The Breast Reduction Debate Among Female Athletes

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That weight may seem insignificant and even appealing to some women, but for female athletes, the modest gains in weight can be very concerning. Some female athletes are concerned about how the added weight could affect balance and inhibit performance. As a result, female athletes turn to breast reductions to maximize their performance. But athletes and analysts are split over just how beneficial those reductions can be and what effect they could have on young girls aspiring to be athletes.

Breast Size as a Disadvantage

Women athletes who participate in a wide range of sports resort to breast reductions as a solution to improve performance. Runners, for example, believe the reduction in weight from a breast reduction can also reduce the extra movement created by a fuller chest. Athletes in other sports, such as tennis and softball, have identified better balance and comfort as reasons to pursue a breast reduction, according to ABC News.

In some cases, reductions are a last resort. Gymnasts and other young female athletes try to minimize their breast development in the first place, keeping calorie consumption low while exercising intensely to prevent fat from building up.

Gaining a Competitive Edge

According to Paul Banwell, a prominent plastic surgeon, large breasts can complicate a female athlete's physical and mental health. Large breasts can create pain and discomfort when they are jostled and moved repeatedly during an athletic performance. The extra weight added to the chest can also exacerbate back and neck pain. Skin rashes may develop, and the stress of bra straps is also uncomfortable. Meanwhile, female athletes may suffer from low self-esteem resulting from their large breasts, which can also affect performance.

Influence on Younger Generations

The trend of prominent athletes reducing their breast size could have an unhealthy effect on younger athletes. According to ABC News, one prominent volleyball player said that reductions imply to younger athletes that big-breasted women can't play competitive sports.

According to the Cosmetic Surgery National Data Bank, 100,000 women had breast reduction surgeries last year, and some of those surgeries were a result of athletic performance concerns. If prominent female athletes continue to pursue this type of body modification to improve their athletic abilities, it could encourage up-and-coming female athletes to take a similar course of action. Is that wrong?

Surgery Risks & Concerns

While some female athletes will tout the benefits of a breast reduction surgery, the procedure should not be taken lightly. Any surgery carries inherent risk to the individual, and women need to be sure they're properly protected from any complications that could arise. State Farm has life insurance policies guaranteed to provide coverage in the event of surgery-related complications. Even with this coverage though, you will want to consult your coaches, family and friends, and surgeon to get a variety of perspectives and opinions before coming to a final decision and going under the knife.

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There is 1 comment on this post. Join the discussion!

shafted1 says:

Although all surgery carries inherent risks, reduction procedures seem far less invasive than implants. As a male, I will not pretend to understand the issues faced by female athletes. As the father of three girls, I'd much rather any of them consider reduction surgery as opposed to implants. Does reduction surgery, either positively or negatively, impact the risks of breast cancer?

Wednesday, October 9, 2013 at 2:58am EDT

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