How do large breasts contribute to upper back pain. What are the main causes of discomfort associated with breast size. Can proper bra fitting alleviate back pain from large breasts. Is breast reduction surgery an effective solution for chronic back pain.

Understanding the Link Between Breast Size and Back Pain

Upper back pain is a common complaint among women with large breasts. While the connection may seem obvious, the relationship between breast size and back discomfort is more complex than it appears at first glance. Research has shown that breast size can indeed be a contributing factor to upper back pain, but it’s not the sole cause.

A 2013 study focusing on postmenopausal women, many of whom were overweight or obese, found a correlation between larger breasts and thoracic (upper back) pain. However, it’s important to note that other factors, such as body weight and improper bra fit, may also play significant roles in causing discomfort.

Biomechanical Factors

Dr. Peter G. Whang, a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon, explains the biomechanical aspects of how large breasts can contribute to back pain:

• Added weight causes forward flexion (kyphosis)
• Non-physiologic forces are applied to the spinal column
• Back muscles work overtime to maintain spine alignment
• Increased stress and fatigue on supporting structures

These factors combined can lead to chronic discomfort and postural issues in women with larger breasts.

Common Causes of Upper Back Pain

While breast size can contribute to upper back pain, it’s essential to understand that there are various other potential causes. Some of the most common reasons for upper back discomfort include:

1. Disc herniation
2. Osteoarthritis
3. Myofascial pain
4. Vertebral fractures
5. Poor posture
6. Muscle strain
7. Pinched nerves

Is upper back pain always related to breast size? No, it’s crucial to consider these other potential causes when experiencing persistent discomfort.

The Impact of Bra Fit on Back Pain

Proper bra fit is often cited as a crucial factor in managing back pain associated with large breasts. However, research on this topic has yielded mixed results.

A 2008 study on breast size, bra fit, and thoracic pain in young women revealed that 80% of participants were wearing incorrectly sized bras. Interestingly, women with larger breasts were more likely to wear ill-fitting bras.

Does wearing the wrong bra size always lead to back pain? Not necessarily. The study found that bra fit appeared to be unrelated to pain. However, a poorly fitted bra could impair its function as breast support, potentially leading to discomfort.

Tips for Proper Bra Fitting

• Get professionally measured regularly
• Ensure the band fits snugly around the ribcage
• Check that the cups fully contain the breast tissue
• Adjust straps for proper support without digging into shoulders
• Consider sports bras for high-impact activities

Neck and Shoulder Pain: Another Consequence of Large Breasts

Upper back pain isn’t the only discomfort associated with large breasts. A 2012 study examined the relationship between breast size, bra cup size, and pain in the shoulders and neck. The research concluded that large cup size was a significant contributor to shoulder and neck pain.

How do large breasts affect the neck and shoulders? The added weight of large breasts can cause:

• Increased tension in neck muscles
• Strain on shoulder ligaments
• Compression of nerves in the upper body
• Postural changes that affect the entire spine

These factors combined can lead to chronic pain and discomfort in the neck and shoulder regions.

Strategies for Managing Back Pain Caused by Large Breasts

If you’re experiencing back pain related to breast size, there are several strategies you can employ to manage your discomfort:

Exercise and Strengthening

Strengthening the core muscles in your abdomen and back can help alleviate back pain. Consider incorporating the following into your routine:

• Yoga poses targeting back muscles
• Pilates exercises for core strength
• Low-impact cardio to improve overall fitness
• Resistance training for upper body strength

Nutrition and Supplements

Maintaining proper nutrition can play a role in managing back pain. A 2021 study found a link between insufficient vitamin D levels and nonspecific lower back pain. Consider the following nutritional strategies:

• Ensure adequate vitamin D intake through diet or supplements
• Consume calcium-rich foods for bone health
• Stay hydrated to maintain spinal disc health
• Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods into your diet

Posture Correction

Improving posture can significantly reduce strain on the back muscles. Try these techniques:

• Practice proper sitting and standing alignment
• Use ergonomic furniture at work and home
• Perform posture-correcting exercises regularly
• Consider using posture-supporting devices

Breast Reduction Surgery: A Potential Solution

For some women with chronic back pain related to large breasts, breast reduction surgery may be a viable option. Research has shown that this procedure can potentially lessen back pain by allowing for better posture and reducing strain on the back muscles.

