Health Problems Associated with Large Breasts    by Tuesday Wilson

in Health / Plastic Surgery    (submitted 2011-02-23)

The variation in size of "normal breasts" may be the greatest single biological variant among women. When breasts develop to a volume of more than a liter or so, they become an encumbrance that can cause back strain, skin irritation, breathing problems and other health risks. While correlation of general body weight to breast size is common, there are conditions of progressive breast hypertrophy in patients who are not considered to be obese. Alongside the physical complications oversized breasts cause, many women experience emotional health issues as well. Having a positive self-body image and high self-esteem are just as important to a person's well-being as physical issues.

Chronic Pain
Women who have overly large breasts often have to deal with chronic or long-lasting pain on a regular basis, which can significantly affect their 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 large size and weight of a woman's bust may cause her to alter her posture with the shoulders rolled forward, which can 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.

Restricted Activity
Large, pendulous breasts can also hamper the patient's opportunity to lead the active lifestyle they desire. 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 Irritations
Because it is difficult to keep the areas beneath oversized breasts dry, many women will develop yeast infections, skin rashes and other irritations. Whenever sweat cannot evaporate from these areas, because it is trapped by skin or tight fabric, the surface of the skin will heat up as a result and cause heat 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
While many might assume it would be the opposite, many women with large breasts suffer from negative self-body image and feelings of self-consciousness. Having overdeveloped breasts can making feeling comfortable in certain clothing and social situations very difficult. 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. Teenages with overdeveloped breasts, both boys and girls alike are vulnerable to teasing by their peers and suffering from feelings of depression because they feel like they don't fit in.

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. Studies have shown that for individuals who undergo the procedure, on average social adjustment, self-esteem and body image improve significantly. 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. Luckily, surgical intervention can help males with this issue as well. Using a direct incision and lipoplasty, a plastic surgeon can help these men restore a smoother contour to their chest.

About the Author

Author Tuesday Wilson writes over a variety of health related subjects.