs. Over time, the pain from these compressed nerves can be nagging and even excruciating.

Deciding to undergo breast reduction surgery is a decision you should make with the help of a licensed and skilled plastic surgeon like Dr. Amy Alderman. She will be able to answer your questions, make recommendations based on your aesthetic desires, and tell you if a breast reduction will address the symptoms you are experiencing. Read on to learn more about what medical benefits a breast reduction can offer you.

What is the Primary Goal of a Breast Reduction Surgery?

The ultimate goal of breast reduction is to reduce the amount of breast tissue, fat, and excess skin from the breasts while preserving an aesthetically appealing shape. For women with larger breasts, breast reduction may also include repositioning the areolas for a more natural and youthful appearance. During your initial consultation with Dr. Alderman, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your specific needs and desires surrounding your results. You can also discuss where you are feeling the effects of having large breasts, i.e., your back, shoulders, neck, or ribs, and Dr. Alderman will customize your procedure according to your specific requirements.

How Can Breast Reduction Alleviate Back and Neck Pain?

Chronic back and neck pain are common medical issues that are caused by the mass and weight of the breasts or bra straps that cut into the shoulders. Some women find relief by making simple lifestyle changes like losing weight, partnering with a physical therapist, or trying custom bras that better support and distribute their breasts’ weight. However, these alternatives can be costly, and the only way to permanently resolve their issues is with breast reduction surgery.

During this procedure, Dr. Alderman will remove extra tissue and skin to reshape and resize the breasts. Her technique will vary depending on your breasts and your overall goals. Once this excess weight is removed, you’ll notice a significant improvement in your symptoms almost immediately. With time, you’ll be able to fix your posture to further enhance your results and relief.

Can Breast Reduction Surgery Improve Posture?

A breast reduction can improve your posture in several ways:

• Shoulders: After bearing the excess weight of breast tissue, fat, and excess skin for many years, women can experience tremendous strain and pain in their shoulders, causing them to hunch forward. A breast reduction can alleviate this issue and allow the shoulders and back to comfortably return to a proper position.
• Hunching: Another common problem with oversize breasts is hunching. Hunching happens from the heaviness of the breasts in the front of the body and the back trying to overcompensate for the extra front load. It can also be the result of trying to disguise larger breasts so as to not bring attention to the chest.
• Neck and Back Pain: When a woman has larger breasts, their neck and back muscles will work extra hard to pick up the slack the shoulders cannot bear, leading to incredible pain. By reducing the size of the chest, the neck, and back muscles can return to a comfortable position.

How Does Breast Reduction Relate to Skin Issues and Rashes?

Another common complication that can be improved with a breast reduction is if you regularly develop rashes, infection, inflammation, or skin irritations under the breasts due to their weight and mass. Having larger breasts can make maintaining good hygiene difficult, especially if you tend to sweat consistently under the breast fold. A breast reduction will help alleviate this issue by removing this excess skin and allowing better airflow to the skin.

Is There a Connection Between Breast Reduction and Better Sleep?

Many patients report that they have a difficult time finding a comfortable position to sleep in due to their large breasts. These women spend countless nights tossing and turning, trying to make themselves comfortable. Numerous women who have undergone a breast reduction have reported that, once they’ve had their breasts reduced, they can finally achieve a comfortable night of sleep without the need for a special support pillow.

Can Large Breasts Impact Physical Activity, and How Does Reduction Help?

Large breasts can make exercising physically and mentally uncomfortable and difficult. Some patients even report needing to wear two sports bras in order to adequately support their breasts during a workout, sports, or outside activities. Being restricted with what activities you’re comfortable doing can lead to other health issues, such as weight gain, fatigue, and body image issues. Breast reduction surgery and achieving more proportionate-sized breasts can allow you the opportunity to enjoy working out and being active, leading to an overall healthier lifestyle.

What Psychological Benefits Can Patients Experience Post-Surgery?

Many women experience issues with their self-confidence and self-esteem since the time they hit puberty. Years of unwanted attention directed at their overly large breasts can cause serious psychological issues and emotional turmoil. Breast reduction surgery can be truly beneficial for a woman’s psyche by allowing them to reclaim their self-confidence.

How Can Breast Reduction Reduce Shoulder Grooving from Bra Straps?

Most aesthetically pleasing bras have thin straps. The customized, larger bras have wider straps that aren’t always easy to conceal underneath clothing, especially tank tops. Unfortunately, thin straps and even some larger overburdened straps can leave permanent grooves in the shoulders from supporting heavy breasts. A breast reduction will alleviate some of the weight on the bra straps and allow them to sit more comfortably against the shoulders.

Are There Respiratory Improvements After Breast Reduction?

Being short of breath or fatigued easily because of the weight of your chest is another common issue women experience from having large breasts. This is especially common for women with breasts that hunch forward, constricting the lungs and preventing adequate airflow. Breast reduction surgery can improve your ability to breathe by fixing your posture so that your lungs can fully inflate when you breathe.

Schedule Your Breast Reduction Consultation with Dr. Amy Alderman in Atlanta, GA!

A breast reduction with Dr. Amy Alderman can relieve many medical issues associated with large breasts, allowing you to enjoy everyday activities and feel more confident in social interactions. To get started, call our Atlanta office at (470) 381-3610 and learn how a breast reduction can transform both your body and your life.