Breast enlargement: when should I consider a breast reduction?

Every patient confronted with breast hypertrophy knows this weight: a breast characterized by excessive volume, an overdeveloped mammary gland, a breast that, beyond simply being too large, leads to back pain, functional discomfort and loss of confidence. Behind excess breast tissue, there's a reality: difficulties in sport, shoulder strap marks, skin disorders under the submammary fold, and sometimes a profound psychological impact.
The breast reduction in Paris is not a simple plastic surgery This is a genuine functional reconstruction operation, validated by precise medical criteria, which can be reimbursed by the French Social Security system. With this surgical procedure, the surgeon removes excess volume (sometimes several hundred grams or kilos), repositions the areola and nipple, and restores the breast to a harmonious shape.

This article explains, step by step, how medical diagnosis, treatment criteria, choice of plastic surgeon and breast reduction can bring about lasting changes to daily life, with visible results after just a few months.

DEFINITION AND TERMINOLOGY

WHAT IS BREAST HYPERTROPHY?

Mammary hypertrophy is defined as excessive breast volume, disproportionate to the body's morphology. This excessive development of the mammary gland is accompanied by a surplus of tissue (fat, skin) that can weigh several cubes of centimetres more than normal. In the most severe cases, we speak of gigantomastia, a rare pathology in which each breast may require the removal of several kilos of tissue.

Distinguishing features:

• Breast hypertrophy Breast enlargement: significant increase in breast volume, but generally in proportion to the woman's overall morphology. It may be responsible for pain or functional disorders without necessarily being linked to an illness.
• Hypermastia : abnormal development of the mammary gland, often massive and rapid, sometimes linked to hormonal imbalance. This rarer case goes well beyond the usual proportions and can develop into gigantomastia (breast exceeding 1 Kg).
• Breast ptosis : breast sagging due to a loosening of the skin and supporting tissues, often observed after a pregnancy, weight loss or with age. It can be isolated or associate breast hypertrophy.

WHEN DO WE TALK ABOUT BREAST HYPERTROPHY?

Medical criteria for breast hypertrophy are based on three main elements:

• excessive breast size, with more than 300 g per breast removed (CPAM criteria for reimbursement); ;
• a visible disproportion with the rest of the silhouette; ;
• a functional discomfort back pain, bra marks in the shoulders, discomfort in sport or everyday life.

HYPERTROPHY IN MEN: GYNECOMASTIA

In men, the excessive development of breast tissue is called gynecomastia. Less frequent than in women, this anomaly can nevertheless have a significant psychological impact, especially during adolescence or after hormonal changes. In some cases, surgery is proposed to remove excess fat and restore a more masculine appearance to the torso.

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS

CONGENITAL AND HORMONAL ORIGINS

Some patients develop a breast hypertrophy from puberty onwards, linked to hormonal hypersensitivity, we speak of juvenile breast hypertrophy.
Others see it appear in the course of a pregnancy, This can be during the formation of the milk ducts, or afterwards, when the volume of the breasts does not decrease. Hormonal variations play a decisive role: estrogen and progesterone stimulate the growth of the mammary gland.

AGGRAVATING FACTORS

• Weight gain or obesity, which amplifies breast size.
• Repeated pregnancies, which accentuate the phenomenon.
• Hormonal treatments (contraception, substitutes) that can alter breast size.
• Genetic factors, Some families are more affected than others.

CONSEQUENCES OF BREAST HYPERTROPHY

PHYSICAL IMPACT

Excessive breast size is not just a question of cup size. It causes real body aches :

• back pain, cervical, shoulder and back tension,
• postural problems due to excessive breast weight
• and sometimes even respiratory problems (compression of the rib cage).

In addition, the submammary fold can be subject to irritations or skin patches due to maceration.

For many people, this heavy weight makes sporting activities difficult and a hindrance to everyday life.

PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT

Mammary hypertrophy also has emotional and social consequences In adolescence, this can lead to isolation, accentuating complexes and hampering social relationships. In adolescence, this can isolate, accentuate complexes and hinder social relationships.

DIAGNOSIS AND IDENTIFICATION

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE BREAST HYPERTROPHY?

There are several signals to identify a breast hypertrophy. If you wear a E, F or higher cup, if you experience back pain or pain in the back of the neck, if your chest is sagging or if you are limited in’apparel and the If you're a sportswoman, there's a good chance you'll be affected.

From a medical standpoint, a breast larger than 400 cm³ of power already corresponds to hypertrophy. Above 1000 cm³. This is known as gigantomastia.

The precise diagnosis is applied during a plastic surgery consultation. Le surgeon evaluates breast size and weight, their proportion to the stature and BMI, the presence of a ptosis and associated symptoms. This is also the time to discuss the final cap desired and studied a possible covered by Social Security, if at least 300 g per breast must be removed.

If you recognize yourself in these symptoms, consult Docteur Djian in Paris for personalized advice on breast reduction.

MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS PRIOR TO MAMMOPLASTY

Before any surgical operation, the patient must perform :

• a mammography or a breast ultrasound, especially after age 40, to rule out breast cancer; ;
• a blood test and a anesthetic evaluation prior ;
• sometimes a MRI if a family history or suspicious stage is present.

SURGICAL TREATMENT: BREAST REDUCTION IN PARIS

WHAT DOES BREAST SURGERY INVOLVE?

Breast reduction is a relatively straightforward surgical procedure, performed by under general anaesthetic, in ambulatory (same-day discharge). The aim is to remove excess volume of gland, fat and skin. In some cases, excess fat can be treated by liposuction alone or as a complement.

The objectives are clear:

• functional Relieve back pain, improve comfort and quality of life; ;
• aesthetics Restore a natural curve, reposition the areola and nipple, and correct any breast asymmetry.

Breast reduction can be performed in several ways, depending on the extent of hypertrophy, the quality of the skin and the position of the areolas.

• Inverted T : the most frequent if a lot of tissue has to be removed, scar around the areola, vertical and in the submammary fold.
• Vertical Used when the portion of gland to be removed is moderate.
• Round block scar limited to the areola, especially to correct slight ptosis.

EXPECTED RESULTS

Breast reduction surgery offers visible results the very next day of the operation: the breasts appear lighter and better proportioned. Relief from back pain and improved comfort are often immediate.

Over the weeks, the patient regains ease of movement, improved posture and the ability to resume physical activity without restraint. Aesthetically, the cup size diminishes, and the final shape gradually appears. after about 6 months, once healing has stabilized.

These lasting transformations are a real physical and psychological benefit, often described as a veritable rebirth.

PRICES AND COVERAGE

HOW MUCH DOES A BREAST REDUCTION COST?

Fees vary according to the surgeon, clinic, anesthetist and complexity of the operation. Fees also depend on the doctor's experience and post-operative care.

• In Paris between 3,000 and 5,000 euros.
• In the provinces between 2,500 and 4,500 euros.

SOCIAL SECURITY AND MUTUAL INSURANCE COVERAGE

The Social security covers breast reduction partially if more than 300 g per breast are removed. Mutuelles supplement this reimbursement according to the estimate and fees. Prior agreement with the health insurance company is often required. A work stoppage may be prescribed for 10 to 15 days.

CONCLUSION: REGAINING BALANCE AND FREEDOM

Living with a breast hypertrophy often means dealing with pain, reduced mobility and daily discomfort. Visit breast reduction doesn't just transform appearance: it restores comfort, confidence and freedom of movement.

Make an appointment with Dr Djian and take the first step towards a harmonious, pain-free figure.