Is breast reduction surgery always necessary for back pain relief? Not necessarily. It’s essential to discuss this option thoroughly with your physician, considering the source of your pain and all available treatments before making a decision.

Factors to Consider Before Opting for Surgery

• Severity and duration of back pain
• Effectiveness of non-surgical treatments
• Overall health and fitness level
• Potential risks and complications of surgery
• Recovery time and post-operative care
• Psychological and emotional factors

Remember, breast reduction surgery is a significant medical procedure that should only be considered after careful consultation with healthcare professionals.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Back Pain

While some degree of back discomfort can be managed at home, there are instances where professional medical attention is necessary. Seek medical help if you experience:

• Persistent or worsening pain despite home remedies
• Pain that radiates down the legs
• Numbness or tingling in extremities
• Difficulty controlling bladder or bowels
• Fever accompanying back pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Recent trauma or injury to the back

Why is early diagnosis important for back pain? The sooner you receive a proper diagnosis, the quicker you can begin targeted treatment and find relief from your symptoms.

Comprehensive Approach to Managing Breast-Related Back Pain

Addressing back pain caused by large breasts often requires a multifaceted approach. Consider combining the following strategies for optimal results:

1. Proper bra fitting and support
2. Regular exercise and strength training
3. Good posture habits
4. Nutritional support for bone and muscle health
5. Stress management techniques
6. Professional medical advice and treatment

By taking a comprehensive approach to managing your back pain, you can improve your quality of life and reduce the impact of breast-related discomfort on your daily activities.

The Role of Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can be an effective treatment option for women experiencing back pain due to large breasts. A trained physical therapist can:

• Assess your posture and movement patterns
• Develop a customized exercise program
• Teach proper body mechanics for daily activities
• Provide manual therapy techniques for pain relief
• Recommend supportive devices or clothing

How long does it take to see results from physical therapy? While individual experiences may vary, many people begin to notice improvements within a few weeks of consistent therapy sessions.

The Psychological Impact of Breast-Related Back Pain

It’s important to acknowledge that chronic back pain caused by large breasts can have significant psychological effects. Women may experience:

• Decreased self-esteem
• Body image issues
• Social anxiety
• Depression
• Reduced quality of life

Addressing these psychological aspects is crucial for overall well-being. Consider seeking support through:

1. Counseling or therapy
2. Support groups for women with similar experiences
3. Body-positive communities
4. Mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques

Remember, your mental health is just as important as your physical health when dealing with chronic pain.

Future Research and Developments

As our understanding of the relationship between breast size and back pain continues to evolve, ongoing research may lead to new insights and treatment options. Some areas of future study may include:

• Advanced imaging techniques to better understand biomechanical factors
• Development of more supportive and comfortable bra designs
• Innovative non-surgical treatments for breast-related back pain
• Long-term studies on the effectiveness of various interventions
• Personalized treatment approaches based on individual factors

Staying informed about new developments in this field can help you make better decisions about your health and well-being.

Emerging Technologies

Several emerging technologies show promise in addressing breast-related back pain:

1. 3D-printed custom support garments
2. Smart fabrics with adaptive support
3. Wearable devices for posture correction
4. Virtual reality applications for pain management
5. AI-assisted diagnosis and treatment planning

While many of these technologies are still in development, they represent exciting possibilities for future pain management strategies.

In conclusion, the connection between large breasts and upper back pain is complex and multifaceted. While breast size can contribute to discomfort, it’s essential to consider other factors and explore various treatment options. By taking a comprehensive approach to managing your pain and staying informed about new developments, you can work towards finding relief and improving your overall quality of life.

Large Breasts and Upper Back Pain: What’s the Connection?

Many people experience upper back pain at some point in their lives, whether as a result of intense exercise, poor posture, or injury.

Symptoms of upper back pain may include aching muscles and a stabbing pain in your upper back.

Many people believe large breasts are a cause for upper back pain in women. The theory is that the breasts’ weight strains the ligaments and muscles in the back, resulting in discomfort.

This appears to be a logical connection, though upper back pain is a common condition anyone can experience — regardless of sex or breast size. So, what does the research say?

