My heavy breasts are hurting my back. I have high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat (genetic), had a broken C1.

Question

Hi, I'm 66. My bra size is 32GGG or 32H. My mid back and spine are constantly in pain. At the age of 9, I had surgery to remove a rock sized fibroid from my breast & three subsequent surgeries to remove large fibroids and, with the development of Mammography they stopped operating. I have always been athletic and now do yoga and walk but no amount of stretching and relaxation is making this pain abate. Would I be at high risk for breast reduction. Would I heal properly at my age?

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions. Sounds like you could benefit from a breast reduction procedure. Age is not as important as overall health status. Make sure you get a consultation with a plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Hope this helps!

Dallas R. Buchanan, MD, FACS
Owner & Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon 
VIVIFY plastic surgery

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Contact your health insurance company to ask whether they cover a breast reduction (which includes a breast lift) and the criteria needed for you to qualify. If you have records from your internist, chiropractor, pain management doctor, etc. during the past year which documents your problem, take a copy of these when you consult with a board certified PS who performs hundreds of breast procedures each year with great patient feedback and B/A photos on his/her website. Discuss with the PS the pros and cons of the BR/BL and determine if this surgery is an option for you. If your health issues are under control, and you have a BMI close to 30, age will not prevent you from having the 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.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Breast reduction may well be if some benefit although it sounds like there may be other things that are contributing to your back pain. But if your breasts are quite large a breast reduction is a reasonable starting point.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear GGee3,
breast reduction is best suited for women who wish to decrease the size of their breasts. While there are different techniques used to perform this surgery, I prefer the vertical incision (lollipop pattern) breast reduction technique instead of the anchor scar pattern, which reduces more noticeable scarring than usual. I also use a SAFE liposuction technique to reduce additional fat around the stubborn axilla area and bra line. This way, my patients are achieving beautiful results with minimal incisions which reduces downtime and delivers an overall better breast shape long term.If you are considering breast reduction surgery, you should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options and make sure your surgeon understands your goals. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

My heavy breasts are hurting my back. I have high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat (genetic), had a broken C1.

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My heavy breasts are hurting my back. I have high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat (genetic), had a broken C1.

Answers (6)

Answer: Breast reduction

Answer: Breast reduction

Answer: Breast reduction

Answer: Breast reduction

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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.