Will Getting A Breast Reduction Relieve Back Pain?

Question

I am a 52 year old women who is 4'10", weight of 135 lbs, with size 38DDD very fatty breasts. I recently found out that I have spinal stenosis. Do you think getting breast reduction would help with my back and leg pain? Do you think health insurance would pay for the surgery? Thanks

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

One of the reasons to get a breast reduction is to improve the symptoms created by excessively heavy breasts. This includes shoulder and back pain as well as neck pain. Most women who seek breast reduction do so for functional rather than cosmetic reasons.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Based on your description of body type and breast size, you may be an excellent candidate for breast reduction surgery. Whether or not your symptoms related to a specific anatomic problems such as spinal stenosis will improve is doubtful.

	Your “spine doctor” will likely be able to give you a better idea of whether breast reduction surgery will be helpful in your case.

	 Best wishes.

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS · Answer

It sounds like you have a fairly small frame and very large breasts.  Therefore, it is likely that insurance would cover the operation, but all insurance companies have their own criteria.
	
		A breast reduction would likely help alleviate any upper back, neck, or shoulder pain that you may have.  Your spinal stenosis may be causing you to have leg pain, and it is unlikely that a breast reduction would help with that discomfort.
	
		Meet with a board certified plastic surgeon to find out more!

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

Spinal stenosis can be caused by various things such as, aging, herniated disks, arthritis, etc., occurring when something happens to reduce the amount of space available within the spine. Having a breast reduction may help alleviate the pain. You should be a good candidate for insurance coverage, but each policy has it own requirements. Your best bet is to see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who specializes in breast reduction and have him/her submit pre-authorization request  for you. Good luck!

David Whiteman, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the discomfort you are experiencing. It’s fairly common for women with very large breasts to experience back pain, neck pain, and posture issues. This is due to the additional weight of the breasts putting a high level of stress on the spine. Breast reduction surgery can be a viable option for women who experience these difficulties, or others who simply want to enjoy the cosmetic benefits of this procedure like achieving a more proportional silhouette and fitting better into their clothes.

Will Getting A Breast Reduction Relieve Back Pain?

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Answer: Breast Reduction Relieving Back Pain

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Will Getting A Breast Reduction Relieve Back Pain?

Answers (10)

Answer: Breast Reduction Relieving Back Pain

Answer: Breast Reduction Relieving Back Pain

Answer: Breast Reduction Surgery Can Often Help Reduce Back Pain

Answer: Breast Reduction Surgery Can Often Help Reduce Back Pain

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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