The relationship between large breasts and upper back pain appears to be somewhat more complex, involving multiple other factors. But a limited amount of research has demonstrated a link between large breasts and upper back pain.

A small 2013 study of postmenopausal women (the majority of whom had overweight or obesity) did find thoracic (upper back) pain was associated with larger breasts. Some of the participants also wore improperly sized bras.

It’s likely that other factors, such as higher body weight or a pinched nerve, are additional primary contributors to upper back pain.

There are a number of causes of upper back pain. They include:

• injury to the discs in your back, such as herniation
• osteoarthritis as a result of the breakdown of cartilage in your spine
• myofascial pain
• vertebral fracture

Upper back pain isn’t the only discomfort attributed to breast size.

A 2012 study examined the relationship between breast size, bra cup size, and pain in participants’ shoulders and neck. Researchers concluded large cup size was an important contributor to shoulder and neck pain.

A small 2008 study on breast size, bra fit, and thoracic pain in young women found 80 percent of participants were wearing the incorrect bra size.

What’s more, women with larger breasts were more likely to wear an incorrect bra size. It’s a common belief the wrong fit — and the poor posture that results from it — can lead to upper back pain.

Researchers said bra fit appeared to be unrelated to pain. However, if a bra was poorly fitted, it could impair its function as breast support. This could, in turn, cause certain levels of discomfort.

Breast size is commonly seen as a reason for upper back pain, as are improperly fitted bras.

Research shows that even though breast size isn’t the only determining factor in upper back pain, it can be a factor.

You can ease your back pain by strengthening the core muscles in your abdomen and back. Try these 10 yoga poses for back pain to get started.

Maintaining sufficient levels of vitamin D and calcium may also help ease back pain. A 2021 study found insufficient levels of vitamin D to be linked to nonspecific lower back pain.

There’s also literature showing that breast reduction surgery may lessen back pain by helping to allow for better posture. This is something you would need to discuss closely with your physician when considering the source of pain and treatments available.

If your back pain persists or increases in intensity, visit a doctor. The earlier you get a diagnosis, the sooner you can get treatment and relief.

Why Breast Size Can Affect Back Pain

Women know that gravity is cruel—maybe moreso to those with heavy breasts.

Large breasts can cause headaches; postural issues; neck pain; upper and lower back pain, nerve pain; and even physical abnormalities caused by overloaded bra straps.

Will a breast reduction help with back pain? Possibly, say our experts.

The condition known as macromastia or breast hypertrophy is frequently observed in women, and while many women don’t have issues with having large breasts, others find it to be difficult and even painful to their backs.

So what can be done?

How Pain Occurs

How Back Pain from Large Breasts Happens

According to Peter G. Whang, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.A.O.S., a board-certified orthopaedic spine surgeon and an associate professor in the department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation at the Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, CT, heavy breasts must be considered as a back pain culprit.

“It certainly makes sense from a biomechanical point of view that women with large breasts may be predisposed to having increased pain in the thoracolumbar spine because of their abnormal posture,” he explains. “As a result of the added weight, [large breasts] can cause an individual to flex forward (i.e., become kyphotic), which subjects the spinal column and other supporting structures to significant, non-physiologic forces.”

“Additionally,” says Dr. Whang, “the stabilizing muscles in your back have to work overtime to keep your spine aligned, which results in increased stresses and fatigue.”

Sheri Dewan, M.D., a board-certified neurosurgeon at Northwestern Medicine Regional Medical Group in the Chicago suburbs, agrees: “Typically, hypertrophic breast tissue can cause a number of issues involving posture, muscular pain related to strain in the [shoulder area], and increased gravitational force that may all contribute to spinal discomfort or disorders. ”

That’s right—gravity itself is part of the problem.

“Many women can actually have large breasts that weigh several pounds [each],” says Michael Howard, M.D., a board-certified plastic surgeon at Northwestern who specializes in microsurgical breast reconstruction. “In the course of a day with just the natural force of gravity, that pull and that gravity has to be displaced somewhere or supported somewhere.”

That somewhere is in the muscles of the back.

