Would I be a good candidate for Breast Reduction 40HH?

Question

I am 24 yrs old 5'5"weigh 240lbs. I am currently a 40HH. I have tried loosing weight and always gain it back. My breast only get larger the older I get. Big breast run in my family on both sides. I have back, neck, and shoulder pain. I currently have a herniated disc in my back which is irritated by my large breasts. My PCP has me seeing a nutrionist as well. Would I be a good candidate?

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

From your description you seem to be a  good candidate for breast reduction. I would encourage you to only consult with a board certified plastic surgeon.With a significant reduction you may not be able to breast feed later.Here are some general guidelines about if you are a good candidate and the procedure itself:andidates for SurgeryCandidates for Breast Reduction surgery are women who wish to have smaller breasts to achieve a more proportional appearance or to alleviate physical discomfort. Breast reduction can correct symptoms from excessively large, heavy breasts that may cause the inability to do certain exercises, or create back, shoulder and neck pain, poor posture, bra-strap shoulder indentations and chafing or rashes under the breasts. Women experiencing these discomforts may benefit from Breast Reduction, also called Reduction Mammoplasty. Furthermore, large breasts may interfere with normal daily activities or exercise and will be more comfortable when reduced. Women who feel that their excessive breast size decreases a sense of attractiveness and self confidence, or results in unwanted attention are also candidates.Intended ResultAlso known as reduction mammoplasty, Breast Reduction is an operation intended to reduce the size of a woman’s breasts and improve their shape and position. Frequently, the areola (dark skin around the nipple) is also made smaller. Functional symptoms (medical problems) caused by excessive breast weight may be relieved or improved by this operation. Mammoplasty patients will experience a more attractive contour and smaller breast size, freedom from health problems associated with excessively large breasts and improved self image. There is an extremely high rate of patient satisfaction from this surgery. They are some of the happiest group of patients I have in my practice.Procedure DescriptionBreast Reduction is performed as an outpatient procedure and the vast majority of our patients tell us that there was far less discomfort in the early recovery period than was anticipated. In most cases I use a minimal incision surgery using a “vertical” or “lollipop” scar technique this method has been used in Brazil and France for many years but is performed by a minority of Plastic Surgeons in this country. The benefits include: approximately fifty percent less scarring, a narrower breast, better forward projection and shape, longer lasting improvement, shorter surgery time and less complications. In general, we have stopped using the older traditional “anchor” or inverted “T” incisions as these provide inferior results. The procedure is done under general anesthesia on an out-patient basis or in the hospital it there are additional medical conditions.Liposuction may be used during the procedure to reduce the size of the breast in selected patients. Liposuction alone has the least number and size of scars but has the greatest limitations in shaping and reducing the breast. Liposuction may be combined with the vertical method to give an optimal shape to your breasts. Adjustments of the Nipple and/or Areola can also be done at the same time.In rare circumstances for extraordinarily large or bulky breasts, gigantomastia, for technical reasons, we sometimes remove the nipples completely and reattach them as “free grafts”. The sensory nerves are all cut, and even though a certain amount of sensation returns after healing, it will never be normal and erotic sensation if present prior to surgery (many of these patients preoperatively do not have this due to stretch of their nerves) is lost completely. The milk ducts are interrupted in this operation, so nursing would be impossible. You will be amply informed in advance if your breasts are in this category. This may be one of the exceptions where the inverted T or Anchor technique is utilized.#breastreduction#breastreductioncandidate

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Based on your description and cup size, yes, you sound as if a breast reduction could greatly improve your life. Your weight puts your BMI at a higher level than is ideal for surgery, but if you are in good health, it may not be a problem. Bottom line, you need to be assessed in person. So, schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area (link below) to discuss. Best, Dr. Nazarian

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

It sounds as though you are experiencing the classic complications associated with larger breasts.  Most women with larger breasts also experience a host of medical issues related to the size of their breasts. These problems may include neck pain, back or shoulder pain, hygiene difficulty, and breast pain. Fortunately, when the excessive breast size causes functional problems, insurance will generally pay for the operation if more than 400 – 500 grams are removed from each breast. Of course this is dependent on your individual insurance company requirements. By reducing the size of the breast tissue, you can eliminate some of the medical complications listed above, reduce sleeping difficulties, increase your likelihood of finding clothing that fits and improve self image. The best place to start is by determining a weight that you are convinced that you can maintain before and after surgery. This is important, in that, if you gain weight after breast reduction surgery, your breasts will increase in size. The next step would be to make an appointment with a Board Certified plastic surgeon. They can make suggestions and guide you through the process. Good Luck!#plastic surgery #breast reduction #weight loss

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about the symptoms your breast hypertrophy cause.  You will likely be an excellent candidate for the breast reduction procedure at some point.  This operation tends to be one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform.  As you know, it is always best to be as close as possible to a long-term stable weight prior to any type of elective plastic surgical procedure (for many reasons).  Having said that, there are cases where the surgical procedure will be a potential “jumpstart” for your continued weight loss after surgery.You will find good arguments for each approach.Best wishes as you reach your goals.

Jayesh Panchal, MD · Answer

It does seem like a breast reduction would help your back pain. However, one thing to be aware of is that if you gain weight after your breast reduction surgery, your breast may grow larger as well. I would recommend having a weight goal that you can maintain before and after your breast reduction. That way you can maintain your results as best as possible.

Would I be a good candidate for Breast Reduction 40HH?

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Answer: Would I be a good candidate for Breast Reduction 40HH?

Answer: Would I be a good candidate for Breast Reduction 40HH?

Answer: Gaining weight after reduction may increase breast size

Answer: Gaining weight after reduction may increase breast size

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Would I be a good candidate for Breast Reduction 40HH?

Answers (7)

Answer: Would I be a good candidate for Breast Reduction 40HH?

Answer: Would I be a good candidate for Breast Reduction 40HH?

Answer: Gaining weight after reduction may increase breast size

Answer: Gaining weight after reduction may increase breast size

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.