I'm 21, 5'6 with 40 DD / 42DD & I'm looking to get a reduction. Am I a good candidate? (Photo)

Question

I have major back problems. I can't sit up straight for more than about 30 minutes without my back aching. I recently pulled a muscle in my chest due to my large breast. I'm trying to lead a more healthy lifestyle but my large breast are always in the way when I attempt to workout & I try to keep going at it but them boucing around causing extreme discomfort.

Joe Gryskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Mgoods,Sorry you are suffering.  People sometimes don't realized how disabling this can be.  So if you have back, neck or shoulder pain or numbness in the hands or gooves in the brastrap area then a letter would be written to your insurance.  Large breasts can cause a skeletal imbalance affecting your posture and contributing to all the pain.  All the best, "Dr. Joe"

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and pictures. Based on your description and pictures, you may be an excellent candidate for breast reduction surgery; this operation tends to be one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform. “Official” recommendations of course would necessitate in-person consultation.
 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. 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. In general, it is best to do this procedure ( like all other elective body contouring the stages,  when patients have reached their long-term stable weights.  In doing so, there is an "improvement" in the safety of the procedure and the need for further surgery ( in the event of weight gain/loss after the breast reduction procedure) is minimized.
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.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question.  It is a safe procedure, in which your plastic surgeon will reduce the amount of breast tissue, reshape your breasts, raise the nipple-areolar complex to its appropriate position (possibly making the size smaller, if needed), and ultimately ameliorate the possible complaints that you do have for the reason that you are having this procedure (e.g., neck/back pain, migraines, rashes/infections, etc).Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who will discuss the procedure with you, examine, and assist you in determining if this is the right procedure for you.  Voice your complaints - your insurance will likely require a detailed description of your history and complaints as well as photo and an estimate of how much tissue will be removed.  Hope that this helps!  Best wishes!

Lewis Ladocsi, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi mgoods_ .  After reading about your symptoms and looking at your pictures, I think you would benefit from a breast reduction.  I suggest you see a local plastic surgeon who can examine you and discuss the procedure.  Good luck.

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

Thank you for the photos and the short history.  In a word you are an excellent candidate for a breast reduction and should get a wonderful resultDr. Corbin

I'm 21, 5'6 with 40 DD / 42DD & I'm looking to get a reduction. Am I a good candidate? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Yes, I think a breast reduction will help you

Answer: Yes, I think a breast reduction will help you

Answer: Reduction

Answer: Reduction

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

I'm 21, 5'6 with 40 DD / 42DD & I'm looking to get a reduction. Am I a good candidate? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Yes, I think a breast reduction will help you

Answer: Yes, I think a breast reduction will help you

Answer: Reduction

Answer: Reduction

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.