“If you think of the breast as a weight that is hanging out from the front of the body, the body has to counteract that weight to keep from tipping the woman over. It’s just a like a teeter-totter—there’s a balance,” says Dr. Howard. “So you’ve got to put force on the body in the opposite direction to counteract that several pounds of force pulling you forward. When you have that force puling you back, that’s your back muscles that are working overtime to really counterbalance the weight.”

Nonoperative Treatment

Conservative Treatment   

Most doctors agree that non-operative treatments are the first line of defense.

“The majority of individuals who present with pain associated with larger breasts will experience symptomatic relief with conservative treatments,” explains Dr. Whang.

Dr. Dewan also believes a conservative approach is the best place to begin.

“I typically start with conservative treatments including physical therapy for stability strengthening and other modalities including ice/heat/moist heat,” she says. “In addition, aquatherapies can be beneficial.”

But conservative treatment isn’t always the answer.

“I have certainly had to refer several individuals to plastic surgeons for consideration of breast reduction,” says Dr. Whang.

While Dr. Whang has seen success with breast reduction surgery, he advises seeking more professional advice first.

“The decision to proceed with breast reduction also requires the input of a plastic surgeon to ensure that this procedure is indeed the most appropriate treatment for a particular individual,” he says.

Surgery

Breast Reduction for Back Pain

Breast reduction surgery, also called reduction mammoplasty, is becoming more common—“one of the most commonly requested and most predictably successful plastic surgery procedures,” says Dr. Bethanne Snodgrass, M.D., on the website of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). In fact, according to the ASPS 2019 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report, more than 46,000 reduction mammoplasties were performed in 2019, an increase over 2018. And a great many of those surgeries were for back pain.

“Having seen several hundred breast reduction operations … overwhelmingly, every woman comes in with some degree of shoulder, neck, and back pain. It is universally common to women with large breasts,” says Dr. Howard.

When it comes to the decision to have breast reduction surgery, it’s important to know what is and isn’t possible.

“I think the most important part of breast reduction surgery starts from the very first moment that I am meeting the patient, and that is expectation setting from the outset,” Dr Howard says. “If a patient has the right expectations for the surgery, then success is almost guaranteed in this.”

Dr. Howard adds that the “vast majority of patients” see improvement of their symptoms.

“So when you set that expectation ahead of time, then they go into it with a realistic look,” he says.

The surgery itself is generally outpatient, done under general anesthesia. Your surgeon will meet with you before the surgery and mark on the skin where incisions will be made. The surgery takes around two to three hours in operating room, with a full recovery time of about three to four weeks on average.

Your surgeon will use techniques to decrease breast volume—the reduction—but also to ensure pleasing aesthetic results and good breast function after surgery. That includes sensation and circulation in the nipples and even the ability to breastfeed.

There is also something of a lift effect after surgery, which in and of itself helps reduce back pain and back issues. For most women, according to Dr. Howard, “the breast ends up narrower, tighter, and lifted, and then obviously smaller in volume … you’re going to have less strain on the back.”

Post-Surgical Outcome

Satisfied Patients and Post-Surgical Outcomes

Breast reduction surgery results in one of the most satisfied patient populations, says the ASPS: “Patient satisfaction rates after breast reduction are very high, and it is the rare patient who will not experience significant relief of her symptoms after surgery. ”

Published medical studies have found similar results. A 2019 study in the journal Plastic and Reconstruction Surgery – Global Open stated “Reduction mammaplasty [sic] produces an unmistakable improvement in signs, symptoms, and quantifiable measures [in spinal angles, posture, center of gravity, and back pain reduction].” A 2020 study in European Spine Journal said, “The evidence gleaned suggests that [reduction mammoplasty] reduces the prevalence of back pain in patients with large breasts.”

If you are a woman with large breasts who has back, neck, and shoulder pain, problems with posture, or similar concerns, talk with your doctor about whether speaking with a plastic surgeon may be right for you. Your doctor and your surgeon can also help you speak with your health insurance company to get them to cover the surgery. After all, in these kinds of cases, it’s not aesthetics. It’s treatment.

“The primary goal is functional improvement” reminds Dr. Howard. Surgeons make sure “that the symptoms of the patients do point to a reconstructive/functional improvement. I encourage women to” look into it.

