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What Should I Consider Before Having Breast Reduction?

asked 2 years ago by hellomimi in Michigan
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 1,455 times
Tags: age 18-24, breasts

I am 20 yrs old and I'm seriously looking into having breast reduction. I have always had very large breast but now that I've had a child and breastfed my bra size is 34DDD. I am 5'3 and I weigh about 140 lbs. I have been hunching more than ever and now it hurts to sit up straight in addition to severe back pain at the end of the day. My husband is worried about me regretting the surgery and I do not know anyone who has had breast reduction.

What should I consider before having the surgery? What questions should I ask my doctor? Any information is welcomed and thank you in advance!

23 answers to What Should I Consider Before Having Breast Reduction?

Breast Reduction for 20 year old?

Thank you for the question. It sounds like you are dealing with juvenile breast hypertrophy along with the physical and psychosocial consequences of this diagnosis. In other words, the breasts are too large for the frame causing both physical and psychological distress. As you think about breast reduction surgery make sure you do your homework and understand the potential risks and complications associated with the procedure. Unsatisfactory... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Things to consider when planning a breast reduction

I would discuss your concerns with your gynecologist or internist first and obtain recommendations from them based on their knowledge of practitioners in the community. Alternatively, you can call them with a list of plastic surgeons from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (plasticsurgery.org). Then you should schedule a consultation with at least 2 if not 3 and proceed based on the information provided. see video

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Before breast reduction, consider the resulting scars.

Breast reduction patients are generally quite happy to be relieved of excess weight on the chest. The operation is safe and the convalescence is pretty easy. Most patients maintain nipple sensibility and the breasts look more youthful. However, because skin removal is a requirement of the procedure, incisions proportional to the amount of skin removed result. Make sure you understand the resulting incisions.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Find the board certified surgeon for you

There are a lot of things to keep in mind when it comes to breast reduction surgery. You want to make sure you consult with several board certified plastic surgeons to find the one that is best for you. Bring pictures of what you want to look like after surgery and ask to see pictures of the surgeons past patients and their results. Look into whether your insurance company would any of the procedure and if they do, find a surgeon in your network and in your area. Be advised of what the... more

Amy K. Alderman, M.D., M.P.H.
Alpharetta Plastic Surgeon

What to consider before having a breast reduction

If you are having significant back pain and problems with your posture, you may benefit from a breast reduction surgery. This procedure may also be covered by your medical insurance since it would be considered a reconstructive and not cosmetic surgery. You should discuss this with your health insurance carrier and plastic surgeon as policies vary significantly. As far as the surgery itself, you should be aware that you may have changes in your nipple sensation and your... more

William Bruno, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

What ToConsider Before Having Breast Reduction Surgery

It sounds like you are an ideal candidate for breast reduction since you've been hunching more than ever and now it hurts to sit up straight, not to mention suffering from severe back pain at the end of the day. Because it's used to relieve medical problems, breast reduction is considered a reconstructive surgery and is often covered by insurance. So why are so many women still reluctant to undergo the procedure? The short answer is that most are turned off by the large... more

Ricardo Rodriguez, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

Important facts about Breast Reduction

If you have excessively large breasts, you may consider breast reduction surgery if you have the following symptoms: 1) Back pain 2) Bra strap grooving on your shoulders 3) Severe rashes of the skin in the lower breast folds Things to consider that may affect your breast reduction results: 1) Weight gain or weight loss can affect your breast results over time. 2) Sagging can occur after breast reduction over time. 3) Nipple sensation can be reduced... more

Kevin Brenner, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Considerations before undergoing breast reduction

Breast reduction surgery may be of great benefit in alleviating back and neck pain and improving posture. However, there are many issues that need to be addressed, including scars, potential impact of future pregnancies, and other complications. Seek out a board certified plastic surgeon with expertise in this field before making any decisions.

Olivia Hutchinson, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction considerations

Prior to consulting with a PS, ask your friends if they can refer you to women who have had breast reduction. Find out about their experiences, both good and bad aspects. Ask your mother and 1st degree female relatives about their breast health, including any history of breast cysts, biopsies and cancer. Optimize your health. Many insurance companies will deny coverage of breast reduction if you are over the recommended weight for your height. You can find... more

Lavinia Chong, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

www.chongmd.com

Breast reduction

I think the first thing that you would need is to have a good consultation so that all your questions are answered. You should be informed of the procedure, the potential scarring, the complications, etc.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Important considerations before a breast reduction

There are several important things to keep in mind before he breast reduction surgery. When discussing your options and your aesthetic goals with your plastic surgeon make sure they were both on the same page. Breast reduction surgery should not just make the breast smaller but more attractive as well. Another priority is to minimize the incisions as much as possible. In our practice, 95% of our breast reductions are performed through a periareolar incision or the lollipop... more

