Breast Reductions! Help!

I am desperately trying to seek help in finding the best way for me to get a breast reduction. I am 17 turning 18 (D.O.B 13-03-1991) and my breast size is currently 10-12 F (Australian sizes). Due to the weight of my breasts, I have severe back, neck and shoulder pain. I have always had large breasts for my size and age. I’m also a dancer which makes things extremely difficult. I have been getting physiotherapy weekly, but due to my independent status (living without a mother) it gets quite hard financially. I’ve currently started putting money aside every week to pay for my surgery, but I’ve had a lot of people tell me not to bother with a private doctor, but instead go to a public hospital and go on a waiting list. This would help financially as I don’t have to pay. My only concern about that is, the doctor which I may get, may not have much experience and as normal person, I don’t want someone with no experience hacking at my chest. At the same time, I have no problem with paying around $3000 - $4000 for someone with experience and the comfort of a private hospital. Not only does the weight cause physical problems, but the lack of clothing, bra’s and bathers available and the unwanted attention from males causes some emotion stress for someone my age. I’m currently getting my own Medicare card if that’s any help but I would to hear from anyone one who has had the surgery from public and private doctors and would also love to hear what a breast surgeon would recommend.
Thankyou in advance.
Jacqui.

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

My advise would be to seek a consultation with a plastic surgeon in the public health system.  If you feel comfortable with the surgeon you meet and are assured that he/she will be the one performing your procedure, it may be worth getting on the wait list.  This is undoubtedly a frequently performed procedure in the public health system and the likelihood of encountering an experienced surgeon is high.  On the other hand, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for.