Posted: January 3, 2019
Abnormally large breasts (breast hypertrophy) is a serious medical condition that can result in physical and emotional discomforts including:
- Persistent breast pain
- Neck, back, and shoulder pain
- Redness/skin irritation underneath the breasts
- Open sores, infection, or abscesses
Women struggling with overly large breasts may also suffer from painful indentations and skin irritation in the shoulders from bra straps and face postural changes as weight on the front of the body gradually rounds the spine. A loss of nipple sensation is also possible in women suffering from breast hypertrophy.
Dr. Joseph Fata understands that many of the women who seek out his practice for breast reduction surgery have experienced at least some of the physical and emotional pain associated with abnormally large breasts. He is pleased to offer surgical options to women who could benefit from a reduction in breast size and volume due to breast hypertrophy.
Types of Breast Hypertrophy
Hypertrophy is a benign but progressive development in one or both breasts that results in a total breast weight that exceeds three percent of your body weight. This enlargement can cause muscular discomfort and over-stretching of the skin envelope, which in some cases can lead to ulceration in addition to the symptoms listed above. This makes seeking treatment a good idea for women dealing with this condition.
First scientifically described in 1648, hypertrophy is generally divided into two types:
- Macromastia, in which the total breast weight is less than 5.5 pounds
- Gigantomastia, in which the total breast weight is more than 5.5 pounds
Hypertrophy of the breasts may be caused by increased tissue sensitivity to certain hormones, such as prolactin, female sex hormones, growth factors or abnormally elevated hormone levels in the blood. It can occur equally in both breasts, just in one, or just in the nipple and areola area.
Macromastia and gigantomastia may be hastened by:
- Puberty (virginal hypertrophy)
- Pregnancy (gravid hypertrophy)
- Penicillamine therapy
- Extreme obesity
Of course, some cases of hypertrophy have no known cause. Even these cases, however, can often be treated with targeted and personalized breast surgery options.
Treating Macromastia and Gigantomastia
Breast reduction combined with breast reconstruction is typically the most effective surgical option for breast hypertrophy. With this combination, Dr. Fata can reduce the volume and weight of the breasts, remove unnecessary skin, and reshape the breast mound for optimal symmetry. This procedure also allows the breasts to be brought into line with the rest of the body for ideal dimensions. If you are interested in toning additional parts of your body for a more comprehensive transformation, Dr. Fata can discuss options like the mommy makeover which, while containing “mommy” in its name, is not exclusively reserved for women with children. During your initial consultation, Dr. Fata will carefully evaluate all of your areas of concern to help you determine which procedure or combination will best produce the results you deserve.
To schedule your initial consultation at our Indianapolis office, please call 317-575-9152 today. Dr. Fata is a board-certified plastic surgeon serving Carmel, Noblesville, and all surrounding areas of Indiana.
