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?

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dear xo.jocie,You describe symptoms typical of macromastia (large breasts); you may be a candidate for breast reduction surgery. Typically, breast reduction is performed for headaches, pain in the neck, shoulders, upper back, kyphosis (forward neck), bra strap grooving, and rashes attributable to the breasts. Generally several months of therapy, NSAIDs, and specialized bras are trialled; if the pain persists, your best option may be reduction surgery. I am certain your doctors have your best interest in mind, but perhaps it's time to schedule a consultation with a reputable plastic surgeon. I really hope this answers your question and I wish you the best!

In order to have a breast reduction, most insurance companies require one year of documentation of cervical spine strain (neck pain), bra strap grooving, and history of intertrigo (rashes at the crease of the breast).  These must be documented by a primary care physician. Some may require trial of weight loss or seeing a physical therapist.   However, G-cup breasts are NOT going to get significantly smaller with weight loss.   When you are referred to a plastic surgeon, he/she will measure your breasts and photograph them.   With regards to measurements, if the distance between the sternal notch and the nipple is >30cm, then insurance will almost always approve the breast reduction.  Best of luck.  

You sound like an excellent candidate for a breast reduction. It is very possible your health insurance will cover most of the expense.