Breast hypertrophy is a disproportionate increase in breast volume compared to what is considered normal for a patient’s age, weight, and height (body mass index). It is also known as gigantomastia.

Symptoms of Breast Hypertrophy
César Casado Sánchez

The clinical presentation can vary widely, but patients commonly experience:

• Back and neck pain, due to the excessive weight of the breast tissue affecting the spine.
• Poor posture (ergonomic issues), either from compensating for the weight or from adopting postures to conceal the excess volume.
• Shoulder problems, caused by pressure from bra straps.
• Eczematous skin reactions in the inframammary folds due to excessive sweating.
• Difficulty performing sports or sleeping comfortably.
• Difficulty dressing normally.

Diagnosis of Breast Hypertrophy.

Diagnosis is based on a series of measurements taken during consultation, including:

• Distance from the neck to the areola
• Breast base measurements
• Inframammary fold position

These measurements are evaluated in relation to the patient’s age and body mass index to establish objective criteria for breast hypertrophy.

Some patients may simply have breast ptosis (sagging) without true hypertrophy. In other words, all patients with breast hypertrophy have some degree of ptosis, but not all patients with ptosis have hypertrophy.

Treatment of Breast Hypertrophy or Gigantomastia.

The most effective treatment is breast reduction surgery, which reduces breast volume and repositions the breasts to a more natural location.

The procedure typically involves incisions around the areola and along the lower pole of the breast. This approach allows surgeons to restore a more natural and rejuvenated appearance, achieving breast volume that is better proportioned to the patient’s body and personal preferences.

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