Would a breast reduction take care of back pain and make finding bras easier?

Question

38DDD and spilling over also my nipples are massive and get very hard so basically they always show through bras

Dustin Christiansen, MD · Answer

Based on your photos it seems a breast reduction would help with your symptoms. That being said, neck and back pain can have several causes, so relief from the pain cannot be guaranteed. Breast reduction surgery will decrease the size of the areola, but by itself, however, does not decrease the size of the nipple. A nipple reduction procedure would help with that. Insurance will often cover a breast reduction, but will not cover the cost of the nipple reduction so you should anticipate that would be an out-of-pocket expense.

Moises Salama, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. A breast reduction can have many health benefits such as relieving chronic upper back, shoulder and neck pain. It can ease pain and discomfort during exercise and physical activity as well as help with chafing and irritation under the breasts. With smaller size breasts, there may also be better opportunity to find bras that fit better. I recommend you schedule a consult to discuss your goals and learn more about breast augmentation including all the benefits. Make sure your plastic surgeon is board certified and has extensive experience with breast reduction surgery. Always consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Take care, Dr. Moises Salama, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hi,
Thank you for the question. 
Based on your photos, you appear to be a great candidate for breast reduction surgery. During breast reduction surgery, excess breast tissue is removed, the breast is lifted and nipple/areola is typically made smaller. It is easiest to think of breast reduction as including the breast lift. 
Schnur Sliding Scale is a scale used by many insurance companies as a guideline for how much breast tissue should be removed in order to improve your physical symptoms. In addition, most insurances in order to approve the surgery, will require for 2-3 letters of medical necessity (from your chiropractor, primary doctor, OBGYN, Dermatologist, etc) demonstrating that your physical symptoms due to large breasts are not improving with conservative management. 
I suggest that you seek an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon specializing in Breast Reduction surgeries to further discuss your options, specific techniques, concerns and expectations. Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results. 
I hope this helps.Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzBreast Fellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. This will reduce and reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. The weight of the breast is transferred to the underlying pectoralis major muscle resulting in pain relief without excessive reduction. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs. For most patients with similar complaints a breast reduction would improve your symptoms, you could also pursue a nipple reduction at the same time to reduce their projection.  Hope this helps.

Warren Schutte, MD · Answer

You would certainly need an in-person consultation but I do believe that breast reduction/lift would benefit you. Although there is no direct evidence to prove that breast reduction improves back/neck/shoulder pain, my patients commonly express their improved symptoms. Most of the relief comes from the lift that comes with the reduction. You also get an areolar reduction which will be nice for you. Good luck on your reduction journey!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Diligent207933,
breast reduction is best suited for women who wish to decrease the size of their breasts. While there are different techniques used to perform this surgery, I prefer the vertical incision (lollipop pattern) breast reduction technique instead of the anchor scar pattern, which reduces more noticeable scarring than usual. I also use a SAFE liposuction technique to reduce additional fat around the stubborn axilla area and bra line. This way, my patients are achieving beautiful results with minimal incisions which reduces downtime and delivers an overall better breast shape long term.If you are considering breast reduction surgery, you should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options and make sure your surgeon understands your goals. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Lisa L. Jewell, MD · Answer

Breast reductions can significantly improve neck and back pain, headaches, and rashes underneath or between your breasts. A breast reduction will NOT address the size of your actual nipple (although it will make your areola smaller). You will need a nipple reduction to shorten the nipple, and in my practice I would perform this as a separate procedure AFTER your breast reduction.

Ahmad H. Ahmadi, MD · Answer

Most patients with larger, heavy, and pendulous breasts see significant upper body relief after breast reduction.  Of course, this is not guaranteed, as other causes may contribute to your discomfort.

Shana Kalaria, MD · Answer

Absolutely yes. Even a small breast reduction has a high success rate of relieving back, neck, and shoulder pain and making it easier to shop for bras. Breast reduction is a very rewarding procedure as it has a high satisfaction rate amongst patients.

Would a breast reduction take care of back pain and make finding bras easier?

Answers (16)

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