• Aesthetic Surgery Techniques. Edited by James D. Frame, MD; Shahrokh C. Bagheri, MD; David J. Smith, Jr., MD; and Husain Ali Khan, MD. Part 4, Chapter 26: “Breast Reduction.” by Alexandre S.F. Fonseca, MD, PhD; Guilherme Flosi Stocchero, MD; and Gustavo Flosi Stocchero, MD.
• Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Summer 1993 . “Reduction mammoplasty for macromastia.” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8213315/
• Canadian Journal of Plastic Surgery. Spring 2013. “Reduction mammoplasty improves body posture and decreases perception of pain.“ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24431933/
• Plastic Surgical Nursing. Jan/Mar 2020. “The Effect of Reduction Mammoplasty on Body Posture: A Preliminary Study.” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32102077/
• The Mayo Clinic. “Breast Reduction Surgery.” https://www. mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/breast-reduction-surgery/about/pac-20385246
• The American Society of Plastic Surgeons. November 2012. “Large Breasts Causing Back Pain? Surgery Can Offer Relief.” by Dr. Bethanne Snodgrass, MD.

Our Review Process

Big breasts call out from the back? Breast augmentation surgery brings relief

One of the most frequently requested and most successfully performed plastic surgery procedures is the change of female breasts. A lot of women suffer from symptoms that call out from their breasts. Unfortunately, non-surgical methods of healing often do not bring any relief.

A rich woman with great breasts looks at her back.

The medical term for large breasts is macromastia, and if large breasts are associated with other physical problems, they are called symptomatic macromastia. Important breasts can cause damage to the various systems of the body. In addition, injecting macromast can take away obesity, reducing the physical activity of a woman.

Macromass symptoms may include chronic pain in the neck, back and shoulders; bіl thoracic cleft; headaches; filthy postavu; furrows on the shoulders; naming and shaking hands; buttocks, disturbed by sleep, hanging under the breasts and between the breasts, as well as in the furrows on the straps of the bra and low tolerance of physical stress. The symptoms may be similar to those of arthritis or other disc problems, thoracic outlet syndrome, migraine, sleep apnea, and other conditions. However, for most patients, the diagnosis of symptomatic macromastia is simple and does not depend on the large number of tests.

Can you treat the symptoms of important breasts without surgery? Mild debilitating symptoms can be relieved by anti-spasmodic liposuction, heat packs, massage, chiropractic, physiotherapy, etc. Unfortunately, for women with more important and persistent symptoms, such treatment methods rarely provide permanent relief. Low success rate of non-surgical methods and the success of these patients in good documentation in the medical literature.

How about a bra for a trim? A good fit of a bra should not be worn out, as it can worsen the symptoms of the neck, chest wall and shoulder.

What does the loss of the vaga help? Although vtrata vaga often bazhana beyond the camp of health, it has been shown more than once that there are no effective symptoms associated with important breasts. All right in gravity. Great breasts become more and more important under the force of gravity, but not to the one who expands the skin of the breasts, like a yo-yo, but to the one who grows in volume. Shkіra of breasts is an important thing, to make a significant contribution to the deep vaga of the breasts, and if it is an increase in the obligation of the shkir of the breasts, it’s constant, so that it’s not a werewolf with an extra vaga.

Breast reshaping surgery, also called reduction mammoplasty, is a highly effective method of treatment of symptomatic macromastia, and oscillation is inadvertently associated with the cause of symptoms. Numerous medical reports have confirmed the success of breast reshaping surgery for women with symptoms related to the epigastric vago of the breasts. Benefits include improvement in physical functioning, improvement in pain, improvement in skeletal stability, improvement in leg function, improvement in sleep quality, improvement in headaches, and improvement in visualization of breast cancer on mammography. Indicators of patient satisfaction after the change of the breasts are at the temples, and the patient is not aware of a significant relief of her symptoms after the operation.

Breast augmentation surgery is a standard part of plastic surgery, although plastic surgeons may not be able to complete the same procedure. Deyakі surgeons send their patients home on the day of the operation, at that hour, as others vvazhayut for better, so that their patients are left for nothing in the likarni or short-line setting. In case of any type of patients, call to rob the operation under general anesthesia. Keeping an eye on the opening after the operation is not difficult, although small zatriki in the zastrіchayutsya often finish. Most of the patients can be fully restored for six days, but the residual shape of the breasts will not be seen for many months. Women are guilty of knowing that all operations on the breasts cause scarring, which may interfere with the interpretation of possible mammograms by a radiologist and may yearn for an additional assessment.

