I am 73 have 42ddd breast size. I am in physical and mental pain. Can I get breast reduction surgery?

You need a formal evaluation by a licensed plastic surgeon and expert in breast reductions to determine what is best for you and your goals.Breast reduction is one of my favorite surgeries as it allows me to dramatically improve a woman’s breast appearance as well as alleviate many physical symptoms of large breasts, such as back, neck and shoulder pain, bra strap grooving, and rashes under the breasts. When I perform breast reduction surgery, I generally use a superomedial pedicle to provide blood supply to the nipple while maintaining fullness in the upper and inner breast. Excess lower and outer breast tissue are removed. Breasts are often asymmetrical, so I remove more tissue from the larger breast. The final scar pattern is a circle around the areola, down the breast, and possibly under the breast, depending on the degree of skin excess.
For me, breast reduction is not a one-size-fits-all surgery. The size and shape of the breasts are customized to each patient depending on her goals and desires. Some women want a significant amount of tissue removed while others prefer to have a more limited reduction. Regardless of the amount of tissue removal, I perform the maximum safe amount of lifting and tightening for each patient.
I suggest consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon and expert in Breast Reductions. - Dr. Cohen

If you are in good health there is no reason why you couldn't get breast reduction surgery. I have several patients in their 70's that have done very well. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to learn what options are available to you. Good luck.

Thank you for your question. I am happy to hear that you are interested in breast reduction surgery. As long as you are healthy to undergo surgery, then you are fine. Age does not matter. Schedule a consultation with a surgeon, insurance may possibly cover this upon examination.

If you are in good health with a BMI approaching 30, age will not prevent you from having BR surgery.  None of us can predict what decisions insurance companies will make regarding coverage for BR surgery or what documentation will sway their decision. BRs which are medically necessary (i.e. you suffer back, shoulder, and neck "pain" with DOCUMENTED medical attention over a period of a YEAR) are typically covered by medical insurance.  If not, your medical insurance may try to deny you based upon a lot of things such as weight, lack of symptoms, lack of previous medical management, and lack of enough tissue that should be removed. 
Read your medical insurance certificate of coverage. Determine what medical information is required for your medical insurance company to issue a pre-authorization or predetermination of benefits for BR surgery. Then seek consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your medical condition, discuss the pros and cons of this surgery as it applies to you, determine the amount of tissue to be removed, and help you in completing the paperwork required by your medical insurance company.  (Take all documentation you have accumulated to your board certified PS's consultation appointment.

Age will not prohibit you from a breast reduction but you will need to be cleared medically.  The technique I recommend is 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 and long term stability.  Vertical scars are avoided and nipple sensation (in 95%) is maintained.  Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Dear mschloe123,
Breast reduction is best suited for women who wish to decrease the size of their breasts. While there are different techniques used to perform this surgery, I prefer the vertical incision (lollipop pattern) breast reduction technique instead of the anchor scar pattern, which reduces more noticeable scarring than usual. I also use a SAFE liposuction technique to reduce additional fat around the stubborn axilla area and bra line. This way, my patients are achieving beautiful results with minimal incisions which reduces downtime and delivers an overall better breast shape long term.If you are considering breast reduction surgery, you should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options and make sure your surgeon understands your goals. 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

Hello and thank you for your question.As long as you are in good health, you should have no problems having a breast reduction. Check with your insurance company for your covered benefits and any guidelines they may require. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Best of luck!

Candidates for breast reduction will typically have documented evidence of neck/back and shoulder pain as well as rashes and bra strap grooving attributable to the increased breast weight. They will often demonstrate that these symptoms have been resistant to more conservative measures like therapy, weight loss and pharmacologic intervention.
In addition to establishing a case for medical necessity, there are also requirements for resection weight (when covered by insurance). This may be a standard "500 gm per side" stipulation or a more variable standard based upon body surface area/Schnur scale. It is important to realize that these weight requirements can occasionally exceed your goals for size reduction. Insurance coverage is contingent on these requirements being met, thus cosmetic concerns become secondary(i.e. cup size goals).
Optimal candidates have reached a healthy stable weight (preferably with a BMI < 30). They will also note a stabilization in breast growth over a 6 month period (which varies among women). 
With regards to your specific question, age alone does not disqualify one for surgery. A healthy candidate at 73 is still a better candidate than their younger less healthy counterpart.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).
Donovan Rosas MD
Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
RealSelf Verified Member
RealSelf Top 100
RealSelf Hall of Fame
 

The choice is definitely entirely yours. All aesthetic surgeries are decided first and foremost by the patient, and the surgeon can only give the optimal procedures based on the patient's goals and physical measurements. Make sure you are healthy enough for a surgical procedure. The best course of action would be to schedule an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon for an in person examination

Hello. Your age is not the most critical factor. It all depends on your health condition. You can have relief for your pain with the help of a board-certified plastic surgeon. After an exam, he/she may decide the best procedure for you. Good luck!