Am I Too Old/overweight for Breast Reduction?

I am 51 years old and have battled with being overweight my whole life, it seems. I am 5'4'' and currently weigh 195 pounds, much of which has come on in the last 5 years. My breasts have always been large (D cup) and never "perky", but now I am up to a DD and hate how I look in clothes (or without :). Am I too old and/or overweight to contemplate breast reduction surgery? It would really be for cosmetic/self esteem issues; I don't have back or neck problems to speak of.

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3 Doctor Answers | Asked by Jody in MN

Doctor Answers (3)
Community Comments (1)

Breast reduction

You are neither too old nor too heavy to undergo a breast reduction. Breast reduction surgery is not a difficult operation to go through as long as you are otherwise in good health. Even at your weight the surgery will be well tolerated. The only problem with your weight is that your insurance company might not agree to pay for it. Different insurance carriers have different policies regarding this and they may tell you to lose weight before they will consider covering it. They... more

Too Old for surgery?

Thank you for your question. In my opinion, the age of the patient is not the ONLY determining factor when deciding if a patient can undergo elective surgery. I have many patients who are older but in great shape and therefore have no issues with having such surgery. Visit with well experienced plastic surgeon's who can show you examples of their work so that you are comfortable with the process. Sometimes, I ask my older patients to get a medical clearance /EKG from... more

Scarless breast reduction

What a great opportunity for the "Scarless" reduction. This is liposuction only performed on an outpatient basis and usually takes about half an hour with minimal downtime and very few risks. You will certainly not get a contract for the centerfold of Playboy magazine like this but it is a quick easy way to get you down several cup sizes and you will feel more comfortable and be able to wear more appropriate clothing. Find someone in your area that has a lot of experience with this... more

Comments (1)

Mamaish 6 May 2013

I will be 51 in 2 weeks and am six weeks post op..yes is am heavier..but that is something i will always struggle with..but it was time i had relief..my spine was curving and i had enough pain. I have lived with these breasts since six grade..the first half of my life...it was time to live the second half free...best decision..is it easy? No..maybe 20 yrs ago it would have been..but it is now or never..i am so happy i didit, and cant wait to be free from swelling and all scars faded..i am so happy i did it..this is for me..it has also kept me on track for treating myself better nutrionally, and i am looking forward to getting back in the gym..was active before the surgery and plan on keeping it up...do crunchies and strengthen your core. That made a huge difference in my recovery..i didnt need any assistance getting up by myself because i strengthened my core..best wishes

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