Is it better to get a breast reduction after losing weight, my BMI is 32?

Question

I am 20 want to lose 4 stone, before getting my surgery. But if I weren’t to leave one it all, should I still go through with it? And if I was to lose the remaining weight after will it damage my results? Do they risk sagging etc.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

A
BMI of 32 is acceptable for surgery.  The
breast consists of 2 types of tissue: parenchyma (firm or rubbery tissue) and fat.  If you lose weight, the fat will decrease but
not the parenchyma.  The technique I
recommend is The Bellesoma Method.  This
will reduce and reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without
implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase
your cleavage.  The weight of the breast
is transferred to the underlying pectoralis major muscle resulting in pain
relief without excessive reduction.  Vertical
scars are avoided, nipple sensation and the ability to breast feed are
maintained.  Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Ajay Mahajan, MD, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

Your BMI is on the higher side and you are better off loosing some more weight as you you have planned. I would be better to get down to your desired weight before you have surgery as loosing more weight in future could affect the volume of your breasts and they might droop a bit. For optimal outcome, please consult a fully qualified plastic surgeon, who has specialist qualification in plastic surgery 'FRCS Plast' after having being trained adequately in the field of plastic surgery, is registered on the 'Specialist register for Plastic surgery' with the General Medical Council and has been considered competent enough to be a member of the 'BAPRAS' (British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons) and 'BAAPS' (British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) at the least.

Andrea Marando, MD · Answer

Thank you for you question. I would always advice my patients in Manchester and London to first lose all the weight they wish to and then, once the situation is stable, to consider surgery. Further weight-loss after surgery would affect the cosmetic result and have a detrimental effect on the shape. Therefore please make sure you reach your "happy weight" before you have your breast reduction and you will not regret it.All the bestAndrea Marando

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

The breast is made up of breast tissue and fat, it is recommended that you get as close to your goal weight as you can before surgery. If you lose a significant amount of weight it can affect your results. Be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.
It would be best to be at your goal weight prior to having surgery. This will give you the best result. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic  surgeon to discuss your options. Best wishes!

Mark Soldin, MBChB · Answer

Many thanks for your query. It is ideal to have a stable weight of BMI < 30 before having elective breast reduction surgery. If your weight changes considerably after surgery it can affect your results.Happy to help Best Mark

Matt Erdmann, MBChB, FRCS(Eng), FRCS (Plast) · Answer

Surgeons prefer to operate in a non-emergency situation on patients with a BMI under 30 for safety reasons. Obviously one can operate on a patient with a  BMI of 32 but it is slightly riskier. If you will guarantee to lose the weight you want, then I would suggest waiting until you have done so to get the best results, as losing the wight after surgery may well leave you with a loose skin evnvelope and sagging.

Charles Nduka, MD · Answer

The ideal BMI for surgery is generally around 30 or less. This is due to some complications related to surgery and anesthetics. Usually patients are advised to lose weight in natural means first before surgery is safely done, but it would depend on the surgeon whether to push through with surgery or not. For as long as the patient is healthy and the surgeon sees the patient fit for surgery, then there will be no problem. Schedule an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon for an in person examination and a detailed discussion of your surgical options.

Omar Quaba, MA, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is one that is often asked by women considering breast reduction.
My answer is always similar. The best outcomes for any cosmetic procedure are usually gained when patients are at or near their ideal body weight. The risks of surgery - wound healing, deep vein thrombosis etc are also lower when you are at your ideal weight.
The answer also depends on you to a large extent. A BMI of 32 is not too bad. It depends how confident you are that you can lose the 4 stone in weight. If you are confident you can do it, then my advice would be to lose the weight prior to any surgery.
As other contributors have mentioned, some women find it difficult to exercise and lose weight due to the size of their breasts. Sometimes having a breast reduction can give them the confidence and motivation to exercise and lose weight after surgery.

I hope this helps. Best wishes.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Breast reduction surgery tends to be one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform. By removing “excess” breast tissue, adipose tissue, and breast skin this operation reduces and lifts the breasts to a higher position on the chest wall. By doing so, patients often find improvement in neck, back, and shoulder discomfort and find it easier to form their activities of daily living and exercise.
Timing of the operation will depend on the patient's life circumstances. In general (ideally), it is best to do this procedure ( like all other elective body contouring the stages, when patients have reached their long-term stable weights. Losing weight prior to the procedure will improve the safety of the procedure and minimize the need for further surgery ( in the event of weight gain/loss after the breast reduction procedure). Keep in mind, that some of the complications that may occur when patients undergo surgery while overweight, can be very serious.
On the other hand, patients with very large breasts have a difficult time exercising to their full potential; for some of these patients, breast reduction surgery (after careful consideration of potential risks/compliations is an option.  In my practice, I individualize these types of decisions, "case-by-case".
Best wishes as you work towards your goals and for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Is it better to get a breast reduction after losing weight, my BMI is 32?

Answers (12)

More Breast Reduction Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (12)

More Breast Reduction Questions

Why do I have black skin and blisters after breast reduction? (Photo)

Why do I have no drains after breast reduction surgery? (Photo)

I'm really concerned. How is the most respectful way to discuss photos of many uneven nipples with PS?

Are my T-junction issues healing okay at 17 days post-op? (Photos)

What are the pros and cons of different breast reduction surgery techniques? Which do you prefer, and why?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS