110-115 pounds and a 34-36D/DD - am I candidate for a breast reduction?

Question

I am 110-115 pounds and a lot of the weight is in my breast’s since I wear a 34-36D/DD. My back and shoulder pain is really bad. I also have really bad self astern because of them. I don’t feel comfortable in a lot of clothing or bathing suits. I am wondering if a breast reduction is ideal. I would like to remove enough to be about a 34/36 B

Moises Salama, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. It is difficult to provide a proper recommendation without pictures. I suggest you upload pictures of the front and side. I also recommend scheduling a consult for a proper evaluation. Make sure your surgeon you choose has extensive experience and clean credentials. Always consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Take care, Moises Salama MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

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.

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

The information you've provided suggests you would be a very good candidate for a breast reduction procedure. You may in fact qualify for coverage for this procedure through your health insurance. Contact your insurance company for information regarding qualification for coverage.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.
Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Also, call your insurance company and see if this is a covered benefit for your and what the guidelines are for coverage. Best wishes!

Tommaso Addona, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
In order to qualify for breast reduction via your insurance carrier, we would need to know your height so we can generate a body surface area number. Most insurance carriers utilize a formulaic approach to determine whether patients are candidates. That said given your weight and volume of breasts it sounds promising. 
Please note, without photos it’s difficult to tell whether you are truly a candidate.

Albert Ko, MD · Answer

Hi there, thanks for your question! Based on the information I would say you sound like an ideal candidate for a mastopexy (breast reduction) but I would recommend you have an in-person consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to be sure! Good luck!

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @moschelich, thank you for your question. Yes, a breast reduction can be a solution! Patients that undergo this surgery often deal with back pain, shoulder creases at the level of mammary sulcus but after surgery those symptoms are gone. Reducing size often means improving posture because it puts less pressure on these parts of the body that may have been compromised before surgery due to heavy breasts. In general in order to reduce volume it's necessary to rearrange tissue which is achieved through skin removal and fat redistribution without changing shape itself. For more information and recommendations, it is best to consult with one or several board certified plastic surgeons. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear moschelich,
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

Felix Omar Márquez, MD · Answer

Hi, thanks for your question. You are a candidate for breast reduction or mastopexy. It can help you to stop the pain and discomfort. Please, consult a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area. You can get great results, and use your desired clothes again! Good luck!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

A breast reduction will address the concerns that you mentioned.  An in person exam is always best for a recommendation, but it is reasonable to reduce your breasts at least two cup sizes.  The next step is to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you for a consultation to learn more.