Breast Reduction

There are a variety of hormonal fluctuations caused by pregnancy that can change the shape, size, and feel of your breasts. Varying estrogen and progesterone levels can catalyze a loss of the youthful contours that previously defined the shape and size of your breasts, leading to pregnancy-related changes such as:   Stretched skin and areolas: Laxity in the skin and breast tissue can not only lead to the formation of stretch marks, but also may cause ptosis (sagging). In some cases, the breasts can droop to the point of sagging below the inframammary fold (breast crease).  Loss of volume: As the breasts enlarge from milk production during pregnancy, many patients experience reduced fullness and volume in their breasts after giving birth.  Reduced firmness: A loss of... Continue Reading

“Shoulder grooving” describes a phenomenon in which a patient’s bra straps dig into the skin of their shoulders, typically due to the strain of supporting excessively large or heavy breasts. This creates “grooves” or indentations in the skin where the bra straps are located. These indentations are often accompanied by redness, swelling, chafing, and skin irritation, which can sometimes make personal hygiene more difficult for patients. Shoulder grooving typically occurs when patients have disproportionately heavy breasts — achieving a more manageable breast size with breast reduction can not only alleviate irritation from bra strap indentations, but also helps improve an entire range of uncomfortable symptoms, including:  Chafing, irritation, and inflammation underneath the breasts Back, neck, and shoulder pain Difficulty exercising as a result of reduced... Continue Reading

A popular misconception about breast ptosis — which refers to drooping and/or sagging breast tissue — involves the notion that the primary cause of sagging is breastfeeding or nursing. In truth, sagging breasts are usually caused by the shape and size of the breasts fluctuating throughout pregnancy. Having children typically causes the breasts to temporarily enlarge, resulting in stretching of the overlying skin and increased inelasticity. Following pregnancy, the breasts often return to their original size; however, the skin may remain stretched. This not only flattens the breast contours, but can also result in a pendulous or drooping appearance. Breastfeeding may exacerbate breast sag, but the condition is generally more the result of pregnancy rather than nursing. There are many effective measures patients can take... Continue Reading

It’s no secret that patients with an excessive or dominating breast size can be subject to insecurities about their appearance and unwanted attention from others. What patients may not be aware of is the myriad of physical symptoms and health issues often precipitated by large, heavy breasts. The burdens caused by a disproportionately large breast size usually range from minor irritations to severe pain and discomfort. In some cases, these symptoms can make it difficult to engage in certain activities, such as exercise and sports. Generally speaking, health concerns associated with excessive breasts include: Back, neck, and shoulder strain Headaches Poor posture Indentations in your shoulders from bra straps digging in, a phenomenon often known as “shoulder grooving” Rashes, irritation, and chafing underneath the breasts... Continue Reading

Ptosis, a condition in which the breast tissue droops or sags, can affect all adult women regardless of whether they have large or small breasts. That said, it can be true that patients with a larger breast size may experience sagging to a greater degree when compared to individuals who have less weight in their chest. This is simply due to the fact that more chest mass can be more susceptible to the forces of gravity to a greater degree than smaller-sized breasts. Although this can be unfortunate for individuals with a bigger breast shape, Dr. Jon Paul Trevisani can correct sagging or drooping breasts with procedures like breast reduction and mastopexy. The most effective choice for your unique concerns depends on whether you are... Continue Reading

Pain in the back, neck, and shoulders is a common symptom of overly large breasts — a condition medically referred to as “symptomatic macromastia.” In general, heavy breasts that are disproportionate to a patient’s body frame can cause a host of symptoms that range from moderate inconveniences to debilitating medical problems. Back pain is a major concern that affects countless women with an excessive breast size, often making it difficult for one to exercise and live an active lifestyle. Consequently, large breasts can also be a contributing risk factor for obesity. While there are non-surgical remedies that can help improve back pain in the short-term — such as chiropractic therapy, pain-relieving medications, supportive bras, and ice packs — these solutions cannot reverse the pull of... Continue Reading