B. Pat Pazmino, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Planning for breast reduction

First off, you should consult a board-certified plastic surgeon who is professionally bound to engage only in techniques that have been deemed safe--after rigorous testing. You also want to make sure you're having surgery at an accredited surgical facility with all board-certified anesthesiologists. It's important to be sure expectations are realistic and you have an understanding of the commitment needed for the healing process. Make sure that you understand the nature of your surgery, the... more

Michelle Copeland, MD, DMD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Questions to ask about breast reduction

Most plastic surgeons would agree that breast reduction patients are our happiest patients. That said there are concerns - in particular the scars and the possible loss of nipple sensation and the inability to breast feed. The scars go around the nipple, straight down and under the breast. I try to make the scar under the breast as short as possible. The scar from the nipple down does really well in almost everyone and the one around the nipple /aerola complex also usually does well.... more

Susan E. Downey, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction will literally remove the weight off your chest, lift and make your breasts more perky and correct "hunching ...hurts to sit up straight ...severe back pain". The only consideration is the scarring. Read the web page at the bottom of this post. It contains all the information you need to know on BREAST REDUCTION. After reading it you may want to ask your surgeon which breast reduction technique he/she uses and why. Breast Reduction patients ARE among the happiest... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Considerations before a breast reduction

The first thing to do is go to the best plastic surgeon in your area who does many breast reductions. Ask them all of your questions, look at lots of photos and ask to speak to a couple of patients. After that, you will know if you are ready for your reduction. It's not an emergency so take the time you need to do your research.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction can increase physical comfort

Breast reduction is the procedure used to reduce and reshape the disproportionately large, drooping breast. It not only improves the way the patient looks, but also relieves the weight bearing pain and discomfort of the neck, shoulder region and upper back. This procedure also allows for more comfort during physical activity in addition to improving a more youthful appearance of the breast. Breast reduction can be thought of as breast lifting with resection of more tissue in order to... more

Adam David Lowenstein, MD
Santa Barbara Plastic Surgeon

Most breast reduction patients are so happy.

Hi. Based on your story, and remember I have not examined you, I would encourage you to have breast reduction. In New York City, these are probably our happiest patients.

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Considering breast reduction

It sounds as if you are a very good candidate for breast reduction. If you plan additional pregnancies and breast feeding, you may want to delay you surgery. If not, obtain a consultation with one or more BC plastic surgeons. She/he should be able to tell you what to expect as well as the benefits/risks. You might also ask to speak with a past patient who can personally tell you to expect.

John Whitt, MD
Louisville Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction with no regrets

Most patients who need and want a breast reduction surgery are very happy. If you have neck, back, shoulder and breast pain secondary to large breast a reduction may be indicated. You should ask to see before and after pictures of patients that your surgeon has personally operated on and ask how he preforms the surgery. Sometimes the insurance will cover the surgery and sometimes not. You also want the surgeon to leave enough tissue to make an attractive breast mound.

Walter D. Gracia, MD
Arlington Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction surgery issues

Sounds like you are a great candidate for the surgery. The benefits to your daily life and quality of life are many. The trade-off is the scarring involved. Also, since you are young you should consider the possible effects of another pregnancy as well as the possbility that you will lose the ability to breast feed after surgery. This is just the main considerations. I would consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss the entire surgery as well as the recovery involved. more

Bahram Ghaderi, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction considerations

Of all the surgeries I have done over the years, including breast augmentation, breast reduction remains the one with which patients have been most happy postoperatively. When done properly, you fit clothes better, look great and no longer have the weight pulling on your neck and back. To explain this latter to your husband, put a bag of flour in a sack with a string attached and have him wear it for a while. As far as what to ask the surgeon, discuss the method, the scar, the longevity of... more

Robert T. Buchanan, MD
Highlands Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction considerations

We go through a careful process to make sure that our patients have as much information as they need to make an informed decision. As with any surgery one of the things to think about first is are there ways to achieve your goals without surgery. Things like weight loss (though this likely does not apply to you), physical therapy and supportive bras can make a difference in patient symptoms. Another thing to consider is child status. You've mentioned that you've had one child which you... more

Steven H. Williams, MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction questions

Excellent but open-ended question. You should first try to be in your optimal level of fitness and have a stable weight. Try cradling your breasts in your arms to see if the discomfort is relieved. If it isn't, it might be related to intrinsic spinal problems. There are numerous techniques but ask if the surgeon has experience with limited scar techniques such as liposuction reduction and vertical scar reduction. Must have. Bring in pictures to show what your goals are. Ask to speak to... more