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The size of the breasts is most commonly influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental influences. When women become pregnant, the state of pregnancy involves significant hormonal alterations, and with breastfeeding, the breasts will increase in size to accommodate the increase in milk production for the newborn baby.
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Women with very large breasts may suffer from a condition known as gigantomastia, which involves significant growth of the female breast. Gigantomastia is a very rare condition and has been rarely reported in the UK. Gigantomastia is thought to occur sporadically with no defined causes. The condition may have an association with puberty and pregnancy or be caused by several medications which contain hormonal preparations. Men are not affected by the condition. Women with gigantomastia can suffer significant social embarrassment, although the condition is considered benign with no cancerous potential. The only effective treatment for gigantomastia is breast reduction surgery or a mastectomy if breast reconstruction is considered. Other medical terms used to describe gigantomastia include macromastia and breast hypertrophy.
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How can I reduce the size of my breasts?
Many women ask us what the best way to reduce their breast size is. The only effective method of reducing the size of large breasts is breast reduction surgery, also known as a reduction mammoplasty. This surgical procedure focuses on making the breast smaller with the removal of excessive breast tissue and is often combined with breast uplift to improve the shape of the breast simultaneously.
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What does breast reduction surgery involve?
The optimal method of reducing large breasts is breast reduction surgery. Breast reduction is a surgical procedure which involves the removal of excessive breast tissue along with overlying loose skin to both reduce the weight and improve the shape of the breast As part of the breast reduction procedure, the nipples and areolas are elevated to a higher position on the breast mound to create a more projected or perky breast shape. Centre for Surgery specialises in breast reduction for women with very large breasts that are out of proportion to the rest of their body frame and cause significant back pain or discomfort. Women with large breasts may also suffer from social embarrassment and unnecessary attention, with many causes of oversized breasts arising from pregnancy and childbirth.
Many men suffer from a condition known as gynecomastia, and a specially modified version of breast reduction is used to treat this common condition in men. The male breast reduction procedure involves liposuction and removing the glandular tissue to reduce the prominence of “man boobs” and contour the chest giving a more masculine appearance.
Can losing weight help to reduce the size of large breasts?
Weight loss is often highly beneficial as part of overall lifestyle measures involving eating a sensible diet and exercising regularly. Weight loss in itself is not the best treatment for reducing the size of heavy breasts. This is because the overlying skin of the breasts remains after weight loss and forms a substantial part of the total breast mass. Weight loss most commonly results in the appearance of saggy breasts. A significant component of the female breast is made up of fat, and carrying out cardiovascular exercise regularly can help to reduce overall body fat and tone the underlying chest wall muscles. Generalised body fat loss occurs most effectively with cardiovascular activities such as running or cycling. Maintaining a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables will also help to reduce excessive weight. It is important to remember that the breast skin is unaffected by any weight loss and will need to be removed surgically for permanent breast reduction.
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What are the benefits of breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction surgery is one of the most commonly carried out procedures at Centre for Surgery in London. It is the most effective technique for reducing large breasts for permanent and long-term results.
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Many women suffer in silence with their excessively large breasts and are often embarrassed to consult their GP. Restrictions in everyday activities are common, including avoiding certain sporting activities, and many clothing items are not possible to wear. The reduction in self-confidence results in deliberately avoiding certain social situations and physical activities due to the unwanted attention excessively large breasts can cause. Women with very large breasts may often develop functional limitations due to significant back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain from bra straps digging into the shoulders, and fungal infection in the breast creases.
Breast reduction surgery is the best way to relieve back pain and other symptoms and restore self-confidence in women with smaller and perky breasts.
What symptoms do women experience from having large breasts?
Breast reduction surgery for women is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures at our Baker Street clinic. This is because the patient satisfaction rates are high given the substantial relief in symptoms the procedure can achieve for women. Many women suffer from various common symptoms related to having large breasts, including back pain. Many women may have tried several non-surgical treatments with little or no success.
Having heavy breasts places tremendous strain on the spine, resulting in back pain and neck pain. Other common symptoms experienced from having heavy breasts include numbness of the arms, breathlessness, inability to sleep, and the development of skin rashes in the lower breast creases. Playing sports is often very difficult for many women with very large breasts, as their mobility is significantly less when carrying the extra weight of heavy breasts.
Is it possible to reduce large breasts without surgery?
Breast reduction surgery is the only effective treatment for reducing the size of large breasts. Women with mild symptoms associated with large breasts may achieve symptomatic relief from physiotherapy or specific medications to reduce inflammation. However, the vast majority of women with more severe symptoms will be unable to achieve symptom relief without surgery. It is essential to wear a well-fitting bra, and specialist bra fitters can help relieve some symptoms of having large breasts, although this is not an effective long-term treatment for heavy breasts.
How long is breast reduction surgery recovery?
Breast reduction recovery is complete in the majority of patients after six weeks. The vast majority of patients can return to their normal activities of daily living by the 4 to 6-week stage. The final appearance of the breasts will take longer to appear, with 3 to 6 months being typical. Breast reduction is the best treatment for large breasts as most of the symptoms of having large breasts, such as back pain and neck pain, are effectively relieved with breast reduction surgery. Patient satisfaction levels after breast reduction are some of the highest of all cosmetic surgery procedures, with over 95% achieved at a reputable clinic such as Centre for Surgery. For further information on breast reduction or to book a face-to-face consultation with an expert breast surgeon in London, please get in touch and speak to one of our friendly and knowledgeable patient coordinators on 020 7993 4849.
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