The best advice is to address your concerns with your surgeon and find out why he/she has made the recommendations that they did.

It sounds as though you may be a good candidate for a breast reduction. Large heavy breasts, neck and shoulder strain, shoulder strap grooving, rashes under the breasts and inability to do certain activities such as work out, running, etc. are all symptoms related to large, heavy breasts. Many of these symptoms can be improved and some even alleviated by a breast reduction. It is best to try to lose as much weight as you feel you can prior to the procedure because excessive weight loss after the surgery may prompt the need to revise the procedure. You will also get a better and better long-term result with preoperative weight loss. Whether your insurance carrier will pay for it is another story. While the procedure may be "medically necessary" as determined by your surgeon, most insurance carriers require strict criteria to be met including a specific weight amount of tissue that has to be removed, the need for other therapies (physical therapy, weight loss, medical therapies, etc.) before they will even consider coverage for this procedure. It has been my experience that while most insurance companies say "it's covered" that really means it is a coverable expense and is not a guarantee of payment. Many times, they refuse payment even after they say "it's covered". You should make sure that your insurance carrier will pay for the procedure before you do it because if they refuse payment after the procedure has been done, you could be left with a very large surgeon's and hospital bill. Many surgeon's now refuse to accept insurance payment for this procedure because of all of the above requirements. We have found that when you compare the surgeon's fees (surgeon, anesthesia and facility fees) paying for this out-of-pocket to your copayment and deductible using insurance, many times it costs you LESS if you pay for this by yourself and do not involve the insurance carrier. Sad...but true.

If your breasts have changed in terms of size or shape, they may be leaking. First, there is no need to worry. This will not cause any harm. However, the implants do need to be replaced. Your implants are approximately 15 years old and would have had to be replaced soon even if you have not had any problems. I recommend that you see a plastic surgeon who likely will discuss your options for treatment with you. I refer to the procedure you will need as a "removal and replacement". The removal options are which incision to use and whether or not to remove just the implants or the implants and the surrounding capsules. The replacement options are which type of implant, in what position (above or below the muscle) and what size. Your implants do have a warranty and it is likely that the implants manufacturer will replace both at no cost depending upon what is found at the time of surgery. Depending on your age and health history, you may need a mammogram prior to proceeding. Your surgeon will discuss all of these details with you.