Alleviating neck pain/stretched coopers ligaments - would a mastopexy help?

Question

I have pain in my neck and an achey pulling feeling ever since I lost a great deal of weight from my breasts in my early teens. I am now in my 40s. I understand this is most likely caused by stretched Coopers Ligaments. I used to be a 34 E but now I am a 32 D/DD according to fitters, although lack the volume to feel supported so need to wear 2-3 bras to feel supported at all times. Can you advise whether a mastoplexy would fix the problem of the pulling and pain, and not need multiple bras?

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. The weight of the breast is transferred to the underlying pectoralis major muscle resulting in pain relief and long term stability. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Emre Guvercin, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Pushup lift technique will provide a Cooper ligament thightning and ciecummamarian ligament reconstruction to achieve natural and better upper pole fullness results in your case. Breast tissue can be preserved or reduced according to your desire.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Sarahbamboo,

it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I recommend an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and be measured. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants, if desired. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size and style breast implant is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Cooper’s ligaments are simply the internal fibrous tissue support of the breast tissue. Some people are born with very strong, tight Cooper’s ligaments and others have more loose, stretchy Cooper’s ligaments. Your previous weight gain may have stretched out your Cooper’s ligaments, and they do not have any elasticity so they never snapped back. I have never heard of stretched out Cooper’s ligaments as being the cause of neck and back pain. It is the weight of the breast, which pulls on the neck and shoulders, which causes the discomfort. It may be a better option for you to have a breast reduction, which at the same time would give you a breast lift, to remove some of the breast weight and therefore alleviate your need for wearing multiple bras. You should have a detailed consultation with the plastic surgeon to best understand your options.

Kevin Brenner, MD, FACS · Answer

Most women who experience  neck and should pain from breasts that are hanging, experience symptoms because their breasts are too big. In the standard mastopexy, only skin is removed..and on average....that skin may weigh from 10-25 grams...maximum. That amount of reduction will not alleviate pain and discomfort. Although your breasts will be perkier, the weight may continue to be an issue. I think you should consider reduction of some of the tissue, if you are a good candidate for it.

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your query. A mastopexy, after massive weight loss, can certainly help in making you feel more comfortable and also help in finding better fitting underclothing. You may or may not get complete relief from your breast pain, however, as there may be other causes for this as well.  A thorough history and examination by  your primary care can establish this.
I highly recommend a breast lift to all my patients who have had significant weight loss and have large, ptotic breasts . The results have been very gratifying. Please find an experienced board certified Plastic surgeon who can examine you and help you with all your concerns. All the best!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From your description it sounds like you would be a good candidate for a breast lift.  You may consider adding a reduction as well to decrease the weight of the breasts.  There's no guarantee that it will improve your neck pain, but many women report improvement in neck and shoulder pain symptoms after a breast reduction.  I've included a video I hope you find helpful.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You need more than just a mastopexy, you need a breast reduction to decrease the weight on your neck and shoulders. I suggest going down to a C cup, which will also hold up better over the long term.

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

A mastopexy (breast lift) can help alleviate some symptoms caused by sagging breasts, such as neck pain, back pain, or strain on Cooper's ligaments. However, whether it addresses your concerns depends on the underlying causes of these symptoms.
How a Mastopexy May Help:
1.	Repositioning of Breast Tissue: By lifting and reshaping the breasts, a mastopexy can reduce sagging, which might alleviate discomfort caused by the weight of the breasts pulling downward.
2.	Relief for Cooper’s Ligaments: Cooper's ligaments are connective tissues that provide breast support. Over time, they can stretch due to weight or aging. A mastopexy tightens and supports the breast tissue, which may reduce strain.
3.	Improved Posture: Elevated and reshaped breasts can shift the center of gravity, improving posture and potentially reducing neck and shoulder strain.
Additional Considerations:
•	Breast Size: If your breasts are large, a mastopexy alone may not fully relieve neck or back pain. A breast reduction, often combined with a lift, might be more effective in these cases.
•	Supportive Bras: After surgery, wearing a supportive bra is essential for maintaining results and reducing strain on Cooper's ligaments.
•	Weight and Lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy weight and strengthening the upper back and shoulder muscles can further alleviate symptoms.
A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon can help determine if a mastopexy is right for you. They will evaluate your breast anatomy, skin elasticity, and the severity of sagging to decide if this procedure can address your pain effectively.

Alleviating neck pain/stretched coopers ligaments - would a mastopexy help?

Answers (10)

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