Large breasts with low nipples (facing ground). What could I do to take care of this? (photo)

Your concerns are legitimate and a breast reduction would address this. A breast reduction will reduce the size of your breasts as well as lift the position of the nipple and also make the areolar complex smaller. Breast reductions also greatly improve shoulder/back/neck pain that may be caused by the excessive weight and for this reason the procedure is often covered by insurance companies. See a plastic surgeon for an evaluation and a discussion of risks and benefits.

You can discuss a breast reduction. I see you’re in Alberta. Consider seeing Dr. Farrah Yau or Dr. Jon Lee. Dr. Aaron Knox will be starting there soon and should have a relatively short wait list. I hope this helps. Good luck!
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Thank you for your question.
From your inquiry it sounds like you are experiencing symptoms
related to the size and weight of your breasts. A breast reduction procedure
removes fat, glandular tissue and skin from the breasts to make them smaller,
lighter and firmer. There are various approaches to this procedure, your
surgeon would determine with you what would be the best approach that would result
in your nipple also being lifted in the process. Most plastic surgeons approach
this procedure in the same way they would a breast lift so the patient is left
with a an aesthetically pleasing result.
I would encourage you to speak with your family doctor for a
referral to a reputable, board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in
breast surgery. Your doctor will also let you know if there is any coverage for
this procedure under your provincial health insurance.
All the best,

You would benefit from breast reduction surgery. This would reduce the size of your breasts and raise the nipples to a more pleasing position. You will have better size and shape, and improved comfort. The surgery should be covered by your provincial health plan. You would need to be referred to a plastic surgeon by your family doctor. All the best.

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photograph, you are a
great candidate for a breast reduction.  This can be designed to result in an
improved shape and contour of your breasts while minimizing scar
appearance.  Make sure you specifically look at before and after
pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon
and evaluate their results.  The most important aspect is to find a
surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a
qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Dear lealiblack,

Determining whether you need simply a breast implant versus a breast lift or both can be somewhat complicated. It depends on a number of factors including skin laxity and current nipple position.

Generally speaking, if the nipples are lower than the inframammary line the patient will most likely need a breast lift. If the nipples are at or above the inframammary line we can generally get by with just breast augmentation depending on the size of the implant the patient wants. I often use an implant when I perform a breast lift because it provides more upper breast fullness after the lift.

These two surgeries can be done at the same time and this may be optimal as the risks can be minimized. 

My preferred lift is a lollipop lift when a periareolar won't do (ie greater than 2cm lift required). The lollipop technique was created by a Canadian plastic surgeon named Elizabeth Hall-Findley and treats the breast as a three dimensional structure instead of two dimensions (anchor - lift).

Most importantly, it does not require the horizontal component scars that the anchor-lift requires and breasts appear much more natural, lifted, and less boxy. Lastly, the lift lasts longer because the lollipop doesn't rely on the skin to hold the breast up, it is actually breast tissue that is being brought together to support the breast and hence improves longevity.

On the other hand, many women have overdevelopment of breast tissue and require reductions. Some of the questions you need to ask yourself are if you are willing to have scars from the surgery, take the risk of losing nipple sensation and other complications in addition to possible problems breast feeding if you plan to have children in the future.

It is best that you visit a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options further. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thank you for your questionI suggest you consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon of your area, I do think that Dr Hall Findlay is going to Fort McMurray for consultation. Breast Reduction can be a great choice for you to make your breasts smaller and also lift them up. The satisfaction rate after a breast reduction/lift is really high and most of the patients wish they've done it sooner!Best Wishes
Dr Genevieve FCaron, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Montreal, Canada

Hello and thanks for your questions and photo. After reviewing your photo and description, it seems that you potentially would be a good candidate to have a breast reduction and lift using the Bellesoma technique.  With this technique you should be able to reach a much smaller,  but proportional breast size that fits your frame.  It is always best for your result to have a BMI under 30 to maximize healing and minimize risk.
Bellesoma is a new breast reduction and lift technique that seems like it would be a great fit for you.  This procedure utilizes 3-D volumetric scanning and a multi-point measuring system to design a precise surgical blueprint exactly tailored to your body and the reduced breast size that you desire. The Bellesoma procedure reduces the sagging and weight of your breast, lifts your breast and reduces areola diameter, preserves the nipple sensation and ability to breast feed, and looks as full and perky as if an implant had been placed without using any implant, so no need to compromise.  One of the huge positives of this technique is that there is no vertical incision traveling down the front of your breasts.
Some of the differences between Bellesoma and the traditional breast reduction/lift techniques:
-Bellesoma creates upper pole fullness that traditionally needed an implant to achieve.
-There is NO vertical scar, only well-hidden scars in the fold under the breast, and around the areola.
-The breast is dynamically supported by attaching it to the muscle, so there is no recurrence of sagging which are expected with traditional lifts or reductions.
-The entire central portion of the breast is undisturbed, so nipple sensation remains intact and is very unlikely to be compromised giving the best possible chance for future breast feeding.
-For absolute best results, patients should have a stable weight and have a BMI under 30.
The procedure is accomplished by using the skin of the lower pole of the breast (the part below the nipple that sits in the bra cup) to shape the whole breast into a perky dome, then straps are made of the extra skin, anchoring it to the underlying chest muscle so that there is virtually no chance of repeat sagging.  The skin that above your nipple and below your collar bone is utilized to cover the perky, lifted dome that has been created and then a new (usually smaller) circular opening for the areola is placed at the high point of the cone, creating your new lifted, full and shapely breast.
From your description, you seem to be a very good candidate for this new technique and should really get the look that you are desiring without implants or unnecessary visible scars. I would recommend that you search for an ABPS board certified plastic surgeon who is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons in your area or an area that you would like to travel to on holiday who offers the Bellesoma technique to discuss your breast reduction and possible results.
Best wishes!Daniel Brown, MD, FACSBoard Certified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonsMember American Society of  Plastic SurgeonsCastle Connolly Top DocReal Self Top 500

Hello!Thanks for including photos with your question! A breast reduction and reshaping would be an excellent option to correct your nipple placement as well as lift your breasts and address your pain. 

With this method, you can get minimal visible scarring, some nice upper pole fullness and an ability to breast feed as the gland, nipples, and ducts are preserved. We would be happy to tell you more in person. We are always happy to see any and all patients. We offer online telemedicine consultations for your convenience.M. Kara, MD, FRCSC - Over 30 Years Experience
Specializing in Out To Dinner / 24 Hour Recovery Breast Augmentation.
Offering Saturday Consults, Surgery, and Followups - Never miss a day off work!
Operating from an “in-hospital” certified, private surgery centre for your safety and peace of mind!