Would a Breast Lift (I don't care how small at this point to be honest!) help with pain from hernia?

Question

I am 54 almost 55. My boobs are heavy and hang really low. I have to get Botox shots in my neck, back and shoulder blades and they (my boobs) are bothering my hiatal hernia it recently showed up - long term out gastric bypass here. But, I can't wear a bra for support - the band around bottom is a constant irritant to the hernia.

Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHS · Answer

A breast lift or reduction could potentially help with the pain in your neck, back, and shoulders caused by heavy, sagging breasts. Many people experience relief from these types of discomfort after reducing breast size or lifting the breasts, as it can improve posture and alleviate pressure on the upper body.
However, regarding your hernia, a breast lift is unlikely to have any direct effect on your hiatal hernia pain. The two conditions are not related, and addressing the hernia itself would typically require a different treatment, such as hernia repair surgery.
It's important to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon. Your doctor may be able to help you manage the hernia and provide a referral for a general surgeon, while the plastic surgeon can discuss the benefits of a breast lift or reduction to alleviate the discomfort caused by the weight of your breasts.
Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHSHarvard, Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Trained Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonNew York, New York

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It sounds that some of those symptoms are related to your large breast. Breast reduction may be the best answer to that? In person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon is recommended. Good luck.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. This will 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 and long term stability. Vertical scars are avoided and nipple sensation (in 95%) is maintained. With this technique, you can go braless.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

A breast lift or reduction can certainly improve pain in the back and shoulders. I have no information regarding its effect on a hiatal hernia. It might work. Everyone is different. I think you'll only know after you have the surgery.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear WhatDoAmy,
breast lift won't help with your hernia pain. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. 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

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You may actually need a breast reduction to lift and reduce you down to a comfortable size.  Perhaps your insurance company would cover the breast reduction. I would first meet with your primary care physician to discuss this since you will need a referral for insurance to cover this.

David Mattos, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, these two issues (breasts and hernia) are unrelated and I would not suggest having a breast lift if you're hoping that it will help with your hernia. If your hernia is causing trouble I would recommend hernia repair. If the breast ptosis or size bother you, then I would recommend first doing a breast lift or breast reduction.

Would a Breast Lift (I don't care how small at this point to be honest!) help with pain from hernia?

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