Health Benefits of Breast Reduction

Many plastic surgery procedures are performed to improve a person’s appearance, but provide few, if any, physical health benefits. Breast reduction, on the other hand, is one of a large number of plastic surgeries that can noticeably improve the patient’s health in addition to the appearance of her breasts. Here, respected San Diego plastic surgeon Abhay Gupta shares the health benefits of breast reduction.

Relief of Neck, Back and Shoulder Pain

Breast reduction candidates often describe extreme discomfort due to heavy, pendulous breasts. In consultation, many of them note that their breasts put enormous strain on their back, neck and shoulders. Removing breast tissue, fat and skin lightens the breasts and typically relieves most or all of this discomfort.

Reduced Skin Irritation and Rashes

Having large breasts can also increase the occurrence of skin irritation and rashes where the breasts meet the torso. In the most serious cases, blisters or infections can form. Reducing the size of the breasts usually resolves chronic skin irritation and rashes.

Exercise Is Easier

Large, heavy breasts put limits on participating in exercise, sports and other physical activities. Most breast reduction patients are pleased to discover that exercise and sports are easier and more comfortable with smaller breasts. More exercise can lead to weight loss and is great for the cardiovascular system, the bones, muscles and mental health.

Psychological Health Benefits

Speaking of mental health, mood and state of mind play a huge role in quality of life. Having large breasts can take a psychological toll on some women, especially younger women. Receiving unwanted attention, stares and lewd comments because of a noticeably large chest can cause a woman to become withdrawn, anxious or even depressed. By creating a more modest bust size, breast reduction often frees the mental burden of large breasts and can help to resolve related psychological issues.

Cosmetic Benefits of Breast Reduction

In addition to the health benefits of breast reduction, the aesthetic benefits should not be overlooked. Reducing a woman’s oversized breasts improves the proportion and balance of her body, creating a more attractive figure and leading to an improvement in self-image and confidence.

If your oversized breasts make you physically uncomfortable and self-conscious, and you would like to learn more about the many benefits of breast reduction, please call Dr. Gupta at (858) 408-6100 and request a consultation.

Fun Fact of the Month: Earlier this year, “Modern Family” star Ariel Winter opened up about her breast reduction surgery in a poignant essay for Motto.com. Winter went from a 32F to a 32D bra size. Here’s what she had to say about her surgery and the results:

“Afterward, I automatically felt so much happier and just better physically. My back and shoulders didn’t hurt anymore! The first thing I wanted to do was go clothing shopping because I was so excited to be able to find things that fit properly instead of hiding in a baggy sweater. That meant the world to me.”