19 yo, 30F: worth a consultation for breast reduction?

From the description provided it does seem you would be a good candidate for breast reduction. This would remove some of the heaviness of the breasts which could improve the neck, shoulder, and back pain. It could also bring your breasts more in proportion with your frame. Begin by visiting with a board certified plastic surgeon near you for a consultation. I've included a video that I hope you find helpful.

30F to 30C sounds like a reasonable candidate for a breast reduction. Your surgeon cannot absolutely guarantee a post op cup size but the general look is a reasonable goal.

Hi,
Thank you for the question.
Based on what you are describing, it does sound that you have large/heavy breasts causing physical symptoms, and breast reduction may be an option for you. However, it is difficult to tell without seeing the photos and/or in person consultation.
Schnur Sliding Scale is a scale used by many insurance companies as a guideline for how much breast tissue should be removed in order to improve your physical symptoms. In addition, most insurances in order to approve the surgery, will require for 2-3 letters of medical necessity (from your chiropractor, primary doctor, OBGYN, Dermatologist, etc) demonstrating that your physical symptoms due to large breasts are not improving with conservative management.
I suggest that you seek an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon specializing in Breast Reduction surgeries to further discuss your options, specific techniques, concerns and expectations. 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.
I hope this helps.Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzFellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

The best way to determine what your breast size should be with respect to your anatomy and give true advice would be a discussion with a board certified plastic surgeon. Not only does proportion depend upon the aesthetic balance of your breasts with your shoulders, waist, hips, and buttocks, but also upon your objectives, lifestyle, soft tissue quality, muscular anatomy, and long-term concerns. A breast reduction also includes a breast lift. There is also a limit to how small you can go due to tissue that needs to be retained for the nipple/areola to maintain a good blood and sensory nerve supply. A PS cannot guarantee that a breast will be a specific cup size after reduction. Very large breasts rarely are reduced by more than two or three "cup" sizes. I never promise a cup size because bras manufacturers do not follow a standard size.

Thanks for your question! I would absolutely recommend an in-person consultation to determine your candidacy. If insurance won't cover it, you always have the option to pay out-of-pocket for the procedure. Good luck!

Dear omd_clem,
breast reduction is best suited for women who wish to decrease the size of their breasts. While there are different techniques used to perform this surgery, I prefer the vertical incision (lollipop pattern) breast reduction technique instead of the anchor scar pattern, which reduces more noticeable scarring than usual. I also use a SAFE liposuction technique to reduce additional fat around the stubborn axilla area and bra line. This way, my patients are achieving beautiful results with minimal incisions which reduces downtime and delivers an overall better breast shape long term.If you are considering breast reduction surgery, you should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options and make sure your surgeon understands your goals. 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

If you are having neck, shoulder and back pain from large breasts then I recommend The Bellesoma Method. This will reduce and 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 without excessive reduction. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Without seeing photos, I think it’s absolutely worthwhile for you to seek consultation. You have very typical symptoms of many women seeking breast reduction and most women have tremendous relief from such a procedure (as long as the pain is not caused by something else). It’s hard to say whether or not you have enough tissue without seeing photos, but I think it’s worth a consultation.