Finally ready for a breast reduction - advice for moving forward?

Question

I have struggled with the size of my breasts since I was in high school. I’m 5’7” with an athletic frame & am currently a 36G. Both pregnancies I went up to an I cup & am now suffering with chronic neck & back pain that has escalated to nerve pain with vertigo. I feel necessary to reduce my size for my quality of life with young children. I’m nervous specifically about my breast appearance & maintaining sensation. I have lost 16+ pounds to prepare. Advice for moving forward?

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

If you are experiencing chronic neck and back pain that has escalated to nerve pain and vertigo due to your breast size, it is definitely worth considering breast reduction surgery to improve your quality of life. The decision to undergo breast reduction surgery is a personal one, but it is important to consider the benefits of the procedure in relieving your symptoms and improving your overall well-being.

Breast reduction surgery can help alleviate chronic pain, improve posture, and enhance physical activity. You may also find that reducing the size of your breasts improves your self-confidence and overall quality of life, particularly as a mother with young children.

It is important to find a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience with breast reduction surgery to discuss your options and to address any concerns you may have. Your surgeon can help guide you through the process and provide information about what to expect during and after the procedure.

Regarding your concerns about breast appearance and maintaining sensation, your surgeon will work with you to achieve your desired outcome while minimizing the risk of complications. In general, breast reduction surgery involves removing excess breast tissue and skin while reshaping the breast to create a more proportional appearance. Sensation in the breast can be affected by the surgery, but this is typically temporary and most patients experience minimal to no permanent loss of sensation.

It is great that you have taken the initiative to lose weight before your procedure, as this can help optimize your surgical outcome and speed up your recovery time. Your surgeon may recommend additional steps to prepare for your surgery, such as quitting smoking or adjusting any medications you are taking.

Overall, breast reduction surgery can be a life-changing procedure for many women who struggle with the physical and emotional effects of large breasts. It is important to have an open and honest discussion with your surgeon to ensure that you feel confident and informed about your decision to move forward with the procedure.

I hope this helps,
best of luck !

Keith M. Blechman, MD · Answer

The first step would be to find a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast reductions. They can assess your specific situation and discuss the techniques that may help you maintain sensation and achieve your desired appearance. Continue focusing on your health and fitness. This can not only help with recovery but also improve your overall well-being. At Breast surgery Group, we offer both in-person and virtual consultations.

Allyson Deziel, MD · Answer

I recommend being evaluated by a board certified Plastic Surgeon to determine if you are a good candidate for breast reduction surgery. The symptoms you described like neck and back pain are commonly found in patients with large breasts. Insurance will occasionally cover the procedure, but they will often require that a certain amount of breast tissue be removed, although each insurance is different and requirements for coverage varies. Before surgery, be sure to discuss your desired breast size with your surgeon to ensure that can be achieved while still meeting insurance criteria.

Christopher Pannucci, MD, MS · Answer

Hi lyrn88,
In general, patients presenting for breast reduction have chronic back and neck and shoulder pain, bra strap grooving, rashes in the fold underneath the breast, and challenges finding clothes that fit. Many feeling awkward in social situations, and have trouble exercising.
In addition to symptoms and life issues as above, many patients will have undergone physical therapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and/or have multiple visits to their primary care doctor to address the above issues.
For insurance based surgery, good documentation of symptoms, life changes, and use of the medical system as above is very helpful in getting procedures covered. These, plus your surgeons expected removal weight, will be inherent to the preapproval process. For out-of-pocket surgery, you and your surgeon can discuss having the surgery at your discretion, as there is no pre-authorization process.
Hope this helps.
Best,Christopher Pannucci, MD MSBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

Dinah Wan, MD · Answer

Most breast reduction patients are very happy after surgery and have significantly improved quality of life. Not only does reducing the weight of your breast decrease the stress on your neck and back, a breast reduction also lifts your breast tissue so that your center of gravity is not constantly pulled down, thus also helping with your posture. Next steps would be to seek a board certified plastic surgeon for a consultation to discuss the procedure in detail, your expectations, and to make sure your are medically cleared for elective surgery.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear lyrn88,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

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.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

Breast reduction is one of the most common surgeries performed by plastic surgeons for many reasons. In general, this is because it is very well tolerated and has a high satisfaction rate from both surgeons and patients. Even with very large breasts it should be possible to get you down to a size that you like that is cosmetically appealing while also alleviating your symptoms. Make sure you choose a provider who will discuss your concerns openly with you as your concerns are valid and you will need to understand the risks of scarring, changes in nipple sensation, etc. that are important to you. Lastly, make sure you choose a surgeon that is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery to ensure that you are receiving the highest level of care.

Jeffrey S. Yager, MD · Answer

Best advice is to select a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, and check on plasticsurgery.org to confirm by entering the name. Secondly, ask how many the surgeon has done, and how many in the past year. You want the answer to be hundreds at least in total, and at least 20 in the last year to insure experience and that the surgeon still does it.

Lastly, look at before and after pictures, make sure they are similar in size and ethnicity. They should show you at least 3.

Good luck

Lastly, look at before and after pictures, make sure they are similar in size and ethnicity.  They should show you at least 3.

Good luck

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

First visit with your primary care physician to see if you might qualify for insurance. If you might, then follow your insurance recommendations. then be referred to a plastic surgeon.

Finally ready for a breast reduction - advice for moving forward?

Answers (14)

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