The breast, one of the most important elements of the female physique, is considered a symbol of fertility, femininity, abundance, and beauty. Women who are not satisfied with the size, shape, or form of their breasts, whether they are small or large, may experience low self-confidence and, consequently, develop depression. In addition to the desire for an aesthetic appearance, various health problems may also necessitate breast aesthetics. Particularly, women with large breast sizes may opt for breast reduction surgery due to serious health issues they experience alongside aesthetic concerns.
Disadvantages of Large Breasts
Having large breasts in proportion to one’s body structure can pose long-term health risks for women. Having large breasts can lead to the following disadvantages:
More Prone to Sagging
If you have large breasts, it becomes more challenging to counteract the natural effects of gravity on your breasts. The larger your breasts are, the heavier they are, making them more prone to sagging.
Neck and Back Pain
One of the most common problems experienced by women with large breast sizes in proportion to their body structure is neck and back pain. The breasts cause a shift in the body’s center of gravity, leading to additional strain on the neck and back regions. This can result in discomfort and chronic pain in these areas, and may even lead to serious health issues in the long term, such as kyphosis.
May Cause Shoulder Sensitivity Due to Bra Usage
Large breasts are naturally heavier and can cause sensitivity in the shoulder area due to bra straps. Even with supportive bras, the weight of the breasts and the effects of gravity can cause discomfort due to pressure on the shoulders. In fact, the straps can exert pressure on the nerves in the arms, leading to tingling and numbness in the arms and hands, characterized by pain.
May Display Asymmetric Appearance
Breast asymmetry is present in nearly all women. However, as breast size increases, the rate of asymmetry also rises. This becomes more apparent, especially in swimsuits and form-fitting tops.
It May Cause Redness and Irritation Between the Breasts
Another disadvantage of having naturally large breasts is trapping moisture between the breasts, leading to friction and redness. This condition can be uncomfortable, causing issues such as eczema, rash, or sores. Large breasts can also lead to irritation on the skin beneath the breasts and even breathing difficulties. For many women with excessively large breasts, even the best sports bra may struggle to support simple activities like running.
Breast Reduction Surgery
Whether due to aesthetic concerns or health issues, breast reduction surgery helps increase a woman’s confidence by bringing the breasts to a more comfortable size and shape. Breast reduction surgery, defined as the surgical removal of excess skin and tissue in the breast area, can also include breast lifting and shaping procedures. Breast reduction surgery typically performed as an outpatient procedure using general anesthesia or local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. Your plastic surgeon uses these techniques to remove excess breast tissue, fat, and skin. The nipple/areola complex is repositioned to a higher, more forward position on the breast. The remaining breast tissue and skin are reshaped and closed with sutures. Additionally, during the procedure, the areolas can be reduced to a more proportionate size.
Breast Size Planning
The goal of breast reduction surgery is to reshape your breasts to be proportional to the rest of your body and no longer be a source of physical discomfort. Your doctor determines the most appropriate size for you by calculating the proportion of your body to the breasts and decides in advance how much reduction is necessary. Since the nipple is also corrected along with the breasts, the risk of sensory loss is prevented, and care is taken to ensure that the milk glands are not damaged, thereby preserving breastfeeding ability.
Postoperative Care After Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction surgery typically lasts about 2-4 hours. After surgery, the patient can usually get up and walk around and eat within 4-6 days. The patient should stay in the hospital for about 24 hours after the surgery. Typically, the patient is discharged 1-2 days after the procedure. If drains are placed, they are removed before discharge, and the patient is advised to wear a special postoperative bra designed for breast aesthetics. Antibiotics and pain relievers may be prescribed depending on the patient’s condition. Bathing is allowed one week after discharge. The patient is advised to maintain a balanced diet, drink plenty of water, and avoid harmful habits such as smoking and drinking. Generally, the patient can return to social and work life within 1 week. Some swelling and edema may be present in the breasts for about 1 month, but this condition usually resolves after a month, and the doctor may recommend exercises under supervision. The breasts typically take their full shape and the scars fade after about 6-12 months post breast reduction surgery.
Having breast reduction surgery performed by expert hands and ensuring proper preoperative and postoperative patient education are of great importance. You can get in touch with Op. Dr. Sedat Baş, a leading plastic and aesthetic surgeon, and his experienced team to obtain more detailed information about breast aesthetics.
