I am 21, 5'4", 165lbs with 34G breasts. I want a reduction but my doctors says "just work out, the pain go away". Help?

Question

In 7th grade, I was diagnosed with scoliosis by the school nurse. Even then I was wearing a 34D bra. I have recently gone to my doctor for my back pains and she says working out will help, but it hasn't (My weight is actually quite proportionate to my frame). Anyway, I have also recently developed asthmatic symptoms and been prescribed an inhaler, but my doctor still doesn't think my breasts are an issue. How should I go about getting the recommendation I need to be healthy?

Roger Tsai, MD · Answer

Since you are having symptoms due to your large breasts, you are a good candidate for a breast reduction surgery.  It will help with your back pains, but will not improve your asthma symptoms.  This procedure has one of the highest patient satisfaction ratings as there is usually immediate relief from back pain as the weight is gone and patients often comment on how much their life has improved. Often times, because of your symptoms and the significant size of your breasts, insurance companies will cover the procedure!  There are conservative options such as specialty bras or medications to help with the back pain but these all just "bandage" the problem and are temporary measures.  Weight loss probably will not decrease a size G breast to a breast size that will relieve your symptoms.I would ask your doctor for a referral to a plastic surgeon or find a plastic surgeon online or within your insurance network.  If that doesn't work, you can always find a plastic surgeon that gives free consultations.  It is important to have an adequate consultation so that a physical examination can be performed and an appropriate treatment plan can be provided to you that is tailored to your needs.  Click on the link below for further information about breast reduction surgery from my website.  Good luck and hope this helps! - Dr. Roger Tsai

Elizabeth Slass Lee, MD · Answer

The short answer is to request or demand a consult with a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Breasts of your size do not generally get significantly smaller with weight loss. The longer answer is that general care providers do not always recognize when surgery is appropriate. I don't know what insurance you have, and certainly some plans require primary care referrals to see a specialist. You can always have a plastic surgery consult outside of your health insurance by paying for the consultation out of pocket. It is possible that when armed with an evaluation from a specialist, you may be able to convince your primary care MD to authorize treatment. Be assertive and get a plastic surgery consultation.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

If you are getting these recommendations from your primary care doctor or even a plastic surgeon I would advise you to get several different opinions.  It would be unusual in my opinion for size G breast to reduce enough with exercise to relieve your symptoms but only a physical exam and medical history can determine that.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

You describe an ideal situation where a reduction procedure could be beneficial.  This is not going to help your asthma.  Please see if your doctor will refer you to a plastic surgeon for an evaluation and to learn of what documentation you may need to have this procedure authorized.  If your doctor won't do that, you can always check the rosters of participating plastic surgeons and see if you can schedule an appointment without a referral.  But when you have this procedure done, it will diminish your ability to fully breast feed children should they be in your future.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the problems your disproportionately large breasts cause. I am also sorry to hear about the somewhat ignorant advice your physician has provided to you. Unfortunately, exercise will not necessarily improve your symptoms. I would suggest that you meet with a few board-certified plastic surgeons who can demonstrate significant experience in achieving the types of outcomes you will be pleased with. Best wishes.

I am 21, 5'4", 165lbs with 34G breasts. I want a reduction but my doctors says "just work out, the pain go away". Help?

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Answer: Managed care insurance?

Answer: I am 21, 5'4", 165lbs with 34G breasts. I want a reduction but my doctors says "just work out, the pain go away". Help?

Answer: I am 21, 5'4", 165lbs with 34G breasts. I want a reduction but my doctors says "just work out, the pain go away". Help?

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I am 21, 5'4", 165lbs with 34G breasts. I want a reduction but my doctors says "just work out, the pain go away". Help?

Answers (8)

Answer: Managed care insurance?

Answer: Managed care insurance?

Answer: I am 21, 5'4", 165lbs with 34G breasts. I want a reduction but my doctors says "just work out, the pain go away". Help?

Answer: I am 21, 5'4", 165lbs with 34G breasts. I want a reduction but my doctors says "just work out, the pain go away". Help?

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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.