Treating Macromastia

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o some women, large breasts are a simple aesthetic desire. To others, they invite a host of health problems. Macromastia, or abnormally large breasts, has a far-reaching effect on a person’s confidence and quality of life. Fortunately, women struggling with macromastia may find relief with treatment from Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics (CNSO). Located in northern New Jersey, CNSO offers non-surgical and surgical treatment for macromastia, including breast reduction surgery by leading plastic surgeon Dr. Hakan Kutlu. Learn more about how macromastia treatments can help patients manage symptoms and enhance their everyday comfort.

What Is Macromastia?

The medical term for large breasts is macromastia. For most women, their breast size does not affect their daily lives very much. In some cases, however, breasts become large enough to cause issues with everyday comfort and activities. This is referred to as symptomatic macromastia. It may have many effects on a person’s life, including:

• Chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain
• Chest wall pain
• Headaches
• Shoulder grooves from bra straps
• Rashes or skin irritation
• Poor posture
• Spinal deformities
• Shortness of breath
• Reduced exercise capacity
• Numb or tingling hands
• Inability to sleep

Macromastia can occur during puberty, during pregnancy, or as a result of certain medications. In most cases, however, the cause is not known. No matter the cause, macromastia is typically easy to diagnose without extensive testing. To determine whether large breasts are causing the symptoms, a doctor will assess the patient’s posture, medical history, and symptoms.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Macromastia

After being diagnosed with macromastia, patients will meet with their CNSO care team to discuss a treatment plan. There are many approaches to treating macromastia, including both non-surgical and surgical solutions. CNSO takes a conservative approach to treatment and will always consider whether non-invasive treatments will be effective before recommending surgery. Treatments offered by CNSO include:

Medication

Certain medications can stop breast tissue from growing. These medications will not make large breasts smaller. However, they may prevent further growth, halting the condition before it becomes serious. This approach is most effective when macromastia is caught early. In addition, anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing medications may be used to manage symptoms.

Supportive Bras

Specialized support bras are another treatment option. These are designed to provide additional support and structure to large breasts, which can relieve symptoms related to pain, bad posture, or skin irritation. The effectiveness of this approach is dependent on the size of the breasts being treated. It may not work for especially large breasts.

Physical Therapy

If the macromastia causes pain or posture issues, physical therapy may be helpful in relieving these symptoms. Targeted exercises build strength and flexibility so the body can carry the weight of breasts more easily without pain. Once again, the effectiveness depends on the size of the breasts. Patients with excessive macromastia may not get positive results from physical therapy.

Breast Reduction Surgery for Macromastia

In most cases, the most effective treatment for macromastia is surgical intervention. A Breast reduction procedure removes tissue from inside the breasts, reducing their size to a healthier proportion. It can improve a patient’s appearance while providing long-term relief for symptoms.

At CNSO, breast reductions are performed by leading plastic surgeon Dr. Hakan Kutlu. The patient is placed under general anesthesia. One of several established techniques can be used to remove fat and glandular tissue until the breast reaches the desired size. Finally, the nipple areolar complex is relocated to a higher position within the newly reduced breast mound. All incisions are closed with absorbable internal sutures and covered with specialized dressings, followed by the application of a supportive surgical bra.

Patients can typically go home on the same day. They are carefully followed within a week of the procedure and several months afterwards. Patients should also speak with their surgical team about any other instructions to follow during recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Macromastia

What is macromastia?

Macromastia is the medical term for large breasts. Symptomatic macromastia can cause pain, poor posture, shoulder grooves, skin irritation, breathing problems, sleep interruptions, and spinal deformity.

Can macromastia be treated non-surgically?

CNSO always considers whether non-surgical treatments will be effective in addressing a patient’s pain. Many patients get good results from conservative methods like medication, physical therapy, or wearing a supportive garment.

What is breast reduction surgery?

Breast reduction surgery is a procedure that reduces the size of the breasts. It provides long-lasting relief for symptoms of macromastia.

Is breast reduction permanent?

Breast reduction surgery creates long-lasting results that may benefit the patient for the rest of their life. Patients should be aware, however, that factors including aging, pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or hormonal fluctuations can change the body’s appearance. The breasts may not always look exactly as they do right after surgery.

Does breast reduction interfere with breastfeeding?

During breast reduction surgery, the glands used for lactation are removed. This means that breasts cannot produce milk after surgery. Women should consider waiting until after having children before they consider a breast reduction procedure, but this is not an absolute contraindication.

Receive Treatment for Macromastia Near You in New Jersey

Macromastia can be uncomfortable if not treated. Patients can find relief for their pain at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics locations near you throughout northern New Jersey, including Jersey City, Morristown, Paramus, Wayne, and West Orange, NJ. The all-inclusive care team includes neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons, interventional pain management physicians, physiatrists, rehabilitation specialists, and certified physical therapists, ensuring that patients receive proper care for their condition. CNSO also provides comprehensive support from diagnosis to recovery. To learn more about surgical and non-surgical treatments for macromastia, contact CNSO today.