Breast Reduction for Competitive Rower?

Yes, a breast reduction would be very beneficial is alleviating your pain issues. However, you will not be able to exercise vigorously (i.e. row) for about 6-8 weeks. Best, Dr. Nazarian

Based on the description of your situation, you sound like an excellent candidate for a breast reduction.  Your surgery will be covered by OHIP.  Please seek an experienced plastic surgeon for your procedure.  Your issues of back and shoulder pain, posture and inability to perform to your best ability are all indications that a reduction in breast size will benefit you.

Thank you for the question. Based on your description, you may be an excellent candidate for breast reduction surgery. This operation tends to be one of the most patient pleasing operations to 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. Timing of service should be individualized based on the specific patient's life circumstances and preferences.

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.

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.

Once you have chosen your plastic surgeon carefully, it will be important for you to communicate her goals carefully as well. In my practice, I asked patients to use as many “visual aids”, such as goal photographs, during the communication process. Avoid the use of subjective terms; for example, "B or C cup” and/or “proportionate"… these terms can be confusing, since they may mean different things to different people.

I hope this, and the attached link (dedicated to breast reduction surgery concerns), helps. Best wishes.