Gigantomastia – Breast Reduction For Very Big Breasts

Posted on [post_date] [post_comments] [post_edit]

Gigantomastia: Why Some Women Have Very Large Breasts and How to Treat It

Gigantomastia, also known as breast hypertrophy, is a relatively uncommon medical condition where a woman’s breasts grow much larger than usual. It’s important to note that this is not cancerous. While it can occur at any stage in life, it’s often first noticed during times of hormonal change like puberty or pregnancy.

What makes a bit hard to define is the fact that there’s no standard "normal" breast size for women. Every woman is different. Nevertheless, some professionals say you might have gigantomastia if you have one or two extra kilograms of breast tissue on each breast.

RELATED:

Having extremely large breasts can be more than just an inconvenience; it can lead to a variety of health issues. You may experience:

As for treatment, the will depend on how severe your symptoms are and what type of gigantomastia you have. Options could range from medication to control the size, to surgical procedures like to remove excess tissue. Each case is unique, so it’s to consult with a specialist surgeon at Centre for Surgery for a diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.

Symptoms of Gigantomastia

Gigantomastia is a medical condition where there is extreme growth in breast tissue. The growth rate and size can differ from one woman to another. For some, this growth happens slowly over several years, while for others, it can occur in a matter of weeks or even days. This condition can also lead to uneven breast sizes, known as breast asymmetry.

The symptoms associated with gigantomastia can be both physically and emotionally draining. Here’s a more detailed look at some of the common symptoms:

Apart from these physical symptoms, there are also lifestyle and emotional impacts. For example:

Exploring the Different Types of Gigantomastia: How and When It Occurs

Gigantomastia is a complex and multifaceted condition that can manifest in different ways. Medical professionals typically categorise gigantomastia into four main types based on the triggers and timings associated with excessive breast growth. Here’s a detailed breakdown of these types:

This type occurs specifically during pregnancy. It’s believed to be by the hormonal changes that take place as the body prepares for childbirth. The hormonal fluctuations, the levels of estrogen and progesterone, are thought to stimulate abnormal growth of breast tissue. However, the exact mechanism is not fully understood.

This form of gigantomastia develops during puberty, another life stage characterised by significant hormonal changes. As young girls go through puberty, their bodies produce more hormones like estrogen, which typically causes the breasts to grow. In cases of juvenile gigantomastia, this natural growth process becomes excessive, although the specific reasons for this are still unclear.

Some medications are known to have the potential to cause excessive breast tissue growth. These drugs might certain types of hormone replacement therapy, antipsychotic medications, or even some types of heart medications. Once again, the precise relationship between these medications and breast growth is not entirely understood and can vary from to .

This is the most common form of gigantomastia, and it occurs when there is no identifiable cause or trigger for the abnormal breast growth. This makes it particularly challenging for healthcare professionals to understand and treat effectively.

Even with these classifications, it’s essential to note that the medical community still has much to learn about why hormonal changes and certain may cause breast tissue to grow excessively. More research is needed to better the underlying mechanisms that initiate and sustain this kind of abnormal growth.

Is Gigantomastia a Dangerous Condition?

Gigantomastia is generally considered to be a benign or non-cancerous medical condition. It varies greatly in how it manifests and the severity of symptoms, which means the experience can be different for each individual who has it. In some cases, the symptoms can be quite mild and progress slowly over time. In these situations, the condition is often more of an inconvenience or discomfort rather than a serious health threat.

However, the story doesn’t end there. For some people, the symptoms can be severe and develop quite quickly. Even in less severe cases, the ongoing issues caused by gigantomastia, such as breast and back pain, minor skin abrasions, and breast infections, shouldn’t be taken lightly. Over time, these "minor" complications can escalate and have a cascading effect on one’s overall health. For example, persistent back pain could lead to posture issues, which could then trigger other musculoskeletal problems. Similarly, frequent skin abrasions and infections pose a risk of more severe skin conditions or bacterial infections.

