Aesthetic surgery · Body, breast and appearance

Macromastia

Understand very large breasts, their physical effects and reduction options.

Editorial publication · Medical review pending.

Understand

Macromastia means breast volume large enough to cause physical, functional or psychological difficulty.

Back, neck or shoulder pain, bra-strap grooves, irritation beneath the breasts and difficulty exercising may occur.

Development, hormones, pregnancy, weight changes and individual susceptibility influence breast volume.

Assessment reviews onset, symptoms, impact and expectations, examines the area and checks for a medical cause that should be treated first.

Tests are not routine; imaging, blood tests or specialist review are selected when a change is new, painful, asymmetrical or unusual.

Breast size and symptoms may change with weight, pregnancy, breastfeeding and age.

A professionally fitted bra, pain and skin care, activity and stable weight may help; breast reduction can be discussed when major problems persist.

Seek assessment if the concern persists, affects function or strongly affects wellbeing, to discuss benefits, limits, alternatives and risks.

A new lump, bloody discharge, skin or nipple retraction, hot redness with fever, or rapid enlargement of one breast needs prompt medical assessment.

A procedure linked to a condition does not establish an indication for your individual situation.