How large breasts bother you
The breast was meant to sit on the upper portion of the chest. Because the chest wall has a natural curve, when breasts are on the upper portion of the chest, there is a natural little platform or support for them. When breasts are large or hang low, they fall to the lower portion of the chest, where the curve changes shape, and becomes a downhill slope. This means that the breasts go from sitting on a shelf to falling down a mountain.
Symptoms of macromastia
Patients with large or low breasts usually complain about back and neck pain, often chronically. The weight and position of the breasts pull on them, making posture challenging, and limiting almost every activity. For some patients, this can even translate into spinal problems or disk herniation. For others, it can require constant pain medication.
What are the functional limitations of large breasts
Patients with large breasts have a hard time with everyday activities. They have trouble exercising, which limits their ability to be fit and follow general wellness routines. They also have trouble fitting into clothing that would otherwise be their size. They tend to look heavier than they are, and older than they are, and feel defeated in many of their desired activities.
How breast reduction changes your life
A good breast reduction is a life change. One minute you are weighted down, feeling tired and riddled with unwanted attention. Suddenly, you can stand straight up, wear a size M, and go for a run for the sheer pleasure of it. Everything fits differently, and you look like you lost 20 pounds. Sometimes, best of all, your breasts can go from the things you spent all your time working around to the favorite part of your body. I cannot tell you how many of my reduction patients sob when they explain the way their lives have been improved.
Is breast reduction a medical procedure?
Breast reduction is a medical procedure with a cosmetic component. Small reductions or simple lifts are considered cosmetic by the insurance world. Larger reductions are considered medical most of the time. I consider all reductions to be functional procedures with an important aesthetic component.
Take-home messages about breast reduction surgery
- Large breasts can have an extensive impact on a person’s life
- Reduction offers a huge functional and cosmetic improvement
- Many of these procedures are considered medically necessary
