At Riley Children’s Health, plastic surgeons treat macromastia or the excessive growth of breast tissue in young women.
Macromastia, which means large breasts, is characterized by the excessive growth of breast tissue. This condition can affect people physically and emotionally, leading to many symptoms that affect quality of life. While many young women experience changes in breast size during puberty, macromastia involves an abnormal and sometimes rapid enlargement of the breasts that doesn’t match the rest of the body
Symptoms of Gynecomastia
Macromastia can cause many symptoms, some of which are directly related to the excessive weight and size of the breasts. These symptoms can vary, but commonly include:
- Chronic Back, Neck, and Shoulder Pain: The additional weight of enlarged breasts often leads to musculoskeletal problems, causing pain in the upper back, shoulders, and neck. This pain can affect your posture and ability to exercise.
- Skin Irritation: The skin beneath the breasts may become irritated or develop rashes due to constant friction and moisture. In severe cases, the skin may become infected.
- Shoulder Grooving: Bra straps may dig into the shoulders, leaving deep indentations or grooves, which can become painful over time.
- Restricted Physical Activity: The size and weight of the breasts can hinder physical activities, making exercise or even simple movements uncomfortable or difficult. This can impact health and fitness levels.
- Emotional and Psychological Effects: Young women with macromastia may experience emotional distress, including low self-esteem, body image issues, and social anxiety. These psychological effects can significantly impact mental health and quality of life.
- Breathing Problems: In severe cases, the excessive weight of the breasts can compress the chest, leading to difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, especially when lying down.
Causes of Macromastia
The exact cause of macromastia is not always clear, but it is believed to be influenced by a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. It is important to note that macromastia can occur in both adolescents and adults, and the onset can be gradual or sudden. Some potential causes include:
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause can trigger abnormal breast growth. Elevated levels of certain hormones, such as estrogen, play a role in macromastia.
- Genetics: A family history of large breasts may increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
- Medications: In rare cases, certain medications, such as hormone replacement therapy or anabolic steroids, may cause abnormal breast growth. This usually isn’t the reason for large breasts in teenaged girls.
- Underlying Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism or autoimmune disorders, can be associated with macromastia. However, these cases are very uncommon.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of macromastia is made by a physician. They will assess your symptoms, review any family history, and evaluate the size and weight of your breasts relative to your body frame. In teenaged girls, additional tests like ultrasounds or mammograms are almost never needed.
In addition to physical symptoms, your physician will consider the impact of macromastia on your quality of life, including any emotional or psychological effects. This is important in determining the appropriate treatment approach.
Treatment Options for Macromastia
Treatment Options for Macromastia
Treatment for macromastia aims to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. The most effective treatment approach will depend on the severity of your symptoms and your personal preferences. Common treatment options include:
- Non-Surgical Treatments: For some young women, non-surgical treatments may help manage symptoms of macromastia. These treatments include physical therapy, pain management, and supportive bras. However, non-surgical options typically provide only temporary relief and may not address the underlying cause.
- Surgical Intervention: Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is the most common and effective treatment for macromastia. This procedure involves removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to achieve a breast size that is more proportional for your body. In addition to helping with physical symptoms, breast reduction surgery can have significant emotional and psychological benefits, improving self-confidence and overall well-being. Before undergoing surgery, it is important that both your weight and bra cup size have been stable over the last year.
The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and takes a few hours to complete. The surgeon makes incisions on the breasts and removes the excess tissue, fat, and skin. The remaining breast tissue is then reshaped, and the nipples are repositioned to create a more natural appearance. In some cases, liposuction may be used to contour the breast area further.
Surgery risks and recovery
As with any surgical procedure, breast reduction surgery carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, scarring, changes in nipple sensation, inability to breastfeed, wound healing problems, nipple necrosis, and asymmetry. You should ask your doctor about these risks. However, most women who undergo the procedure feel much better and are happy with the results.
Recovery from breast reduction surgery typically takes several weeks. During this time, it is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions, which may include wearing a surgical bra, avoiding heavy exercise, and going to follow-up appointments to monitor healing.
Key Points to Remember
Key Points to Remember
- Macromastia affects both physical health and emotional well-being.
- If you are experiencing symptoms of macromastia, it is important to talk to a pediatric plastic surgeon to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs.
- You don’t have to live with the discomfort of macromastia. We are here to help you find relief and support your journey to better health and well-being.
- At Riley Children’s, our experienced team of healthcare professionals provides compassionate care and helping you regain your quality of life.
- If you are considering breast reduction surgery or would like to explore other treatment options, please schedule a consultation with our specialists today.
Locations
Locations
Locations
In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.
Riley Pediatric Plastic Surgery
575 Riley Hospital Dr
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Riley Pediatric Plastic Surgery
11725 N. Illinois St.
Carmel, IN 46032