Lose Weight, Get Breast Reduction, or Both (photo)?

Okay so I'm 19 and I've wanted a breast reduction since I was 15. But I'm thinking that I should lose weight before getting a reduction because I am very overweight. I'm 5"7' and weigh 183 and I want to lose 40 pounds. Anyway, I'm hoping weight loss will get me to the size I want without surgery. Also my breast size cause a lot of scars underneath my breast which are UGLY! Cyst and pimples come and go leaving their scars. So what should I do?

Tags:

pimples scar weight loss breast size

Comment on this

7 Doctor Answers | Asked by Majestic93

Doctor Answers (7)
Community Comments (0)

Breast Support after Weight Loss

At 5'7 and 183 lbs, your BMI is approximately 28.5, which makes you overweight. If you lost the 40 lbs you desire and weighed 143 lbs, then your BMI would be 22.5, which is normal. Weight loss is very difficult to achieve. In my own practive, 95% of my breast reduction patients are either overweight or obese. If you lose weight, then your breasts will hang even more and create more rashes and scarring. You will eventually need a breast reduction or a lift if you... more

Weight loss before or after breast reduction

Although in general it is better to be at your ideal weight before any surgery, I have found with my patients that often a breast reduction provides the incentive to lose weight. Not only is it easier to exercise, but I think that many patients use the extra weight to camouflage their large breasts. So when the breasts are a more normal size, the tummy looks bigger and I have had several patients who said that when they could see their tummy, it made it more obvious that they needed to lose... more

Weight loss or breast reduction

The discoloration and induration under your breasts are symptoms of intertrigo; the skin becomes inflamed because the sag of the breasts prevents the area from breathing. It should be treated topically with antibiotic ointment and powder. Weight loss at your age is strongly advisable as a first step. Try a recognized weight reduction program before making a decision for breast reduction surgery. Given the sag already demonstrated by the breasts, I think you will... more

Weight loss is a great plan before breast reduction

If you are overweight, weight reduction is the best plan before your breast reduction. Weight loss may help with a modest reduction in breast size and a stable weight is the best time for any procedure.

Losing weight before breast reduction

It is a good idea to achieve a stable weight before undergoing breast reduction. The procedure and the final size outcome will be more predictable. If losing weight turns out to be harder than planned, a breast reduction will increase mobility and make exercising more fun and easier, therefore making weight loss more likely and achievable.

Breast Reduction and Weight Loss

Based on the information given and photos, you are a great candidate for a Breast Reduction. Losing the weight is a good plan. Sometimes patients who lose lots of weight prior to surgery just need a lift, and not a reduction. Good luck on your weight loss. Be sure to consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) to discuss your concerns and expectations.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD

4 reviews

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction and Weight Loss?

Thank you for the question and pictures. I think you have a great plan in mind. Lose weight first and then re evaluate your situation. More than likely, you will still wish to undergo breast reduction or lifting surgery. Achieving your long-term stable weight prior to undergoing any type of body contouring surgery will minimize the risks of surgery while decreasing the chances that further surgery will be necessary down the line. As you lose weight you will have a chance... more