One of the biggest problems for wealthy women who are planning breast augmentation surgery is the loss of insurance coverage for such surgery. Stay with us for some discussion in a forthcoming post.

How big breasts affect back health

October 29, 2019 17:56 Society What the fair sex does not go to in order to attract as many admiring glances as possible. However, girls with small breasts will never understand busty beauties. It seems that all the problems of women with a large bust are ridiculous and far-fetched. Why big breasts are the cause of dissatisfaction with many women, “Vechernyaya Moskva” was told by the candidate of medical sciences, plastic surgeon Lyubov Gauer.

Many girls envy the owners of large breasts often in vain. On the agenda is the question: why do some women try to get rid of large breasts? After all, once it was considered an ideal. However, it is impossible to keep up with fashion. Naturalness is in trend now, so beautiful, but natural forms attract the eye more than a magnificent bust.

In fact, the cult of big breasts is still in vogue, but it has begun to slowly depart into the past. The myth that “men only look at size” gradually began to dissipate. Many girls have seen by their own example what inconvenience large breasts can cause. It is precisely because of a health disorder that many stars abandoned implants and decided to return to their original size.

Victoria Beckham. The wife of a famous football player made the decision to enlarge her breasts many years ago. However, after the birth of her third child, Victoria refused the previously installed implants. Beckham explained this by the fact that her breasts gave her significant inconvenience. Together with silicone, the woman received discomfort.

Nicole Kidman decided that her big breasted fans would love her even more. However, the star’s hopes did not come true. Nicole instead of new fans received a lot of criticism and negativity. For unknown reasons, after a few years, the star decided to return to her natural size. Rumor has it that big breasts prevented Kidman from fully exercising.

Courtney Love. Implants did not bypass another Hollywood diva. Courtney Love “made” herself a new chest in the early 2000s. True, the magnificent bust did not remain “forever”. The girl said that she was very tired of her breasts, which bring discomfort and a lot of inconvenience. However, Courtney never stopped loving dresses with a deep neckline.

Doctor Lyubov Gauer is sure that the fashion for a large bust is a thing of the past / Photo: From the personal archive of Lyubov Gauer

So why did even foreign stars begin to believe that a large bust is not a gift from nature, but some kind of discomfort and constant restrictions?

The most frequent complaints from buxom beauties are back and neck pain. Due to the overload of the spine, a curvature of the posture can be observed. Large breasts make their mistress stoop, and the ligaments of the spine are in constant tension. Often there may be pain between the shoulder blades due to the weight of the breast. Girls with large breasts are most often faced with diagnoses such as osteochondrosis and curvature of the spine. Back pain, heart pain, and even difficulty breathing are all most commonly experienced by women with large breasts.

How can you “make friends” with a voluminous bust? The first thing to do is to choose the right bra. Otherwise, the chest can cause problems in the upper back by twisting the spine. However, doing this is not as easy as it seems. It is not at all easy for owners of large breasts to find the right bra in the store. Usually they all squeeze and rub. And finding the right color is not so easy.

You need to exercise, get massages and lead a healthy lifestyle. Only thanks to the excellent condition of strong ligaments and muscles, it is possible to somehow control the pain in the thoracic and cervical spine. But be prepared for the fact that playing sports will bring a lot of discomfort. Many physical exercises simply cannot be done correctly and fully with large breasts: squats, push-ups, running, etc.

The fold between the skin and the underside of the chest is often irritated and chafed. In summer, water can collect under the breasts, leaving wet spots on clothes. Sound sleep is another reason why many girls refuse a magnificent bust. For example, sleeping on your stomach is definitely not going to work. Due to the displacement of the tissue mass of the mammary glands, sleeping on the side also becomes difficult. The tension of the skin on the chest prevents quality sleep and makes busty beauties toss and turn for several hours in search of a comfortable position.

There are many reasons to complain about large breasts. Therefore, the reduction operation is in increasing demand. The fashion for natural forms and natural sizes has replaced the general obsession with a magnificent bust.