I'd like to reduce my breast size from 34C/D to 34A. Am I a good candidate?

Question

am a pettie, 4'7, 109 pounds, 37 years old and my breast size 34C. One breast is a size D. I have constant neck and shoulder pain. Am I a candidate for breast reduction to a size B/A for my body proportion.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

From your description you seem to be a  good candidate for breast reduction. I would encourage you to only consult with a board certified plastic surgeon.With a significant reduction you may not be able to breast feed later.Here are some general guidelines about if you are a good candidate and the procedure itself:andidates for SurgeryCandidates for Breast Reduction surgery are women who wish to have smaller breasts to achieve a more proportional appearance or to alleviate physical discomfort. Breast reduction can correct symptoms from excessively large, heavy breasts that may cause the inability to do certain exercises, or create back, shoulder and neck pain, poor posture, bra-strap shoulder indentations and chafing or rashes under the breasts. Women experiencing these discomforts may benefit from Breast Reduction, also called Reduction Mammoplasty. Furthermore, large breasts may interfere with normal daily activities or exercise and will be more comfortable when reduced. Women who feel that their excessive breast size decreases a sense of attractiveness and self confidence, or results in unwanted attention are also candidates.Intended ResultAlso known as reduction mammoplasty, Breast Reduction is an operation intended to reduce the size of a woman’s breasts and improve their shape and position. Frequently, the areola (dark skin around the nipple) is also made smaller. Functional symptoms (medical problems) caused by excessive breast weight may be relieved or improved by this operation. Mammoplasty patients will experience a more attractive contour and smaller breast size, freedom from health problems associated with excessively large breasts and improved self image. There is an extremely high rate of patient satisfaction from this surgery. They are some of the happiest group of patients I have in my practice.Procedure DescriptionBreast Reduction is performed as an outpatient procedure and the vast majority of our patients tell us that there was far less discomfort in the early recovery period than was anticipated. In most cases I use a minimal incision surgery using a “vertical” or “lollipop” scar technique this method has been used in Brazil and France for many years but is performed by a minority of Plastic Surgeons in this country. The benefits include: approximately fifty percent less scarring, a narrower breast, better forward projection and shape, longer lasting improvement, shorter surgery time and less complications. In general, we have stopped using the older traditional “anchor” or inverted “T” incisions as these provide inferior results. The procedure is done under general anesthesia on an out-patient basis or in the hospital it there are additional medical conditions.Liposuction may be used during the procedure to reduce the size of the breast in selected patients. Liposuction alone has the least number and size of scars but has the greatest limitations in shaping and reducing the breast. Liposuction may be combined with the vertical method to give an optimal shape to your breasts. Adjustments of the Nipple and/or Areola can also be done at the same time.In rare circumstances for extraordinarily large or bulky breasts, gigantomastia, for technical reasons, we sometimes remove the nipples completely and reattach them as “free grafts”. The sensory nerves are all cut, and even though a certain amount of sensation returns after healing, it will never be normal and erotic sensation if present prior to surgery (many of these patients preoperatively do not have this due to stretch of their nerves) is lost completely. The milk ducts are interrupted in this operation, so nursing would be impossible. You will be amply informed in advance if your breasts are in this category. This may be one of the exceptions where the inverted T or Anchor technique is utilized.#breastreduction#breastreductioncandidate

Michael A. Epstein, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you very much for your question.Essentially, anybody is a candidate for a breast reduction.  The question is whether insurance will cover the procedure, or you will need to pay out-of-pocket.  Given the size of your breasts with your frame, and your neck/shoulder pain, you may be a candidate for insurance to cover the procedure.  I would check with your insurance company about their criteria for coverage.In my experience, reducing a breast from a D to an A is not an easy procedure, and often will need to be done in multiple procedures.  A "B" cup may be more realistic.  I recommend a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss the procedure in detail, and outline the best excision patterns to create the size and shape you desire.  Best of luck!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Based on your description and pictures, you may be an excellent candidate for breast reduction surgery. This operation tends to be one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform.

“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 suggest that you seek consultation with well experienced plastic surgeons who can demonstrate significant experience achieving the types of outcomes you would be pleased with.  Ultimately, careful selection of your plastic surgeon will be the most important decision you make.
To this end, 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. And about the removal but it was are readily try not to worry to go to care

Once you have chosen your plastic surgeon carefully, it will be important for you to communicate her goals carefully as well. In my practice, I asked patients to use as many “visual aids”, such as goal photographs, during the communication process. Avoid the use of subjective terms; for example, "A cup” and/or “ as small as possible"… these terms can be confusing, since they may mean different things to different people.

I hope this, and the attached link (dedicated to breast reduction surgery concerns), helps. Best wishes.

Payman Danielpour, MD, FACS · Answer

It sounds like you are an ideal candidate for breast reduction however it is necessary to see and examine you to properly assess and give recommendations.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Based on your description, yes, you sound like a good candidate for breast reduction surgery. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area (link below) to discuss your options. Best, Dr. Nazarian

I'd like to reduce my breast size from 34C/D to 34A. Am I a good candidate?

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I'd like to reduce my breast size from 34C/D to 34A. Am I a good candidate?

Answers (7)

Answer: Breast Reduction

Answer: Breast Reduction

Answer: Breast Reduction

Answer: Breast Reduction

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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