I’m wondering what everyone’s thoughts are/if I would be viable for a breast reduction. I am 5”5 with a small frame and no fat to lose. However I have 32ddd breasts, most likely one size bigger even. However they don’t appear that big without a bra as they don’t protrude a lot, they more take up more surface area. I also have scoliosis and am wondering if that would affect anything.
Great question! No, your scoliosis won't affect your breast reduction surgery. When you have a consultation, your surgeon will take measurements to note any breast asymmetries due to your condition. Breast reduction surgery may even help with back and neck pain which can be associated with scoliosis. Good luck!
Most likely a breast reduction will help with symptoms of scoliosis. Each insurance company has certain criteria of their own to cover the procedure and all will require a certain amount of weight from the tissue removed. At 5'5" with not much weight, say 140 lbs. your Body Surface Area would be1.71. The Blue Cross Schnur scale would require that you have between 370 and 404 grams of tissue removed from each side. The Schnur scale for AETNA would be a little higher. There must also be a number of other criteria such as pain in the back, neck and shoulders, rashes underneath, failure of special support bras, use of pain medicines that do not help and even failure of physical therapy or back strengthening exercises that you do on your own to help the symptoms. The weight requirement is pretty important and one should not try to pass a mastopexy (breast lift) as a reduction. Visit a local ABPS certified plastic surgeon to see if you meet all of the criteria.
You are a candidate for breast reduction if your breasts are large and you are experiencing problems as a result. These can include personal problems like feeling too large or self-conscious about them; practical problems like having trouble finding bras and tops that fit; and real medical problems, such as back, neck, and shoulder pain, headaches in the back or your head, numbness and tingling down your arms, and frequent rashes under your breasts. Insurance may cover the surgery if you meet certain criteria for height and weight. You should see a plastic surgeon who does these and find out if you are a candidate and whether insurance may pay for the surgery. The operation is major surgery, takes me on the order of four hours, and requires 10-14 days of recuperation before returning to normal day to day activities. Full activities, inclusing sports, may take 4 weeks. There will be extensive scars from the surgery, but usually these are well worth it patients feel so much better.
Dear elaylay123,
You sound like the perfect candidate for a breast reduction surgery. Seek consultation with an American Board of Plastic Surgery certified plastic surgeon to help guide you through the process. Good luck!
Scoliosis is not affected by the size of your breast. From the sounds of it breast reduction is a viable option for you.