Disproportionately large breasts can cause a variety of both physical and emotional discomforts and symptoms such as rashes, neck, shoulder or back pain, anxiety, stress and self-consciousness. Some women with large breasts find that the weight of their breasts can cause issues with breathing. Breast reduction surgery may be able to not only alleviate respiratory issues but also improve general well-being.
Why Do Large Breasts Cause Breathing Issues?
Large breast size does not always cause breathing issues. In healthier women, large breasts may not impact breathing. However, very large breasts are often correlated with high body mass index (BMI) which can lead to breathing problems. Excess fatty chest tissue can impact hormone levels. It can also limit individuals from exercise or recreation activities.
Breathing problems are caused by the weight of the breasts compressing the lungs so that they cannot easily fully expand. Excess breast tissue on the chest means that women require more work to breathe. The weight also can cause enough pressure on the chest to constrict diaphragm movement. This can cause shortness of breath, especially when lying down, making sleeping on the back difficult.
How Breast Reduction Surgery May Help
Breast reduction surgery or mammoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure designed to reduce breast weight and size. Excess tissue, fat and skin is removed, decreasing breast size. This effectively reduces excess weight on the chest and makes it easier for the lungs to fully expand. After breast reduction surgery, women often report that they can breathe easier.
Be aware that if you plan to have children, you should discuss this with your surgeon before planning breast reduction surgery. This is because the procedure could impact your ability to breastfeed later. Smoking status, breast cancer history, general health status and medications will also be discussed when you and your doctor make a treatment plan. If certain breast health risk factors are present, you may need to undergo screenings before surgery. Smoking is discouraged in the two months before surgery.
Other Potential Wellness Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery
Outcomes after breast reduction surgery are largely positive. Research has indicated a general decrease in neck, shoulder and back pain, elimination of skin rashes, a decrease in headaches and even better posture. Additionally, many women are happy to find that exercise is more comfortable, well-fitting bras are cheaper and easier to find and body image improves. Breast reduction surgery can also reduce stress and promote increased overall wellness and an improved quality of life.
Contact Us for More Information
If you are interested in exploring breast reduction surgery, do not hesitate to contact us and schedule a consultation with Dr. Gowda’s team by email or calling our Novi office at (248) 305-8400 or our Troy office at (248) 530-0000.