I'm 20 yrs old, 186 lbs, and 5'2. My current bra size is 36 DD, I think maybe even ddd. Am I a candidate for a breast reduction?

Thank you for the question. Based on your description, you may be a good candidate for breast reduction surgery. Best to achieve your long-term stable weight, if you are not there already, prior to proceeding. “Official” recommendations of course would necessitate in-person consultation.
Breast reduction surgery is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform. By removing “excess” breast tissue, adipose tissue, and breast skin  this operation reduces AND lifts the breasts to a higher position on the chest wall (in other words, the breasts are "automatically" lifted when a breast reduction is performed). By doing so, patients often find improvement in neck, back, and shoulder discomfort and find it easier to form their activities of daily living and exercise.
Timing of the operation will depend on the patient's life circumstances. Sometimes breast  reduction surgery is covered through health insurance. The best way to obtain insurance coverage for breast reduction surgery involves some “hoops” to jump through. The more documentation you have (for example, from your primary care doctor, physical therapist, chiropractor etc.) the better when it comes to obtaining insurance “authorization” for the procedure.
 This documentation and letter/pictures from your plastic surgeon will help you obtain authorization.
When the time is right,  seek consultation with well-trained/experienced board-certified plastic surgeons. Ask to see lots of examples of their work and communicate your goals clearly.

I hope this, and the attached link, helps.

From the statistics you gave me, there may not be a reason why you shouldn't be a candidate if you have the symptoms and problems normally associated with excessively large breasts.  But there are a lot of unanswered questions.  Does the 36DD really fit or are you "coming out all over"? You may actually be more like a 38EE or larger.  I see this all the time, where women squeeze into a smaller size bra just to hold it all together (not to mention the ease of finding a 36DD versus a larger bra).  The reason that is important is that with the height and weight numbers you gave, a 36DD isn't so large and I would recommend weight loss first if you are truly a 36DD.  Breasts vary in the amount of fat versus glandular tissue within the breast.  If you have a large portion of fat in your breasts, your excessive weight is the culprit and a reduction wouldn't be appropriate until you've made a serious attempt to lose weight.  Thank you for your question.

I agree with my colleagues, I would also contact your insurance company. many have conservative waiting periods and specific criteria that have to be documented. Insurance companies also dictate how much weight has to be removed   Check with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, he/she will help understand all of this. Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS