Overly large breasts in our society come with a lot of baggage, both good and bad. But extremely large breasts may also be a health issue.
It’s not clear what causes extremely large breasts but we do know big boobs are linked to a number of physical problems, including neck pain, back pain, and numbness in the fingers, to name just a few. Therefore it is possible to have boobs too big for a woman to be comfortable.
If you have complications from overly large breasts and are seeking advice, Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg is a nationally renowned plastic surgeon with offices in Long Island and Manhattan who understands the problems associated with huge boobs. He is an expert in the field of cosmetic plastic surgery and can explain the options you have, including breast reduction surgery, in overcoming problems with overly large breasts.
Breast reduction surgery is highly effective in treating the problems associated with excessive breast tissue simply because it deals with the root cause. Other treatments have limited effectiveness since they tackle only the symptoms of large breasts. If you have pain caused by overly large breasts, you can get pain medication. If your breasts cause a rash, you can get an ointment. But none of these steps eliminate the source of the problems, so they are bound to reoccur.
Symptoms
Overly large breasts or macromastia, can cause numerous physical problems due to the weight of the breasts and their size. Macromastia symptoms include:
- Pain. The weight of big bosoms can cause pain in the neck, shoulder, and back. In addition, some women experience breast pain simply because of the excess weight.
- Rashes. Large breasts trap heat and moisture (boob sweat) underneath them, causing chronic rashes or skin infections.
- Shoulder Grooves. Bras may not fully support the breasts and lead to deep groves in the shoulder where bra straps are located. Bras for a larger cup size with wider straps can help somewhat, but may not eliminate the grooves.
- Numbness. Some women report numbness in their breasts or breast tenderness from the excess weight. Others report numbness in the fingers, hands, and arms, which happens when heavy breasts and poor posture compress nerve pathways.
- Inability to Exercise. Large breasts make it difficult for women to exercise, perform daily chores, or even pick up their children. The lack of physical activity can have long range consequences on their health.
- Shortness of Breath. The excess weight on the chest can lead to shortness of breath.
- Headaches. Extremely large tits have also been linked to migraine headaches.
Breast Reduction
On one hand, many symptoms of overly large breasts can be “managed.” For example, if you are in pain, you can employ heat packs, massage, physical therapy, and medication to reduce your discomfort. However, these treatments do nothing to treat the source of the pain so the symptoms are likely to return.
Breast reduction surgery, however, deals with the root cause. Surgery allows you to reduce the size of your breasts by removing the dense breast tissue to eliminate the weight and size issues that cause your chronic problems, such as pain, infections, or shortness of breath.
Can large breasts cause costochondritis?
There is no evidence to suggest that large breasts are a direct cause of costochondritis. Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone and is typically caused by repetitive strain or injury to the area. Breast size may put additional pressure on the chest and contribute to chest pain, but it is not considered a direct cause of costochondritis. If you are experiencing chest pain or discomfort, it is best to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Can large breasts cause heart palpitations?
Contrary to popular belief, heart palpitations are not necessarily caused by large breasts. In actuality, these cardiac fluctuations typically arise from a disruption in the heart’s natural beat, which can stem from a plethora of reasons including stress, anxiety, hormonal imbalances, medicinal intake, or an underlying health issue. Although possessing voluminous breasts may lead to physical discomfort and compromise one’s posture, it does not directly impair heart performance or result in heart palpitations.
Can large breasts cause stomach problems?
No, large breasts do not cause stomach problems. Despite the fact that large breasts might cause physical distress and posture-related complications, it doesn’t have a direct influence on the digestive process or result in stomach-related problems.
Is there a connection between overly large breasts and Breast Cancer:?
There is no direct causal relationship between the size of a person’s breasts and the development of breast cancer. However, larger breasts due to obesity may have a higher likelihood of developing breast cancer but that is most likely due to their BMI and not the breast size specifically. Other factors such as age, family history, genetics, lifestyle, and hormone exposure also play a role in the development of breast cancer. It is recommended to undergo regular breast cancer screening and to discuss any concerns with a doctor.
Get More Information
If you would like detailed information about breast reduction surgery, please call our offices for an appointment. Dr. Greenberg is well-known for his expertise in cosmetic surgery and can discuss options that are appropriate for you.