Large breasts

Written by Dr Erik Fangel Poulsen, specialist

How do breasts change throughout your life?
Breasts develop differently from woman to woman, and their shape and size changes throughout life.

Each month, you may feel a tension and swelling in your breasts before your period is due. This sensation disappears as soon as your period begins.

Pregnancy and birth is a time of breast growth, when the milk glands develop and milk is produced. Once breastfeeding is stopped, your breasts will change shape again.

Later in life the size of the glands decreases whereas the fat content increases. This causes some women's breasts to grow larger, while others experience the opposite effect.

Breasts and body image
A great many women dislike the appearance and size of their breasts. This is, of course, connected to our culture.

Breasts are seen as a crucial part of any woman's sexual appeal. In newspapers, magazines and on TV and films, we are confronted with images of what is regarded as the ideal bosom.

Consciously or unconsciously, some women wish their breasts matched this 'ideal'. Just as those with AA cups can yearn to be larger, so those with E cups can wish for a smaller bust.

Problems associated with large breasts
Even young women who have never been pregnant can feel that their breasts are too large and causing them a significant problem.

You may feel self-conscious wearing certain kinds of clothes or be embarrassed about undressing at the gym or in communal changing rooms when shopping.

A good supportive bra can be a great help, but if your breasts are very heavy, the bra straps may cut deep into your shoulders. Your posture will be affected and you may have aching muscles in your chest and shoulders.

What can be done to help?
If you are unhappy with the size of your breasts, consult your doctor who will be able to assess whether breast-reduction surgery is a suitable option. If so, the doctor will refer you to a hospital or cosmetic surgeon with experience of such operations.

What happens in the operation?
The surgeon will first remove an amount of breast tissue and skin.

The nipples stay connected to the remaining gland and fatty tissue, but are moved upwards on the wall of the breast. A circular piece of skin is removed from a suitable area.

This method is used for both large and pendulous breasts.

The results of these operations are almost always very good, with the surgeon aiming not only to reduce the size of the breast but to make sure you are happy with their new appearance.

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