subject: HealthProblems Associated with Large Breasts [print this page] HealthProblems 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 the correlation of breast size to body weight is very common, there are conditions of progressive breast hypertrophy seen in patients who are not severely overweight. Alongside the physical complications oversized breasts cause, many women experience emotional health issues as well. Self-consciousness, low self-esteem and poor body image are just as important to an individual's well-being as physical issues.
Pain
Individuals with large breasts often experience chronic, long-lasting pain that significantly affects quality of life. The weight of the breasts can cause pain in the neck, back and shoulders and sometimes even lead to headaches.
Nerve Issues
The disproportionate size and weight of an individual's breasts may cause her to have poor posture, in which her shoulders roll forward and 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.
Exercise Hindrance
Large, pendulous breasts can limit an individual's capacity to lead an active lifestyle. The individual's large bust may prove to be a hindrance in activities like running, golf, yoga etc.. These physical hindrances along with the self-consciousness an individual might feel while doing them prevent the person from enjoying the physical and mental benefits of exercise and leading a healthy lifestyle.
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 large breasted women, which occurs when sweat can't evaporate because it is trapped by tight fabric or skin, which then heats up the surface of the skin and breaks out into a 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. Large breasts can also cause stretch marks and grooves or indentions on the shoulder as a result of pressure from bra straps.
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 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. Breast reduction surgery has allowed thousands of women throughout the country regain their lives back. Numerous studies show that social adaptation, body image and self-esteem all typically improve after the procedure. 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 are not just an issue for females either, many men will develop enlarged breast tissue due to obesity or a condition known as Gynecomastia, which occurs when hormonal changes occur in the body, causing breast tissue to swell. 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.
