Can huge breasts cause shortness of breath? (Photos)

Large breasts have been implicated in pain of back, neck, shoulders and migraines. I find it plausible that their weight while lying on your back can make breathing a bit difficult too. However, you have been found to have a defect in your heart. This problem should be addressed before your breasts. I believe the hole in your heart is the primary cause of your shortness of breath and your breasts just add to the problem. Once you are ready to reduce the size of your breasts to relieve the back, neck pain problems consider the Bellesoma Method. I've included a short video that shows how it's done. No vertical scar and no breast implants for upper pole fullness. Your cardiologist will need to clear you for surgery.I hope this helps. Best wishes,

Extremely large breasts have been linked to a number of physical complaints such as neck, shoulder, and back pain, migraine headaches, and shortness of breath. Your shortness of breath may be related to the "hole in the heart" defect instead of your breast size.  I recommend that you be evaluated by your cardiologist to determine if surgery to close the hole is necessary.  In order to undergo BR surgery,  you would have to be medically approved by a heart specialist. With most modern techniques of breast reduction, the ducts should be preserved as well as the sensation.  Therefore, breast-feeding should be possible with future children.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA 

I would seek consultation with a good primary care doctor or a cardiologist is you suspect you have any cardiac problems.   Both of these doctors will better determine the reason for your shortness of breath.

Thank you for the question and pictures. Based on your description and photographs, you seem to be a good candidate for breast reduction surgery, at some point. This operation tends to be one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform.  Breast hypertrophy can certainly be a cause of neck, back, shoulder discomfort;  I would suggest however that you do not assume that it is the cause of your shortness of breath. Instead, I would suggest that you have your primary care doctor work up your "cardiopulmonary" systems to make sure that there is no  other cause of the shortness of breath.  Then, once you have received "medical clearance", seek consultation with board-certified plastic surgeons to discuss breast reduction surgery (as well as the potential risks/complications associatewith the operation). Best wishes.

Hello and thank you for your excellent question. Large breasts can contribute to many symptoms, including neck and back pain (as you have found). It would be unusual for your breasts to be causing your chest pain, but not impossible. You are certainly a reasonable candidate for a breast reduction. Of course, you will need an in-person consultation to evaluate you for this procedure. Preoperative visualization and surgical simulation with the Crisalix system may help with your decision. I suggest that you find a board-certified plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of patients who have had similar procedures. Good luck!
Best,

Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS

Harvard educated plastic surgeon

Texas “Top Doc”