Will my posture and neck pain improve after breast reduction surgery?

Question

I am a 20 year old woman I am 5' 3" 130 pounds and am a 34G. I have a consultation scheduled for a breast reduction. I currently am on felxiril for neck pain, headaches, and I can't stand up straightly without being in pain. Would reducing my bra size to a C relieve these issues? I also have Lupus. Does the surgeon need to know this? Will it interfere with the surgery? Thank you for your time!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Generally speaking, 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. 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.
Other than the presence of symptoms, the “ideal” patient for breast reduction surgery is one who is psycho socially/emotionally/financially stable, has an excellent social support system surrounding her, is capable of arranging enough recovery time, does not smoke and who has reached a long-term stable weight.
Patients considering breast reduction surgery should also consider the potential downsides (risks/complications) associated with the procedure as well. Poor scarring, for example may be associated with the procedure.
When the time is right, I would suggest starting with the American Society of Plastic Surgery and/or the Aesthetic Society of Plastic Surgery to obtain a list of well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons.
Then, I would suggest you visit a few surgeons whose practices concentrate on aesthetic surgery. Ask to see lots of examples of their work and preferably speak/see patients who have had similar procedures done. Make sure that you do let your plastic surgeon know about your history of lupus and/or any other medical problems, habits… Best wishes.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

You should definitely tell your surgeon that you have Lupus, or any other medical condition that you may have. You still may be able to go through with your surgery if it is deemed safe by your surgeon.Reducing the size of heavy, large breasts can decrease the pain and discomfort associated with them. While nothing is every "for sure", there's a good chance that you'll experience relief following surgery if your pain is caused by your breasts.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Since you are 20 years old and a 34 G, I would recommend
breast reduction for 2 reasons.  One, it
will relieve neck, back or shoulder pain associated with large breasts.  Two, it will produce beautiful breasts that
maintain their function.  The most
commonly used technique currently is the Wise pattern, which was developed in
1956, results in ugly vertical scars, nipple numbness and the inability to
breast feed.  In my opinion, this
technique is obsolete, even though it is still used.  I recommend a new technique called The
Ultimate Breast ReductionTM. 
This technique avoids the ugly vertical scars, maintains nipple sensation
and the ability to breast feed.  The
breasts are reshaped creating upper pole fullness, elevated higher on the chest
wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. 
The weight of the breast is transferred to the underlying muscle
resulting in immediate pain relief.  This
allows the patient to have pain free beautiful functional breasts without he
ugly vertical scars of the traditional technique. Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Frank Lista, MD · Answer

Generally speaking, Breast Reduction patients are
often my most happy patients.  Reducing
the size of your breasts will definitely help with the pain and discomfort in
your neck and back that you are currently experiencing.  Be sure to visit various websites to view
before and after pictures.  Seek a Board
Certified Surgeon for consultation who specializes in this procedure. Be sure to discuss your medical history with
the surgeon during your consultation.

William T. Stoeckel, MD · Answer

There are never any guarantees with surgery, but for an overwhelming majority of patients that undergo breast reduction surgery, back and neck pain symptoms are either drastically reduced or eliminated. If you are a good candidate for surgery, I would expect that you would notice an improvement in both your pain symptoms and posture. Lupus can have several different and variable symptoms and severities. Depending upon your presentation, it may or may not affect your breast reduction surgery. You certainly should let your surgeon know about your condition, especially about the medications that you may be taking. Many patients treat Lupus with immunosuppressants. These type of medications could affect your healing after surgery.

Will my posture and neck pain improve after breast reduction surgery?

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Will my posture and neck pain improve after breast reduction surgery?

Answers (9)

Answer: Will my posture and neck pain improve after breast reduction surgery?

Answer: Will my posture and neck pain improve after breast reduction surgery?

Answer: Pain and posture after breast reduction

Answer: Pain and posture after breast reduction

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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