I'm 5'3", 135lbs and have 32DD breasts. Am I a good candidate for ready reduction? (Photo)

Question

My breasts cause me a lot of discomfort when I shop for shirts, and become very swollen and painful closer to my period. It's difficult to find bras that fit correctly and it makes running and other cardio exercises difficult.

Scott C. Sattler, MD, FACS · Answer

A reasonable plan for you would be a vertical breast lift with a small amount of breast tissue reduction from the lower portion of each breast. I doubt insurance would cover the procedure, but I'm not a Canadian physician.

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

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the problems your disproportionately large breasts have caused.  Based on your description and pictures, you may be an excellent candidate for breast reduction surgery. This operation tends to be one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform. “Typical” patients who present for breast reduction surgery are women who have disproportionately large breasts, causing problems such as neck/back/shoulder discomfort, postural changes, bra strap grooving, skin irritation/rashes under the breasts, and/or difficulty with activities of daily living and/or exercise etc. There may be both physical as well as psychosocial “stress” caused by the disproportionately large breasts.Reducing breast tissue mass and elevating the breasts on the chest wall tend to improve or alleviate many of the symptoms associated with the disproportionately large breasts.Patients considering breast reduction surgery should also consider the potential downsides (risks/complications) associated with the procedure as well. Poor scarring, for example may be associated with the procedure. Additional surgery may be necessary in the short or longer term for a multitude of reasons.When the time is right, I suggest that you seek consultation with well experienced plastic surgeons who can demonstrate significant experience achieving the types of outcomes you would be pleased with. Ultimately, careful selection of your plastic surgeon will be the most important decision you make.To this end, I would suggest you visit a few surgeons whose practices concentrate on aesthetic surgery. Ask to see lots of examples of their work and preferably speak/see patients who have had similar procedures done. I hope this, and the attached link (dedicated to breast reduction surgery concerns), helps. Best wishes.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Based on your photos and description, you sound like an ideal candidate for breast reduction surgery. Relief from pain is one of the many reasons why breast reduction surgery has such a high patient satisfaction rating. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area (link below) to discuss. Best, Dr. Nazarian

Robert M. Freund, MD · Answer

One of the most difficult things for a plastic surgeon to do is to guess the amount  of breast tissue that will be removed during a breast lift/ reduction. Insurance companies want it to be above a certain level or they won't pay, patients want the size that they want and the two may not coincide. For very large and very small breasted patient, this is not a problem, but for woman in the middle it is most difficult. In your case you are likely too small to get reimbursed for a breast reduction. However, a lift with some tissue removal will relieve your symptoms.Good Luck!

I'm 5'3", 135lbs and have 32DD breasts. Am I a good candidate for ready reduction? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Breast Reduction

Answer: Breast Reduction

Answer: Breast Lift Versus Reduction

Answer: Breast Lift Versus Reduction

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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I'm 5'3", 135lbs and have 32DD breasts. Am I a good candidate for ready reduction? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Breast Reduction

Answer: Breast Reduction

Answer: Breast Lift Versus Reduction

Answer: Breast Lift Versus Reduction

Browse related questions

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.