A breast reduction is considered medically necessary when the size of the breasts causes physical symptoms such as chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain, skin irritation and rashes, physical limitations, poor posture, bra strap grooves, breathing difficulties, and when it negatively impacts a person’s quality of life and self-esteem. In such cases, a surgeon may recommend a breast reduction as a medical solution to alleviate these symptoms. Centre for Surgery is considered one of the leading plastic surgery clinics in the UK, with extensive experience in breast reduction surgery.
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What causes breasts to grow too big?
Hormonal Changes
Breast size is primarily determined by hormonal changes that occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. The hormones estrogen and progesterone play a crucial role in the growth of the mammary glands, leading to breast enlargement. During puberty, the body produces more of these hormones, leading to the growth of the breasts. During pregnancy, hormone levels rise, causing the breasts to grow and prepare for lactation. Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can also cause changes in breast size, leading to increased or decreased growth.
Obesity
Being overweight or obese can cause the breasts to grow larger due to an increase in fatty tissue. Fat deposits in the breast area can lead to a larger bust size, but it is important to note that the size increase may not be proportional to overall body weight gain.
Genetics
Breast size and shape are largely determined by genetics. If your family has a history of large breasts, it is more likely that you will also have larger breasts.
Certain Medications
Some medications, such as hormonal birth control pills, can lead to breast enlargement. Hormonal birth control pills contain estrogen and progesterone, which can cause the breasts to grow. Additionally, some medications used to treat conditions such as depression or schizophrenia can also lead to breast enlargement.
Age
As women age, the breasts can lose their elasticity and become larger due to the accumulation of fatty tissue. This can lead to a gradual increase in breast size over time.
Rapid Weight Gain or Loss
Rapid weight gain or loss can also cause the breasts to grow or shrink in size. Sudden changes in weight can affect the fatty tissue in the breasts, leading to changes in their size.
There are various factors that can cause the breasts to grow too big, including hormonal changes, obesity, genetics, certain medications, age, and rapid weight gain or loss. We would recommend scheduling a consultation at Centre for Surgery in London if you are experiencing sudden or drastic changes in breast size, as this could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
What physical symptoms make a breast reduction medically necessary?
Back, Neck, and Shoulder Pain
One of the most common physical symptoms of large breasts is back, neck, and shoulder pain. The weight of large breasts can put a significant amount of strain on the upper body, causing discomfort and even chronic pain in some cases.
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Poor Posture
Large breasts can also cause poor posture, leading to chronic pain in the neck, back, and shoulders. This can also lead to a hunching of the upper body, which can be both painful and unsightly.
Skin Irritation and Rashes
Women with large breasts are often prone to skin irritation and rashes in the breast and underarm area. This is due to the friction caused by the breasts rubbing against clothing, leading to discomfort and even infection.
Physical Limitations
Women with large breasts may experience physical limitations, such as difficulty with exercise or performing daily activities. This can lead to a reduced quality of life and a decreased sense of independence.
Poor Self-Esteem and Body Image Issues
Women with large breasts may also experience poor self-esteem and body image issues due to the negative attention they receive from others. This can lead to feelings of self-consciousness and insecurity, which can have a significant impact on mental health.
Bra Strap Grooves
Women with large breasts may experience bra strap grooves, which are indentations in the skin caused by the pressure of tight bra straps. This can be both painful and unsightly.
Breathing Difficulty
Large breasts can also cause breathing difficulty, especially for women who have a larger bust size relative to their body size. This can be a serious health concern, as it can lead to difficulties with physical activity and even respiratory distress.
Women with large breasts may experience a range of physical symptoms, including back, neck, and shoulder pain, poor posture, skin irritation and rashes, physical limitations, poor self-esteem and body image issues, bra strap grooves, and breathing difficulty. If these symptoms are causing significant distress or affecting daily life, a breast reduction at Centre for Surgery may be medically necessary. It is important to consult a specialist plastic surgeon to determine if this procedure is right for you.
What are the psychological reasons for getting a breast reduction?
Body Image Issues
Many women with large breasts may struggle with body image issues, feeling self-conscious about their appearance and seeking to improve their self-esteem through surgery. Women with large breasts may feel that their bust size draws unwanted attention and can lead to negative body image and low self-esteem.
Physical Discomfort
Women with large breasts may experience physical discomfort and pain due to the weight and size of their breasts. This can affect their quality of life and lead to a decreased sense of independence and self-worth.
Difficulty Finding Clothing
Women with large breasts may also struggle to find clothing that fits comfortably, leading to feelings of frustration and a lack of confidence in their appearance. This can also impact their ability to participate in physical activities and limit their overall lifestyle.
Mental Health
Large breasts can lead to a range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Women who feel self-conscious about their appearance may avoid social situations, leading to social isolation and reduced quality of life.
Sexual Dysfunction
Women with large breasts may experience sexual dysfunction, including discomfort during sexual activity and difficulties with intimacy. This can lead to a decrease in sexual satisfaction and impact overall relationships.
Women who seek breast reduction may do so for a range of psychological reasons, including body image issues, physical discomfort, difficulty finding clothing, mental health concerns, and sexual dysfunction. Breast reduction surgery can provide relief from these symptoms and improve the overall quality of life, but it is important to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of the procedure. It is recommended to consult with a mental health professional as well as a plastic surgeon at Centre for Surgery to ensure that the decision to undergo surgery is made with a full understanding of the psychological and physical implications.
Breast reduction surgery at Centre for surgery
If you would like to schedule a consultation for breast reduction surgery, get in touch with us today at 020 7993 4849 or complete the contact form below. Our state-of-the-art Baker Street clinic in Marylebone is considered one of the most advanced day surgery facilities in the UK and is home to highly specialised consultant plastic surgeons with years of experience performing all types of breast surgery, including breast reduction and breast reduction using liposuction.
