Will a Breast Lift Help with Back Pain?

Question

Marvin F. Shienbaum, MD · Answer

Breast lifts may help alleviate some back pain depending on the amount of breast tissue. For some patients, a breast reduction may be necessary in order to relieve pain.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

It is possible that breast lifting will help with neck, back, and shoulder discomfort. Whether this operation will be helpful will depend on the size  and position of your breasts.  For example, I have had patients who have had large ( but deflated),  low riding breasts who complained of a constant &ldquo;drag&rdquo; on the neck back and shoulders. These patients did very well with breast lifting surgery even though they do not start out with very large breasts &ldquo;breast hypertrophy". The breast lift also served  to negate the need for tightfitting supportive bras and the resulting broad strap grooving.

	I hope this helps.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Sorry, but breast lifting involves removal of only an ounce or two of breast skin, and numerous studies have shown that in order to positively effect improvement in back pain requires removal of at least a pound of breast tissue per breast (more if you are overweight) via reduction mammoplasty. The incisions are the same for full breast lift and breast reduction, but what is needed for symptomatic relief (and insurance coverage) is removal of a specific amount of breast tissue per side via a formula dependent on your weight and your height. All plastic surgeons who perform breast surgery know this formula and can determine this amount of tissue needed to be removed for relief of back pain (and insurance reimbursement).

Mark Preston, MD · Answer

While breast lift surgery can improve the shape and appearance of the breasts, it is not likely to have any effect on neck, back or shoulder symptoms.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

Breast lift will improve the shape and look of your breast, though the procedure has no record of improving posture and reducing back pain as breast reduction will. Breast lift is a procedure that medical insurance does not consider medically necessary.
	Best of luck,
	peterejohnsonmd

Will a Breast Lift Help with Back Pain?

Answers (10)

Answer: Will a Breast Lift Help with Back Pain?

Answer: Will a Breast Lift Help with Back Pain?

Answer: Breast lift will not control back pain like breast reduction

Answer: Breast lift will not control back pain like breast reduction

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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Will a Breast Lift Help with Back Pain?

Answers (10)

Answer: Will a Breast Lift Help with Back Pain?

Answer: Will a Breast Lift Help with Back Pain?

Answer: Breast lift will not control back pain like breast reduction

Answer: Breast lift will not control back pain like breast reduction

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.