Wait to Lose Weight Before Breast Reduction?

Patients should always try to be at a stable weight before any surgery, especially if their weight might affect the final result.
Most doctors ask the patient to do what is reasonablly possible, not get down to some impossible weight.
My colleagues are absolutely correct that after breast reduction many patients become more active and lose even more weight.

This procedure is commonly covered by insurance though insurance
criteria are becoming more and more restrictive. Although we do not accept
insurance, our staff will assist you in obtaining pre-authorization so that you
can attempt to be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses

Large breasts (macromastia) or breast hypertrophy can occur in a
variety of conditions (family trait, post pregnancy, excessive adolescent
growth). In general when the excessive breast size causes functional problems,
insurance will generally pay for the operation if more than 400 – 500 grams are
removed from each breast dependent on your individual insurance company
requirements. These problems may include neck pain, back or shoulder pain,
hygiene difficulty, and breast pain. Other problems which are less likely to be
covered by insurance include skin irritation, skeletal deformity, breathing
problems, psychological/emotional problems, and interference with normal daily
activities. Pre-authorization by the insurance company is required prior to
surgery, and the process takes approximately one month. Each insurance policy
has different guidelines and exclusions.

The results
of breast reduction surgery are better when patients are near their ideal body
weight.When patients are overweight
they may have higher complication rates as well.When patients are overweight they’re
encouraged to lose weight prior to surgery, unfortunately the majority of
patients are unsuccessful at dieting.Despite this, patients who are overweight still derive significant
benefits from breast reduction.Many
have increased exercise tolerance following reduction and are able to lose
weight elsewhere.For these reasons, we
don’t view excess weight as an absolute contraindication to breast reduction
surgery.Ocassionally patients lose weight
after breast reduction.When this
happens the breasts can lose additional volume and develop breast sag.When this situation arises, secondary surgery
may be necessary.In some cases, either
a breast lift or secondary breast reduction surgery maybe indicated.Even when secondary breast surgery is necessary
because of continued weight loss, breast reduction patients report high
satisfaction rates.For these reasons, it’s extremely
important to discuss these issues with your plastic surgeon prior to
surgery.Your plastic surgeon should be
able to formulate a treatment plan that addresses your anatomic findings and
achieves your aesthetic goals.