Would a breast reduction from 32D to a 32C/B be helpful for exercising pain?

Question

I am 5’2 115 pounds and I’m a full D to DD cup. I have had a child, so my breasts are not as dense as they once were. I have loose skin now, but I am very active and would like smaller breasts to accommodate for my lifestyle, as I have to double up on sports bras to hold them if I run. If I gain any weight, my breasts get big, fast. 125-130lbs I’m easily a DDD. Can I expect less pain with exercise with a reduction, and would a reduction also help lift my breasts?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

You are an optimal candidate for breast reduction surgery if your breast size is disproportionately large compared to the rest of your body frame and causing your back and shoulder pain. The surgery will also help to reshape and recontour your breasts. Very large breasts have the natural tendency to sag or hang low, so breast reduction surgery will lift them up and help them look perkier under tight clothing. 
If the size of your breasts is preventing you from what you want to do, it is not unreasonable to have the procedure done.  Consult either virtually or in-office with a board certified plastic surgeon who is an expert in breast reduction surgery so that you can discuss your ultimate goals, BR pros and cons, the best time to have the surgery, and whether your medical insurance is likely to pay for it. With most modern techniques of breast reduction, the ducts should be preserved as well as the sensation. Therefore, breast-feeding should be possible.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, you have not provided photographs.  However, 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 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.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Addy1138,
It is hard to tell but breast reduction will most likely decrease pain. Many women have overdevelopment of breast tissue and require reductions.  Some of the questions you need to ask yourself are if you are willing to have scars from the surgery, take the risk of losing nipple sensation and other complications in addition to possible problems breast feeding if you plan to have children in the future. I would meet with a plastic surgeon to go over all of these risks and benefits to see if you would be a good candidate for surgery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

A breast reduction will do just that.  It will help with back pain, neck pain, shoulder grooving, rashes under the breast, pain in the arms and allow patients to be more active.A breast reduction will also lift the breast up higher on the chest.  This is pretty standard whenever a breast reduction is done, a lift is included in the procedure.Make certain you see a board certified plastic surgeon.Hope that helps.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

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, you would appear to be a reasonable candidate. Breast reduction patients are commonly among the most satisfied patients we see, as they benefit from symptomatic relief as well as improved aesthetics.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

Robert Cohen, MD · Answer

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

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

Breast reduction surgery is one of the most pleasing procedures for women. If you are having neck shoulder and back pain due to heavy breasts, you should experience great relief from a breast reduction. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to learn what options are available. to you. Good luck.

Daniel Zeichner, MD · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!Breast
reduction is both cosmetic and functional, as the procedure often alleviates
neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, bra strap grooving, and chronic
rashes beneath the breasts due to their added weight. One must rule out other causes of pain of spinal or muscular origin. The breast reduction procedure will conify the breasts, place the nipple-areolae back into their normal higher position, and will reduce the size and weight of the breasts.From the
insurance standpoint, different companies have different criteria for coverage. Some will
require a surgical specimen to be of a certain weight, most will accept
symptoms, some require a course of preoperative physical therapy. It may be wise to contact your carrier to determine their criteria. I recommend you undergo in-person evaluation by a board certified plastic surgeon who can guide you in the proper direction.Best wishes...

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thanks for your question!  One of the main reasons breast reduction surgeries are performed is to relieve discomfort.  A breast reduction will absolutely help with pain during exercise.  It sounds like you will be a great candidate!  Be sure to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon.  Good luck!

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

A lift is included with the reduction. Yes, you would probably feel much more comfortable with a smaller size. I would suggest meeting with a board certified plastic surgeon and discussing your options.

Would a breast reduction from 32D to a 32C/B be helpful for exercising pain?

Answers (13)

More Breast Reduction Questions

Are there higher risks with breast reduction surgery if you have dense breast tissue?

How long after a breast reduction before I can get a dog ear corrected?

What's really the difference between Areola Reduction and Donut Mastopexy?

Will losing weight after surgery ruin my results, or will I maintain breast volume because I was chesty even when I was thin?

Will my bronchial asthma be relieved and lessened after breast reduction surgery?

Am I right in thinking breasts should be too high and square in the beginning for a nice outcome?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS