Am I a good candidate for a breast reduction? 22yo, 32DD who can't wear underwires.

Question

5'5" / 125 lb / 32DD Not only has my chest been causing me constant back/neck/shoulder pain for 5+ years, but due to ribcage abnormalities (pectus excavatum + rib flare) I can’t wear any underwires! The only bras I can wear are compression sports bras, whose straps dig into my shoulders and cause me more pain. I've been going to physical therapy + chiropractor for months, and no improvement. I really need smaller breasts (A/B) that don't require underwire support. Am I a good candidate?

Keith M. Blechman, MD · Answer

Hi and thanks for your question.  From your photos you are likely a good candidate for a small breast reduction.  A visit to a plastic surgeon's office will help you to understand if you're a candidate for the procedure, and what aesthetic outcomes are realistic in your particular case.  In order to get a qualified, ethical, and expert opinion on your surgical options and expectations, always schedule an in-person office consultation with a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Best of luck,
Keith M. Blechman, MD
New York, NY

John Paul Tutela, MD · Answer

Thanks so much for reaching out. By the photos you provided does not look like your breasts are big enough for breast reduction surgery to be covered by insurance. Also the amount of breast tissue removed will likely not change your complaints as not that much weight will be taken off. However that doesn’t mean you still shouldn’t pursue reduction if that is an aesthetic goal of yours.I hope this helps :-)

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Based on your photographs, your breasts are certainly smaller than the average patient presents for breast reduction surgery. However, based on your description, concerns, and goals, you may be an excellent candidate for breast reduction surgery.   However, much more information is needed to determine whether you should proceed with surgery, and if so when (timing).  In my practice, I individualize the “timing” of surgery based on a lot of information that is transmitted during the consultation process.
“Typical” patients who present for breast reduction surgery are women who have disproportionately large breasts, causing problems such as neck/back/shoulder discomfort, postural changes, bra strap grooving, skin irritation/rashes under the breasts, and/or difficulty with activities of daily living and/or exercise etc. There may be both physical as well as psychosocial “stress” caused by the disproportionately large breasts.
Reducing breast tissue mass and elevating the breasts on the chest wall tend to improve or alleviate many of the symptoms associated with the disproportionately large breasts.
Patients considering breast reduction surgery should also consider the potential downsides (risks/complications) associated with the procedure as well.. Poor scarring, for example may be associated with the procedure.  Additional surgery may be necessary in the short or longer term for a multitude of reasons.
When the time is right, I would suggest starting with the American Society of Plastic Surgery and/or the Aesthetic Society of Plastic Surgery to obtain a list of well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons.
Then, I would suggest you visit a few surgeons whose practices concentrate on aesthetic surgery. Ask to see lots of examples of their work and preferably speak/see patients who have had similar procedures done.
Then, it will be important that you communicate your goals clearly with your plastic surgeon and make sure that you have realistic expectations prior to proceeding with any type of surgery. In regards to breast size desired, also communicate carefully. In my practice the use of goal pictures are helpful in this regard; a discussion of cup size can be confusing and imprecise.   Therefore, I would not suggest that you communicate your goals and/or base your satisfaction with the outcome of surgery on achieving a specific cup size.  I also find that the use of pictures is more helpful than the words “natural” or "proportionate” or "A or B cup" etc., which can mean different things to different people.
Many of my patients choose to have enough breast tissue removed to help alleviate symptoms while retaining enough breast tissue to remain proportionate to the remainder of  bare torso.
Best wishes.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Although you have back pain, you will not meet the insurance company's baseline criteria in terms of gram weight resection. You could certainly have the surgery but on a fee for service basis. Best wishes.

William B. Rosenblatt, MD · Answer

Perhaps a small reduction would help you. Dont expect a guarantee that your shoulder back and neck pains will go away.

Am I a good candidate for a breast reduction? 22yo, 32DD who can't wear underwires.

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Am I a good candidate for a breast reduction? 22yo, 32DD who can't wear underwires.

Answers (7)

Answer: Breast reduction

Answer: Breast reduction

Answer: Your breasts

Answer: Your breasts

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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