When Breasts Are a Burden

Reduction surgery can relieve the pain of overdevelopment

Overly large breasts aren’t a common complaint—in fact, many women wish they were “better endowed.” But for those with bra cup size of D or larger, the problems can be severe.

“There are physical problems, such as pain in the shoulders, neck, back and breasts, deep grooves from bra straps, and skin irritation,” says plastic surgeon Walter Okunski, M.D., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. “Women with excessively large breasts also find it nearly impossible to take part in sports or other physical activities, and breast self-exams and mammograms are difficult.”

In a few cases the problem is hormone-related, he says. Most often it’s a matter of heredity. Whatever the cause, women of all ages have found relief with breast reduction surgery. “Normally, we would not consider a patient younger than the late teens,” Okunski says, although he has made some rare exceptions in severe cases.

The procedure involves removing wedges of fatty tissue from the bottom of the breast and raising the nipple, which sags with the weight of excess breast tissue. Depending on the individual woman, the surgeon may remove 500 grams (about a pound) or more per breast. Insurers usually cover the procedure when this much weight is involved. “It is not a cosmetic issue,” Okunski says.

As with any surgery, there are drawbacks. “Scars can take several months to soften and fade, and there is some permanent scarring,” he says. “Nipple sensation is diminished, and most women who’ve had the surgery cannot breastfeed.”

But for Okunski’s patients, the pluses of breast reduction more than compensate for these drawbacks. “The pain usually is gone from shoulder, neck and back, and the patient can do most of the activities she couldn’t before,” he says. “Socially, she no longer has to camouflage herself with bulky sweaters. Most women will say, ‘I wish I’d done this earlier.’ ”

Want to Know More? For referral to a plastic surgeon or information on how to choose a properly fitted bra, call 610-402-CARE or click here.

This page last updated 2/12/08 04:08 PM