In rare instances, the rapid growth of breast tissue can create acute complications that necessitate urgent medical attention, including the possibility of breast reduction surgery. In such severe cases, the excessive weight of the breasts could potentially strain the heart and lungs, or cause skeletal deformities. Moreover, the constant skin irritation and potential for infection can lead to more serious, hard-to-treat skin conditions or even systemic infections.

Additionally, the emotional and psychological toll of dealing with gigantomastia can’t be . The condition may result in social stigmatisation, body image issues, and mental health like anxiety or depression, all of which can have a profound impact on quality of life.

So, while gigantomastia may not be "dangerous" in the sense for most people, it’s a that can significantly affect both physical and emotional well-being. Therefore, it requires careful monitoring and management, usually involving a multi-disciplinary team of healthcare professionals, to mitigate its various complications and impacts on daily life.

Can Gigantomastia Affect Breastfeeding?

Gigantomastia, or breast hypertrophy, can indeed create complications for women who wish to breastfeed their babies. The challenges stem from both the physical and functional aspects of having extremely large breasts. Here are some of the key issues:

While these may make breastfeeding more difficult, they don’t make it impossible for every woman with gigantomastia. Medical interventions such as antibiotics for infections, topical treatments for skin issues, and lactation consulting for latching and positioning can provide valuable support.

Treatment Options for Gigantomastia

The treatment for gigantomastia, also known as breast hypertrophy, varies depending on several factors, including the severity of the symptoms, the specific type of gigantomastia, and the rate of breast tissue growth. Here’s an in-depth look at the different treatment options available:

If you’re experiencing complications like breast infection (mastitis) or ulcers, your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics, either topical or oral, to combat the infection. Proper wound care, which involves thorough cleaning and covering the affected areas with sterile gauze, may also be recommended to promote healing.

For women who develop gigantomastia during pregnancy, a "wait-and-see" approach may be advised. This is because the condition often resolves on its own after childbirth when hormone levels stabilise.

Some healthcare providers may prescribe medications that regulate hormone levels as a conservative treatment approach. The aim is to control and potentially reduce excessive breast growth without surgical intervention.

is often considered the most effective treatment for gigantomastia. During the procedure, a plastic surgeon makes an incision to expose the breast tissue and then removes excess fat and glandular tissue to reduce the size of the breasts. The excess skin is also removed, and the incision is closed, effectively reducing the size of the breasts to a more manageable and comfortable level.

There are various techniques for breast reduction, and the choice of method will be discussed during your initial consultation with the surgeon. These can differ in terms of incision placement, tissue removal, and other procedural details.

Given that oversized breasts often sag due to their weight and gravity’s effect, a may be performed in conjunction with a breast reduction. This not only improves the appearance of the breasts but also corrects their shape, giving a more youthful and lifted look.

RELATED:

Breast reduction can alleviate many of the physical symptoms associated with gigantomastia, such as neck and back pain. It also mitigates other like skin irritation and infections, making it a comprehensive solution to the challenges posed by this condition.

RELATED: 

What to Expect After Undergoing Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery can be life-changing for many, but it’s important to know what to expect in the aftermath. Here is an outline of the post-operative experience:

Frequently Asked Questions About Gigantomastia

Gigantomastia is a rare where a woman experiences excessive growth of breast tissue. While it can occur at any time, it is most commonly observed during periods of hormonal change such as puberty or pregnancy.

Although generally benign, gigantomastia can lead to a range of physical issues, such as back and neck pain, skin issues, and breastfeeding complications. In extreme cases, urgent breast reduction surgery may be required.

The symptoms vary between individuals but commonly include back and neck pain, posture problems, skin issues like rashes or ulcers, and difficulties with breastfeeding, among others.

Yes, can make breastfeeding very difficult or even due to complications like breast infections, reduced milk production, and severe pain.

Gigantomastia is usually diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and tests like mammograms or ultrasounds. Your healthcare provider may also perform hormonal tests.

Treatment for gigantomastia varies depending on the severity and the patient’s specific symptoms. Options range from pharmacological treatments, like hormone-regulating medications, to surgical procedures such as breast reduction.

