Enlarged trapezius muscles after breast reduction?

Question

I had breast reduction 2 mos ago. Even before that I had a huge upper back. My trainer said that the enlarged trapezius muscles were caused from sustaining the extra weight from very large breasts. How can I get them to shrink now that I dont carry that extra weight? I am 5'7 and 190 pounds.

Joe Gryskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Sterling,I hope your are feeling a ton better following your surgery!  This would probably be a question for your PS who can examine you in the clinic.  I would guess they will grow smaller over time, many months.  The answer below by Dr. Engler looks to be a good one, too.  All the best, "Dr. Joe"

Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

I'm not sure you can control that to that degree of specificity.  You might be able to build those muscles up with targeted exercises but they should atrophy a bit (or become less hypertrophied) on their own if their bulk was due to the enlarged breasts.It is, of course, hard to know if that's truly the case but this is a good way to find out!I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of RealSelf100

Enlarged trapezius muscles after breast reduction?

Answers (2)