Extreme back pain due to breasts (36DDD), don't sleep at night, uncomfortable all day. Feels sore, feel like I carry weights

For very large breasts that are causing back pain, breast reduction is certainly an option.  Would be a good idea to be evaluated by a board certified plastic surgeon to determine if you are a candidate for this.

Hi there - I would say so.  Your age, BMI and a photo would be helpful, and of course you would need to be evaluated by a board certified plastic surgeon, but breast reduction surgery was developed for people like you. Various insurance companies have various requirements, all of which a plastic surgeon can negotiate for you after thoroughly examining you and discussing risks and benefits. Basically, there is no need to suffer! Find a board-certified plastic surgeon with whom you feel comfortable and get going. Life is short, and you will feel fantastically better afterwards.  All the best to you!

I am sorry to hear about the problems your disproportionately large breasts cause.Based on your description, 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. You will likely find, but depending on the specific plastic surgeon, you will receive different advice when it comes to the "best reduction method". Ultimately, careful selection of your plastic surgeon, as opposed to selection of the specific technique, 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.







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, "B or C cup” and/or "proportionate"… these terms can be confusing, since they may mean different things to different people. Once you have communicated your goals, your chosen plastic surgeon will be able to  provide you with a more precise plan, including specific technique to be utilized.







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

The information you provide is very brief. But, generally speaking large breast can cause shoulder, neck and back pain. If this is the case then breast reduction surgery is the answer. 

Thanks so much for reaching out. Sorry you are so uncomfortable, you should definitely see a few Board Certified Surgeons about a breast reduction. In some cases, insurance can help with this. Best of luck! Dr. Kachenmeister

Thank you for writing to RealSelf.From your description of how the size and weight of your breasts is affecting you are a candidate for Breast Reduction. Please consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in your area so that your overall health can be assessed to see that surgery is safe and appropriate for you.

The simple answer is YES and it may even be covered by insurance.  So see some experts in your area and become informed about the desired procedureDr Corbin

Yes! It sounds like you are an excellent candidate for a breast reduction. It may not alleviate all your symptoms but should definitely help. 

There are many factors that can cause back pain, and heavy breasts are definitely one of the causes. If that is your cause, as it is for a lot of women, breast reduction will give you nearly instant relief. Most of my patients tell me the back pain is gone within a day or two of the surgery.