Ask any woman with large breasts – they can be a real pain in the back.

That’s often the case with younger women when the bones in their spine and neck, and muscles in the shoulder and back aren’t strong enough to support the weight of large breasts, causing chronic back pain or other related health issues. It’s also a problem for older women who developed larger breasts following childbirth that didn’t return to their original size.

In addition to experiencing back, neck and shoulder pain, many large-breasted women develop frequent rashes under and between their breasts and find that their ill-fitting bras cause grooves in their skin. What’s more, the weight of their breasts limits their physical activity and participation in sports.

That’s why many large-breasted women opt for breast reduction surgery. It provides an immediate solution to chronic back pain by removing enough breast tissue by weight to release the load on your back. The amount removed in grams is based on your height, weight, and body area. For most patients, the back pain caused by the disproportionate weight is completely gone, provided you don’t have any other medical conditions that are contributing to your discomfort.

However, before undergoing breast reduction surgery, you should try some nonsurgical treatment options for your back pain. These include:

• Physical therapy to help strengthen your back muscles and improve your posture
• Over-the-counter pain medications for occasional muscle soreness and pain
• Weight loss that may reduce your breast size
• A support bra to help minimize movement

If these nonsurgical measures fail, you may want to see a plastic surgeon to discuss your individual treatment options – including breast reduction surgery.

Typically, the outpatient procedure takes about two and a half hours and is performed while you are under anesthesia. Excess breast tissue is removed, and the breast and nipple are repositioned. Following surgery, your breasts will be more proportionately sized and will have been lifted to achieve an attractive and natural look.

You can shower at home within 24 – 48 hours after surgery, but you will need to wear a support bra all day and night for up to four weeks. Within two to three weeks, you can return to work and resume most of your normal activities. However, you’ll need to avoid heavy lifting for six weeks.

In approximately three months, the breast tissue will settle into its regular size and you can then purchase your preferred bras in your new cup size. Note, however, that your breast size can increase after surgery if you gain weight, become pregnant, or experience any rare hormonal changes.

If you are interested in having a breast reduction and want to talk to a plastic surgeon, MAXiM Breast Surgery is the right place for you. Their experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience with these types of surgeries. Call (646) 475-2099 today to make an appointment.