Amelia Grant

Large breasts are often admired for their beauty, but they can also bring health and lifestyle challenges for many women. On the other hand, smaller breasts may lead to dissatisfaction due to societal beauty standards, while larger breasts can result in significant physical discomfort. When breasts become excessively large, the condition is medically known as macromastia. There are many reasons why women with naturally large breasts may choose to undergo breast reduction surgery. Here are six major drawbacks of having large breasts:

1. Unwanted attention

If you've been well-endowed since puberty, you likely know how the attention your bust draws can sometimes lead to uncomfortable experiences. It’s frustrating when people fail to maintain eye contact, their gaze drifting to your chest instead. For many women, this can be embarrassing, making it difficult to wear certain fashion trends that might feel too revealing for their figure.

2. Back, shoulder, and neck pain

Larger breasts pull the shoulders downward and cause the back to curve, leading to poor posture and, over time, chronic pain in the back, shoulders, and neck. This discomfort is believed to stem from a shift in the center of gravity, as heavy or bulky breasts place continuous strain on the middle and lower trapezius muscle fibers and the surrounding muscles. Wearing a properly fitted, supportive bra can help distribute weight more evenly and reduce strain. Additionally, physical therapy, upper body exercises, and maintaining a healthy weight can help manage and relieve discomfort. Some women also choose breast reduction surgery covered by insurance in NJ, as it provides an effective and lasting solution to these symptoms.

3. Rashes

Large breasts can sometimes lead to skin irritation and rashes, particularly in the area beneath them. When the breasts rest against the abdominal skin, friction, moisture buildup, and trapped heat create the perfect conditions for irritation. This can result in intertrigo, a sweat rash often caused by a yeast infection. The affected skin typically appears red or reddish-brown and may feel raw, itchy, cracked, or sore. To prevent and manage these rashes, it’s important to maintain proper hygiene, keep the area dry, and use supportive bra pads that promote airflow. Applying anti-chafing creams or powders can also help reduce friction and soothe irritated skin.

4. Numbness

If you experience numbness and tingling, consulting a neurologist to rule out any underlying neurological conditions is a wise first step. However, if a physician has already conducted routine tests and found no neurological cause, your larger chest size could be a contributing factor to these unexplained sensations in your arms and fingers. The best way to manage this issue is by wearing a well-fitted, supportive bra with wide, padded straps to help distribute weight more evenly and reduce pressure on the nerves. Maintaining good posture and doing exercises that strengthen the upper back and shoulder muscles can also help prevent or alleviate these symptoms.

5. Shortness of breath

Large breasts can contribute to shortness of breath by adding extra weight of tissue that can then limit actions of the diaphragm. Bad posture that comes along with large breasts can also worsen the difficulties in breathing. A well-fitted and supportive bra could help manage such conditions. Strengthening the upper body muscles and practicing good posture can also increase the lung capacity and efficacy function for respiration. If shortness of breath continues to persist, it is advisable to speak to a healthcare professional about an evaluation for possible treatment options such as physical therapy or breast reduction surgery. 

6. Headaches

Women often experience headaches simply because their breasts are too heavy. Tight bra straps can contribute to nerve compression, leading to headache pain. Wearing a properly fitted, supportive bra with wide, padded straps can help by distributing weight more evenly and reducing pressure. Maintaining good posture, along with light stretching and strengthening exercises for the neck and upper back, can also aid in both preventing and managing these headaches. Additionally, studies have reported cases where chronic headaches or migraines associated with macromastia were relieved after breast reduction surgery.