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What is Breast Reduction Surgery? " Nicole a 25-year-old female with neck, shoulder, and back pain "

Case study ( 7741 views as of December 22, 2024 )

Nicole, a 25-year-old female, presents to the office with complaints of neck, shoulder, and back pain related to the weight of her breasts. She admits that her ability to exercise is restricted because of the discomfort and she is interested in pursuing breast reduction surgery. Her weight is stable. There is no family history of breast cancer. She has not yet had a family and has some concerns about her ability to breastfeed subsequent to the breast reduction.

On examination, she demonstrates significant breast hypertrophy. The breasts are extremely dense and heavy. She has evidence of intertrigo or rash beneath the breasts, as well as deep shoulder grooves from the compression of her bra. She has good breast symmetry, but would benefit from a reduced volume. She is a good candidate for a breast reduction surgery.

In the meantime, Nicole could benefit from seeing a physiotherapist or a massage therapist regarding her back and neck problems. She may also benefit from doing some yoga or pilates to help with mobility and stretching.

Author: Dr. Nancy Van Laeken

What is Breast Reduction Surgery? " Nicole a 25-year-old female with neck, shoulder, and back pain "

Case Introduction

Understanding Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast Reduction

Presented by

Dr. Nancy Van Laeken

Dr. Nancy Van Laeken

MD, FRCSC

Plastic Surgeon

Treatments

Neuromuscular Massage Therapy and Breast Reduction

Practitioner help from:

Krista Mcconnell

Massage Therapist
Breast Augmentation and Breast Reduction Surgery

Practitioner help from:

Dr. Ovidiu Cristea

MD, FACS

Plastic Surgeon
Scarring from Breast Reduction Surgery

Practitioner help from:

Dr. John Pedersen

Cosmetic Surgeon

Treatments

Yoga to Help Manage Back Pain While Waiting For Breast Reduction

Practitioner help from:

Heather Greaves

Yoga Instructor
Safety of Breast Implants - Breast Augmentation and Reduction

Practitioner help from:

Dr. Ovidiu Cristea

MD, FACS

Plastic Surgeon
Breast Reduction - Managing Back Pain Before Surgery

Practitioner help from:

George Taouil

Physiotherapist

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Conversation based on: What is Breast Reduction Surgery? " Nicole a 25-year-old female with neck, shoulder, and back pain "

What is Breast Reduction Surgery? " Nicole a 25-year-old female with neck, shoulder, and back pain "

K. Michael 12 October 2015

If her breasts are heavy and dense would it increase her risk of breast cancer ?

Reply to: What is Breast Reduction Surgery? " Nicole a 25-year-old female with neck, shoulder, and back pain "
- Michelle Kaarto, BScK, CSEP CEP 20 October 2015
  
  @K.Michael, I have read that having dense breasts can increase a woman's risk of developing breast cancer, and also that the denser tissue can make it more difficult for breast cancer to be detected on a mammogram.
K. Michael 15 July 2015

She might also consider seeing a chiropractor. Many people with large breasts begin to hunch their back due to the weight. She will have to work on her posture to reduce her risk of further back issues

Reply to: What is Breast Reduction Surgery? " Nicole a 25-year-old female with neck, shoulder, and back pain "
- Michelle Kaarto, BScK, CSEP CEP 20 October 2015
  
  Absolutely @K.Michael. Having that extra weight on your front can certainly impact a woman's posture. You can have a postural assessment done by a physiotherapist, and this would be a good idea to understand the nature of any postural alignment issues, and also you can get appropriate exercises that can help improve your posture. If you're a candidate for breast reduction surgery, I think it would be a good idea to seek out an assessment from a physiotherapist.
Romy Shapiro 13 April 2015

I think that if the size and weight of your breasts are causing other health issues, specifically back pain, then the provincial health insurance should cover the cost of the breast reduction surgery

Reply to: What is Breast Reduction Surgery? " Nicole a 25-year-old female with neck, shoulder, and back pain "
- Michelle Kaarto, BScK, CSEP CEP 20 October 2015
  
  Does anyone know the criteria that must be met to have a breast reduction surgery covered by your provincial health plan?
- K. Michael 12 September 2015
  
  Since breast reduction can be considered a cosmetic procedure there is a criteria that has to be met to have it covered under OHIP. A doctor can advise you on the steps that need to be followed
Alison O, B.Sc. 29 March 2015

What are the parameters for having breast reduction surgery covered by provincial health insurance? I have deep grooves in my shoulders and rashes under breasts.

Reply to: What is Breast Reduction Surgery? " Nicole a 25-year-old female with neck, shoulder, and back pain "
- K. Michael 17 August 2015
  
  I know several people who have had this surgery. Their doctor had to prove to OHIP that the breast size was responsible for significant health issues like chronic back pain
ShirleyG 03 February 2015

Is there criteria a woman has to meet to have this surgery ?

Reply to: What is Breast Reduction Surgery? " Nicole a 25-year-old female with neck, shoulder, and back pain "
ShirleyG 03 February 2015

Can anything be done to limit scarring after the operation ?

Reply to: What is Breast Reduction Surgery? " Nicole a 25-year-old female with neck, shoulder, and back pain "
- AllieS 25 January 2016
  
  Vitamin C is also a good one to keep in mind - it's essential for collagen formation, promoting wound/incision healing. Since it is important for healing, I would think that extends to minimizing scarring as well.
- K. Michael 15 July 2015
  
  I know a number of women that used vitamin E oil after breast reduction surgery and all say it helped with healing the scar tissue. Surgery has come so far that scars are much smaller than they use to be
Yuan Lew, MSc MBA 04 January 2015

There is mention in the case study that she has concerns about breastfeeding post-breast reduction surgery. How are current techniques and technologies addressing these concerns? Are women who've had breast reduction surgery less likely to have breastfeeding success?

Reply to: What is Breast Reduction Surgery? " Nicole a 25-year-old female with neck, shoulder, and back pain "
- Carrie Cooke 10 January 2015
  
  I think that depends. I have had two breast reductions. When I was 16 I had breast reduction surgery, and was told that I would most likely not breast feed as both of my nipples were removed. They were correct, I could not breastfeed, my milk supply was non-existent.
K. Michael 07 December 2014

While deciding if reduction surgery is for her this patient should look in to having a proper bra measurement done and purchasing a very good quality bra. It won't alleviate her issues but it can help

Reply to: What is Breast Reduction Surgery? " Nicole a 25-year-old female with neck, shoulder, and back pain "
- Joy 14 May 2015
  
  Carrie, what was your recovery like? What it extensive? I imagine it was quite painful. How long were your surgeries?
- Carrie Cooke 10 January 2015
  
  Yes it can help, but for some women who like myself have very heavy dense breasts it doesn't make enough difference. I have grooves in my shoulders, and pressure on my upper back. I would get neck pain as well. I had a second breast reduction after my 2nd child. I lost a lot of weight, but non in my breasts. I chose to have the reduction, lift, and liposuction at the time. I am quite happy with the results.
- Yuan Lew, MSc MBA 11 December 2014
  
  That is true, many women do not have properly fitted bras and consequently, have issues that led them to consider breast reduction surgery.
K. Michael 30 November 2014

Breast reduction surgery can not only eliminate back pain but can improve a woman's self-confidence

Reply to: What is Breast Reduction Surgery? " Nicole a 25-year-old female with neck, shoulder, and back pain "
dbutchar 26 November 2014

I know a few women who have had wonderfully successful breast reductions and were able to continue on to breastfeed their children after.

Reply to: What is Breast Reduction Surgery? " Nicole a 25-year-old female with neck, shoulder, and back pain "

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