Where do I start when trying to get a breast reduction?

Question

I have been considering getting a breast reduction for about 5 years and am just now trying to figure out how to actually get this done. I am 20 years old, I weight 140lbs, am 5' tall and have a 36DDD. My first question would be if I am a good candidate for the procedure. Secondly, what should be first steps be?.. Going to a chiropractor about my back pain to start getting that on my medical record? Or should I contact my dad's insurance first to see what their policy is for breast reduction?

James N. Romanelli, MD, FACS · Answer

Typically, breast reduction candidates begin with their primary care doctors. You can schedule an appointment specifically to get a referral to a plastic surgeon. During this appointment, your doctor will note your breast size and record your complaints of neck or back pain. From there, you may visit a plastic surgeon for a consultation. This is the route most private insurance companies prefer that you take.

Urmen Desai, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

I would start by speaking with your primary care physician. I would then  recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified, Double Fellowship-Trained Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Stuart A. Linder, MD, FACS · Answer

You are off to a great start! Meet and consult with Board Certified plastic surgeon that specializes in reduction surgery. Review their gallery of photos. Best of luck

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear samrut,many women, even younger than 20 years of age, 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. I would meet with a plastic surgeon to go over all of these risks and benefits to see if you would be a good candidate for surgery.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Andrew T. Cohen, MD, FACS · Answer

Best to see a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast reductions.  Check your insurance company to see who is in network but even better ...go to a surgeon who performs many of these such as me.    You have to prove you have symptoms of neck pain, back pain, shoulder grooves and rashes.   Start with a letter and recommendation from your primary physician.   It is my favorite surgery that I perform and I am sure you can find a great surgeon in your local area.   Yes ...start a medical chart with your primary and a chiropractor if you can. Good luck!

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

First step is to discuss with your primary care provider, if you have one, regarding symptoms. Most insurances require documentation of at least several of the following:Neck and back pain not attributable to other causes (like slipped discs)Shoulder grooves from the bra strapsDifficulty finding properly fitting brasRashes under the breastsPsychological embarrassmentFailure of improvement of symptoms with physical therapy, supportive bras, and other treatment methods for several months to over a yearUsually insurance companies need to see documentation supporting these symptoms being present for at least a year. The PCP can refer you to a plastic surgeon in your insurance network who performs breast reduction and then you'd schedule a consult. Photos of the breasts taken in the plastic surgeon's office in several views would be submitted along with the clinical documentation to solicit a pre-authorization/pre-determination by the insurance company.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for the question and I would start with my primary care physician and chiropractor if planning to use insurance and then see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and start the process of being authorized for surgeryDr Corbin

Jon A. Perlman, MD (retired) · Answer

It may certainly prove to be helpful to have your primary physician note in your chart complaints of any back, neck, shoulder or bra strap pain as well as any need to lie recumbent for periods of time without a bra due to tenderness of your breasts.   Rashes are another issue that should be brought to your family physicians attention and should be noted in your medical record.  Once this has been done , you should meet with an ABPS board-certified plastic surgeon who will document your weight and dimensions as well as photograph your breasts showing any bra strap grooves as well as the size and disproportion of your breasts.

It's important that you know that breasts can develop up to the age of approximately 24 and some patients though rare need to have the procedure re-performed due to continued growth after a breast reduction surgery.  I have operated on women as young as 16 who were athletes and women as old as in their 70s who suffered for years with pain related to the size of their breasts.  These patients end up being amongst the happiest reporting that their posture is improved and they even feel that they stand taller once their breasts have been reduced to a C/D cup size.

During your consultation with an ABPS board certified plastic surgeon you can review photographs of other young women to see before and after results and to be assessed for the procedure.  You should also be aware of the risk of loss of sensation of your nipples and possible future difficulty breast-feeding.

The video below will provide you additional helpful information that you be of interest to you.

Best wishes for an easy recovery and excellent result,
Jon A Perlman M.D., FACSDiplomate, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)Beverly Hills, California

Gregory Park, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

When considering breast reduction surgery you should consult with plastic surgeons in your local area to see if you are a good candidate for surgery, look at their before and after photos, and talk about the risks and benefits of surgery with the surgeons especially for patients as young as you. Best wishes.

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