From the Research
Bilateral mastectomy does not directly improve posture or reduce neck pain for most patients. While some women with very large breasts may experience relief from chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain after breast removal, this is not the primary purpose of mastectomy, which is typically performed for cancer treatment or risk reduction. The weight redistribution following mastectomy can potentially alter body mechanics, but this change alone is unlikely to resolve existing posture problems or neck pain. In fact, some patients may develop new musculoskeletal issues following surgery due to compensatory movements or changes in body awareness.
For those seeking relief from breast weight-related pain, breast reduction surgery (reduction mammoplasty) would be a more appropriate procedure than mastectomy, as it has been shown to improve body posture and decrease the perception of pain 1. If you're experiencing neck pain and poor posture, more effective approaches include physical therapy, targeted exercises to strengthen core and upper back muscles, ergonomic modifications, and pain management strategies under medical supervision.
Some studies have investigated the impact of mastectomy on body posture, but the evidence is limited and inconclusive. A study published in 2017 found no significant differences in body posture between women who underwent mastectomy alone and those who underwent immediate breast reconstruction 2. Another study published in 2024 found that unilateral mastectomy can lead to postural alterations, particularly in the coronal plane, and recommended early rehabilitation to mitigate these changes 3.
However, these studies do not provide strong evidence to support the use of bilateral mastectomy as a treatment for posture or neck pain. In contrast, a study published in 2007 found that neck exercise can improve sitting posture in patients with chronic neck pain 4. Therefore, physical therapy and targeted exercises are likely to be more effective in improving posture and reducing neck pain than bilateral mastectomy. Any surgical decision should be based on appropriate medical indications rather than as a solution for musculoskeletal problems.