I am 5'3", 160 pounds and my breasts are a size 34DD. Am I candidate for a breast reduction?

Question

My breasts are very heavy on me, before having my son I was a 32B and now I am a 34DD. when I take my bra off at the end of the day they are really sore and tender. I also can not sit straight up for more than 5 minutes without my upper back getting sore, I need to lean my back on something to sit comfortable. My breasts to the eye don’t look that big but they definitely cause me discomfort. Am I a candidate for a reduction?

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.
It sound like you may be a candidate for breast reduction surgery. The best thing to do is to schedule a in person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Best of luck!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The best way to determine what your breast size should be with respect to your anatomy and give true advice would be an in-person exam with a board certified plastic surgeon who performs hundreds of breast procedures annually. No direct correlation exists with cup sizes. 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. 
Not only does proportion depend upon the aesthetic balance of your breasts with your shoulders, waist, hips, and buttocks, but also upon your objectives, active lifestyle, soft tissue quality, muscular anatomy, and long-term concerns. 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.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

At size 34 DD, it is unlikely that insurance will cover a breast reduction.  However, you can undergo a lift/reduction using 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.

Warren Schutte, MD · Answer

Hello, It is challenging to tell without photographs what exact surgery you are a candidate for, but it sounds like Breast Reduction would benefit you. Sometimes it isn't about removing a tremendous amount of breast tissue, but simply lifting the breasts into a more proper position on the chest wall can be relieving. Good luck on your journey! I would advise consulting with a plastic surgeon to determine which plan is right for YOU!

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

It does sound like you would benefit from a breast reduction. I can’t tell you however if your insurance will cover it. If you want insurance to cover it you should call them a find out the steps you need to take.

I am 5'3", 160 pounds and my breasts are a size 34DD. Am I candidate for a breast reduction?

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I am 5'3", 160 pounds and my breasts are a size 34DD. Am I candidate for a breast reduction?

Answers (9)

Answer: Breast reduction Candidate

Answer: Breast reduction Candidate

Answer: Breast reduction

Answer: Breast 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.