Would I be a good candidate for breast reduction?

Question

I'm 24, 5'5" and 120 lbs. I was 28 DDD the last time I checked (yikes!). I love long distance running, and my breasts have ALWAYS been in the way. I have a small frame and rashes, discomfort all the time for years. Do I seem like a good candidate? I'm not concerned with scarring or loss of future breastfeeding or sensation. To be honest, I want to have an A cup. I've had a mammogram done and have a lot of fibrous, dense tissue (losing weight doesn't affect my breast size). Thanks!

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos.  Based on your description and what I can see, you are a worthy candidate for a breast reduction.  Please be seen in person by a board certified plastic surgeon to determine what would be best for you as well as what you could realistically expect from surgery.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your pictures.  In my opinion, you would be a good candidate for a modest reduction and a breast lift.  This would help resolve your complaints/concerns and give you a good shape and size.  Please consult with several board certified plastic surgeons.

Lane Smith, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Based on your photo you appear to be an excellent candidate for a breast reduction with lift to achieve beautiful, perky results.  Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to evaluate you in person, discuss your options, address your goals and concerns, then work together to create the surgical plan that will best help you achieve those goals.Best regards,Dr. Lane F. Smith, MDPlastic SurgeonLas Vegas, NV

John Paletta, MD · Answer

Although you can't tell for sure just by looking at the pictures, but from what I see I don't think you'll meet criteria for your insurance pay for breast reduction. Having said that I think you still would be a good candidate for having a breast lift and a smaller reduction.

Ralph Trey Aquadro, MD · Answer

An in person examination would be required to give you a definitive answer.  From your photos you appear to be an excellent candidate for breast reduction surgery.  However, it is unlikely that you will qualify for an insurance procedure.  A plastic surgeon could give you a quote for the cost as a cosmetic or self pay procedure.Trey Aquadro, M.D.Auburn, AL

Edwin C. Pound, III, MD · Answer

First off, bra manufacturers are all different.  They don't have standard cup sizes.  Based on your pictures, I would not consider you a DDD cup.  I would think that you would certainly benefit from a breast lift for a perkier shape to your breasts as well as a slight reduction if you want less fullness.  I don't think that enough breast tissue could be removed to warrant insurance coverage for this procedure.  Again, this is based solely on your pictures.  I would suggest that you schedule an appointment with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can examine you in person and review your options with you.

M. Scott Haydon, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and the photos. I think you would be a great candidate for a short scar/lollipop lift along with a reduction. There is not a ton of excess breast tissue but by removing the excess and resuspending the breast upward on the chest wall your life will be much better. Running will be easier and you will have a prettier shape. You don't however have enough excess for it to be declared medically necessary by insurance. Find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who is an expert in cosmetic breast surgery to help you understand how your breast dimension affect your choices. The Smart Beauty Guide is an excellent resource. Best of Luck!

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

I would refer to the possible operation as a Lift/Reduction. Best to seek only in person opinions.....

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and pictures. Based on your description, you may be an excellent candidate for breast reduction surgery at some point. “Official” recommendations of course would necessitate in-person consultation.
Breast reduction surgery is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform. By removing “excess” breast tissue, adipose tissue, and breast skin  this operation reduces and lifts the breasts to a higher position on the chest wall. When a breast reduction is performed, a breast “lift” occurs as part of the procedure. Patients often find improvement in neck, back, and shoulder discomfort and find it easier to form their activities of daily living and exercise. 
Timing of the operation will depend on the patient's life circumstances. 
When the time is right,  seek consultation with well-trained/experienced board-certified plastic surgeons. Ask to see lots of examples of their work and communicate your goals clearly.  I suggest that you do not communicate your goals in terms of achieving a specific cup size. For example, a “A cup” may mean different things to different people and therefore may be a source of miscommunication. In my practice, I ask patients to communicate their goals with the help of goal photographs.I hope this, and the attached link, helps.  Best wishes as you work towards your goals.

Michael K. Obeng, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question.It is hard to judge by photos alone.  You seem to be right on the cusp of what most surgeons would consider a reduction.A breast lift, would re-position the breast, eliminating sag and reducing the over size of the breast to the size you desire.  I'm just not wholly convinced with solely photos that reduction in the most genuine sense is what you need.  The over grams of tissue removed may not be all that significant.  Again, judging from pictures alone. If you are suffering from rashes, skin irritation, and back issues, please see a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss moving forward.  If you meet certain criteria for a reduction, health insurance may cover a portion or the majority of your procedure.All the best moving forward.Dr. Obeng

Would I be a good candidate for breast reduction?

Answers (11)

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