Can a Breast Lift Help Back Pain?

Question

Iam 21 y/o and have a size 36D breast(height 5'8'', weight 155lbs). I have elongated breast that sag due to weight loss. The skin from my color bone to nipple has little elasticity. When I am consitant in the gym I can reduce my back pain significantly. I am wondering if a breast lift along with exercise/pt would be an alternative to a reduction. It would be less invasive and help my feel better about the shape of my breast. My consulatation is tomorrow so I'll know more then. Any advice?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Based on your description of improvement of the back pain with 'consistency in the gym&rdquo;  I think  consistent strengthening and range of motion exercises  of the neck, shoulder, and back muscles  should be a priority. I have also found that occasionally is not so much the size of the breasts  but the position of the breasts  on the chest wall that causes a drag or pull on the neck and shoulder areas (and the resulting pain). If this is the case,  consistent use of a supportive bra and/or breast lifting may be helpful in reducing the discomfort.

	I hope this helps.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Hi,

	Although loosing weight can decrease the size of your breasts, potentially decreasing back pain, there is another option. As you already know, loosing weight also makes your breasts a lot saggier. There's a new technique called the Ultimate Breast Lift that lifts breasts by attaching  them to your chest muscles using permanent sutures, thus successfully transfering the weight onto a stronger structure other than your skin. Most, if not all, lifting techniques rely on the skin envelope to lift the breast mound which does not have any holding power. Muscle handles weight better than skin alone. Patients have reported immediate back pain relief following this procedure. I hope this helps. Kind regards, Dr. H

Donald M. Brown, MD · Answer

A breast lift will not improve your back pain as the procedure lifts and makes the breast look better but does not decrease the size of the breast.  Breast reduction on the other hand helps most women with back pain since it reduces the amount of weight on your back and shoulders. 

	 

	Having said that I think you already know the answer to your back problems and that is to work out in the gym.  I would suggest you talk to a back expert to find out the best exercises for your problem areas.   Furthermore by working out you will not only help your back  but will assist you in reducing your weight .  Weigh reduction will also help your back(your BMI is 23.6 which is at the upper end of normal).   If you are able to obtain back pain relief with this approach then I would suggest you talk to a board certified plastic surgeon about a breast lift to make you feel better about your breast shape.  If you are still having back pain despite a working out then consider having  a breast reduction.

Louis DeLuca, MD · Answer

A breast reduction has been shown to improve back pain in some women.  Predicting who will get improvement from back with a breast reduction, however, is very difficult.  A breast lift, on the other hand, usually has little impact on back pain as the breasts are usually not made smaller.  The key to decreasing your back pain appears to be exercise and physical therapy as you noted above.  Optimizing your core muscles and maintaining good posture, lifting techniques, etc... will have much more impact on improving your back pain than a breast lift.  Stay healthy and consider a breast lift to improve your breast aesthetics and body image.  Best Wishes!!!!!!!

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Possibly but you are going to an in person evaluation where you will receive better advise than over the internet. Seek 2 or 3 more in person opinions from boarded PSs in your area.

Can a Breast Lift Help Back Pain?

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Answer: Breast Lift and Back Pain

Answer: Can a Breast Lift Help Back Pain?

Answer: Can a Breast Lift Help Back Pain?

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Can a Breast Lift Help Back Pain?

Answers (9)

Answer: Breast Lift and Back Pain

Answer: Breast Lift and Back Pain

Answer: Can a Breast Lift Help Back Pain?

Answer: Can a Breast Lift Help Back Pain?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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