Heavy Sagging Breasts (38DDD)

         Your pictures
indicate that you would definitely benefit from breast reduction surgery. This
procedure would alleviate many of your symptoms and have long term health
benefits as well.

 

         The procedure would
not only reduce your breast size, but also lift your breasts into a normal
position. Unfortunately, the procedure can’t stop the recurrence of breast sag.
Gravity continues to exert downward pressure on the breast and some recurrent
sag is inevitable over time. When breasts are reduced to smaller sizes this
phenomenon is less severe.

 

         It’s difficult
recommending a specific cup size for several reasons. Cup size tends to mean
different things to different people and is a frequent source of confusion.
It’s more important to have breasts that fit your body then breasts of a
specific size. In other words, your breasts should have harmony, balance and
proportion with the surrounding structures.

 

         You’re definitely a
good candidate for breast reduction surgery. It’s important that you consult a
board certified plastic surgeon and discuss these issues in detail. This
surgeon should be able to help you formulate a plan that’s appropriate for you.

A review of your photograph reveals very large breasts with large nipple areolar complexes. I recommend that you see a board certified Plastic Surgeon for evaluation and surgical reduction of these breasts.  I would estimate removal of 750 – 1000 grams per breast.  The procedure should relieve your symptoms and make you feel better.

that your breasts will not sag again.  Much depends not only on weight shifts, pregnancy, skin damage from environmental factors such as sun, smoking and so on.  Also, your own genetic inheritance plays a role.  So control the things that you can, such as weight and pregnancy, smoking and so forth,  and do get the vertical reduction (hall-findlay) which 'ages' better.  While we are discussing aging, remember that your breasts, as well as your body and face will continue to age, so there are no real 'permanent' face lifts, tummy tucks or breast reductions.  It is more a question of how many years can you get out of your surgery, and what you are willing to tolerate at age 50, or 70 or so on.  In the meantime, having that weight off of your neck and shoulders will definitely be a relief, and allow you to enjoy your life more fully!  All of my breast reduction patients only wish they had done it sooner.

Breast reduction surgery is one of the most patient pleasing operations we do. Relief of neck, back, and shoulder discomfort is often instantaneous. Patients report fewer problems with postural changes immediately.

Your plan to lose weight prior to surgery is a good one. Maintaining a stable weight will minimize the chances that you will require further surgery in the future.

Regarding final breast communicate your goals with your surgeon carefully (often times pictures are helpful during this communication process)– breast cup size can be somewhat arbitrary depending on who makes the bra. It is important  to achieve a breast size that maintains the proportions between your upper and lower body. Improvement of breast asymmetry should also be a goal in your case.

I hope this helps. Good luck!

From your picture I would estimate removing at least 750 gms on each side for a total reduction greater than 1500 gms.  Make sure you are finished with your family before undertaking this operation.  That should fit your body and understand that the exact amount will only be decided on the operating table.

All the best,

Talmage J. Raine MD FACS