Polymastia – excess breast tissue
Excess breast tissue is due to incomplete regression of the milk line in the unborn child in the womb. Hormonal influences during menstruation, pregnancy or breastfeeding can cause the additional (accessory) breasts to change in size and become painful.
As this is normal breast tissue, all forms of breast disease can also occur in the supernumerary breast tissue. Excess breast tissue usually occurs on both sides and is often found near the armpit and the pectoral muscle.
The excess breast tissue leads to a protrusion, cyclical pain and occasionally to painful restrictions of movement in the arm. The discomfort can be resolved using a scar-saving technique. In the case of very large excess breasts, the removal of the skin mantle should be considered, which can be accompanied by a scar of several centimeters.
As pregnancy leads to an increase in excess breast tissue and a reduction in skin tone, it is recommended that breast tissue is removed before pregnancy.
