Would I be a breast reduction candidate? (Photo)

Question

I am 24 years old, 5'5", 145 lbs, and have size 34 h breasts. I have been going to physical therapy for hand weakness and numbness/tingling in my hands, in addition to consistent shoulder and neck pain. Is this surgery right for me?

Tim Neavin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your
question and for your photos. Based on your photos provided, you are an ideal candidate
for breast reduction. I would advise you to schedule a consultation with a
board certified plastic surgeon for a detailed examination to discuss all
possible treatment options and what your expectations are.

James N. Romanelli, MD, FACS · Answer

Your photo and the symptoms you describe do suggest that breast reduction surgery would be a good fit for you. Many of the patients I've seen have complained of similar symptoms. While physical therapy can help alleviate symptoms in the immediate future, treating the underlying cause is the only way to achieve long-lasting relief. From everything you say, I believe that you will benefit tremendously from a breast reduction, but be sure to be seen by a board-certified plastic surgeon for an in-person evaluation.

Shwetambara Parakh, MD · Answer

Hi there, given your symptoms and the size of your breasts you are a candidate for breast reduction. 
Your next step would be to meet with a board certified plastic surgeon, who will discuss the process with you and if he/she determines that you are a good candidate will then submit the documents and pictures to your insurance company . The insurance will likely also require supporting documents from your medical doctor reg. medical necessity, from physical therapist if you have had any. Once all these documents have been submitted to insurance , they will review it and let you know about the coverage.
Good luck !

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Far more important than the technique is the skill and experience of your plastic surgeon. Choose your surgeon rather than the technique and let them explain why one technique may be better than another.  See the below link on some suggestions on finding the most qualified Plastic Surgeon for a BR Always insist on a board certified plastic surgeon.

John D. Smoot, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and you have all the criteria for this procedure and it will greatly improve you life.  I would find a board certified plastic surgeon to guide you through this process and help you understand what can be achieved and with realistic goals. I hope this works out for you.

Joseph L. Hill Jr., MD · Answer

Hi there!  Thank you for your question and picture.  The symptoms you describe are common in patient's who have enlarged breasts.  While no one can guarantee that a breast reduction will resolve symptoms such as neck and back pain, in most woman with enlarged breasts such as yours, those symptoms are much improved if not completely eradicated.  The surgery requires a scar around the areola and along the lower pole of the breast in a vertical direction.  Sometimes, a scar is required along the crease under your breast.  During surgery, a portion of the breast skin and gland are removed.  Woman can breast feed after a breast reduction and sensation is typically preserved, although there can be alterations in the absolute sensitivity.  It is my belief that you will greatly benefit from a breast reduction.  It is one of the most rewarding surgeries Plastic surgeons perform.  I highly recommend consulting with a board certified Plastic surgeon.  Good luck!

Nicholas A. Flugstad, MD · Answer

The most common symptoms are shoulder and neck pain, upper back pain. From your photo and story it appears you are a good candidate and would probably have pain relief. All surgery has risks and benefits, and best to review those with a board certified plastic surgeon. Keep in mind the need for scars, the possibility that you won't  be able to breastfeed, possible loss of sensation, and balance that with the improvement of your pain and function with everyday activities. Making your decision knowing all the facts is the best way to go.

Nick Masri, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, seeradon. Based on your attached photo and description, it appears that you’d be a great candidate for breast reduction surgery. Breast reduction can provide relief from physical discomfort just like what you’re experiencing.
To ensure the best results, look for a reputable and board-certified plastic surgeon who’s had plenty of experience doing breast reduction surgery before.
Good luck!

Richard Hanson, MB, MCh, FRCS(plast) · Answer

You could ask your physical therapist are you suffering from thoracic outlet syndrome ? That may be the cause for your arm and hand symptoms. Yes, if you have a large chest and are otherwise fit and healthy, breast reduction surgery should help with your posture and can reduce neck and shoulder pain.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and picture. Based on your description and picture, you may be an excellent candidate for breast reduction surgery. This operation tends to be one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform. 
“Typical” patients who present for breast reduction surgery are women who have disproportionately large breasts, causing problems such as neck/back/shoulder discomfort, postural changes, bra strap grooving, skin irritation/rashes under the breasts, and/or difficulty with activities of daily living and/or exercise etc. There may be both physical as well as psychosocial “stress” caused by the disproportionately large breasts.
Reducing breast tissue mass and elevating the breasts on the chest wall tend to improve or alleviate many of the symptoms associated with the disproportionately large breasts.
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. Additional surgery may be necessary in the short or longer term for a multitude of reasons.
When the time is right, I suggest that you seek consultation with well experienced plastic surgeons who can demonstrate significant experience achieving the types of outcomes you would be pleased with. Ultimately, careful selection of your plastic surgeon will be the most important decision you make.
To this end, 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. 
With the goal of improving communication with my patients I find the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) very helpful. I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or “C or D cup” means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful. Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate. 
I hope this, and the attached link (dedicated to breast reduction surgery concerns), helps. Best wishes.

Would I be a breast reduction candidate? (Photo)

Answers (14)

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