Plenty of people go through life with a feeling that something is wrong, but without being able to say for sure what the problem is. For many women with large breasts, a breast reduction is often the thing that helps them discover what was bothering them.
Although large breasts are often described or considered to be desirable, for a lot of women they are anything but. Depending on the size of the breasts in relation to a woman’s body frame or overall body size, they can cause considerable discomfort. Having large breasts can interfere with running and other forms of exercise and can make a woman feel self-conscious.
Breast reduction surgery is often the plastic surgery with the highest satisfaction ratings. Women who have breast reduction surgery often describe it as life-changing or say that they wished that they had the procedure earlier. If you have large breasts and they are causing you trouble and pain, learn more about the benefits of breast reduction, then schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon to see if it’s the right choice for you.
Reduced Pain
In a world where many people spend hours each day slouched in front of computers or staring at the screens on their phones, upper back, shoulder and neck pain are all too common. While sitting for hours or slouching over a screen can contribute to pain in the upper back and neck, another common cause of pain is large breasts.
Large breasts can contribute to back and neck pain as a result of gravity. The weight of the breasts pulls the upper body forward, meaning a woman’s neck and back have to work extra hard to stay upright. The weight of the breasts often leads to pain due to strain on the muscles. Some women also note that they have difficulty maintaining a straight posture as a result of their breasts’ size.
Fortunately, one of the notable benefits of breast reduction surgery is a reduction in back and neck pain. Usually, surgery is recommended after other attempts to alleviate the pain, such as physical therapy or wearing a more supportive bra, have not been helpful.
Reduced Skin Irritation
Another unpleasant side effect of having large breasts is that sometimes, friction between the skin on the underside of the breasts and the skin on the chest wall leads to irritation. Some women with larger breasts notice that they are more prone to developing rashes around the chest area as a result of the friction.
Irritation between the folds of the skin isn’t the only skin-related issue that can be corrected by breast reduction surgery. Due to the weight of the breasts, some women notice that their bras have difficulty providing adequate support. At the end of the day, they end up with deep indentations in the skin from their bra straps or red marks and welts from a band that is too tight. With surgery to reduce breast size, many women also notice an improvement in rashes and red marks.
You Can Increase Your Physical Activity
Another drawback of very large breasts is that they can get in the way of movement. For some women, even the most supportive sports bra isn’t supportive enough during strenuous physical activity. In some cases, women with large breasts avoid workouts and exercise entirely, which can have a negative effect on their overall health.
Although you will need to give your body a few weeks or a month to heal after breast reduction surgery, you’re likely to notice that exercise, such as running or cycling, becomes a lot more comfortable afterward. You’ll want to wear a supportive sports bra when you workout, though.
Finding Clothing That Fits Becomes Easier
Finding bras, shirts, and dresses that fit properly can be a challenge when you have large breasts. In the case of bras, you might need to go to specialty lingerie stores or order them online, as many department stores only carry a limited range of band and cup sizes in stock.
In the case of dresses, it can be difficult to find pieces that fit up top and on the bottom if your breasts are considerably larger than your hips or waist. Many women are all too familiar with finding a button-front shirt that doesn’t gape open between buttons.
While a breast reduction won’t solve all of your clothing-related woes, it can make it a little easier to buy pieces off of the rack or to enjoy a shopping trip with your friends, rather than having to special order everything.
You Get a Boost of Self-Esteem
Although there are plenty of physical benefits of breast reduction surgery, it’s also important to consider the emotional and mental benefits. Many women report feeling more confident in themselves after surgery. Getting a self-esteem boost can help you in many areas of your life. It can make you more likely to go after a promotion or to pursue another challenging goal.
When you feel good about how you look and feel good about yourself overall, you’re likely to practice self-care in other areas of your life.
Insurance Often Covers Breast Reduction Surgery
There’s also a financial benefit of breast reduction surgery.
Depending on your insurance carrier and the type of plan you have, insurance might offer coverage of the surgery. It’s a good idea to check with your insurance company first before you move forward with a consultation, as many will want precertification or some sort of proof that other options, such as physical therapy, haven’t been helpful. Insurance will only provide coverage for a breast reduction performed for medical, not cosmetic reasons.Dr. Paul Vitenas is a Houston, Texas-based, board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast surgery. If you think a breast reduction would greatly improve your life, call 281-484-0088 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Vitenas and to learn more about the surgery today. You can also schedule a virtual consultation.
