Binders compress the breast tissues, i.e, they are tighter and more fitting than a bra. As it is pressing down on the skin and body so much, there are disadvantages of wearing binders which everyone should be aware of while purchasing/opting to wear one.
1. Pain and discomfort
Binding can be sweaty, uncomfortable, or even painful, restrictive to your movement and even your breathing if not of the right size, i.e, too small. If it hurts, cuts your skin, or prevents you from breathing, it is too tight.
2. Harm to Ribs and Lungs
If one opts for a binder one or more sizes smaller than what they should actually get and what their measurements conform to, then it will become so tight that it will: restrict breathing, break the ribs, bruise the skin and even crush the lungs. Never choose a smaller size.
3. Reduces Skin Elasticity
A binder worn over a long period of time (like nine years or so) can affect the skin elasticity, hence increasing the risks during top surgery (removal of the breasts) which transmen get sometimes.
4. Sags the Breasts
Wearing binders over a long period of time can cause the breasts to sag (loosening of breast tissues). That is why it is preferable of regular binder-wearers to perform chest firming or chest flattening exercises like push ups and triceps dips and chest presses.
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NOTE: You may also be tempted to try buying a binder that is one size too small in the hopes that it will flatten your chest even more. Avoid this type of thinking and buy the size that correlates to your physical measurements. Binders are already designed to be very tight when they fit properly-- buying a size too small will be so tight that it may cause severe discomfort or injury.