, which is an important consideration for anyone thinking about undergoing the procedure. The scars are commonly located on the underside of the breast and possibly around the areola, depending on the surgical technique used.

At Centre for Surgery, our expert surgeons utilise state-of-the-art techniques to minimise the appearance of scars as much as possible. While it’s impossible to perform the surgery without leaving some form of scar, our goal is to make them as unobtrusive as possible.

RELATED: 

Over time, these scars will undergo a natural healing . Initially, they may appear red and raised, but they typically fade into the surrounding skin over a period of months. The final appearance of the scar is usually achieved around one year post-surgery. treatments, like silicone gel or sheets and vitamin E ointments, can be used to further assist in scar fading.

Yes, breast reduction is usually the most effective treatment for gigantomastia and can dramatically improve your of life by alleviating symptoms.

times can vary, but most patients can resume their regular activities within a couple of weeks. Your surgeon will provide personalised post-operative care instructions.

RELATED: 

Centre for Surgery is a leading specialist clinic for plastic surgery, including breast reduction for gigantomastia.

When it comes to treating conditions like gigantomastia, Centre for Surgery stands out as a leading specialist plastic surgery clinic in London. Here’s why you should choose us for your breast reduction needs.

At Centre for Surgery, we have a team of highly trained and experienced surgeons specialising in breast reduction surgeries, including those for rare conditions like gigantomastia. Our use cutting-edge surgical techniques to achieve optimal results.

Our approach is holistic and patient-centred. From your consultation to your post-surgery follow-ups, we ensure you receive comprehensive care at each stage of your treatment journey.

We operate out of a modern, fully-equipped surgical facility, ensuring the highest standards of safety and care for our patients.

We understand that every patient is unique, so we offer tailored treatment plans to meet your specific needs and health objectives.

We maintain full transparency about the procedure, risks, and costs, so you can make an informed decision. We have a track record of high patient satisfaction, based on trust and exemplary .

"From the initial consultation to the post-op check-ups, the care I received at Centre for Surgery was nothing short of excellent."

— Sarah J.

"I was incredibly nervous about the surgery, but the compassionate staff and top-notch surgeons eased my worries. The results are amazing!"

— Emily K.

"The procedure was life-changing. I feel so much lighter, and my back and neck pain is gone. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience."

— Zoe R.

To experience our exceptional care and world-class treatment solutions, book your consultation today:

???? Phone:

???? Email:

???? Address: Baker Street, London W1U 6RN

Choose Centre for Surgery for a better you!

Call or fill in the form below. A patient coordinator will call you within one working day to book your consultation with the consultant best matched to your enquiry.

—Please choose an option— Rhinoplasty (nose surgery) Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) Facelift / Neck lift Otoplasty (ear surgery) Breast augmentation Breast lift Breast reduction Liposuction Tummy tuck Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) Mummy makeover Labiaplasty / Cosmetic gynaecology Gynaecomastia (male breast reduction) FTM / MTF top surgery Skin lesion / mole removal Morpheus8 / Fotona / non-surgical Revision surgery (any previous procedure) Other / not sure yet




Best time to call you

Morning (9am–12pm)Afternoon (12pm–3pm)Late afternoon (3pm–6pm)Any time

Send me occasional treatment guides, patient stories, and clinic news

I have read and understood the

Your enquiry is treated in strict . We respond within one working day, Monday to Saturday.

Request a consultation

Filed Under:

Share this post

Primary Sidebar

I agree to receive marketing communications ()

I agree to receive marketing communications ()

Centre for Surgery is a CQC-regulated private hospital on London’s Baker Street, delivering plastic and cosmetic surgery through GMC-registered specialist surgeons. Our expertise spans facial procedures including and , , for men, and body procedures such as and . Patient safety, surgical excellence and natural-looking results sit at the heart of everything we do.

Centre for Surgery is a CQC-regulated hospital on London’s iconic , offering plastic and cosmetic surgery led by GMC-registered consultant surgeons.

Marylebone

London

W1U 6RN

Mon – Sat, 9am – 6pm

Saturday consultations available