Breast Reduction: BMI or Body Fat %?

Thank you for your question. Breast enlargement plays a significant role in upper back, neck and shoulder symptoms.   Weight and BMI not necessarily correlated with symptoms, although higher BMI can be correlated with a slightly higher risk of perioperative complications.   If you weight loss has stabilized, you are a candidate for a reduction.  Even small reductions can have a large impact on your symptoms. Consult with a Plastic Surgeon to discuss your options.  All the best.

It is always best to be as close to your ideal body weight and BMI as possible prior to your operation.  Congratulations on your recent weight loss!

Many insurance companies will look at your BMI in relation to how much weight your plastic surgeon estimates he/she can remove from your breasts.  Based on that calcuation, the insurance company may either approve or deny the operation.   Simply put, the lower the BMI and the larger the breasts, the more likely the insurance company is to approve the operation.   Additionally, insurance companies may look at other factors such as your symptoms and any therapies you've tried to alleviate them.

I wouldn't worry to much about these deatails though!  It is likely that you woud benefit from a breast reduction, and I definitely encourage you to meet with a plastic surgeon to find out more regarding the operation itself, the recovery period, as well as potential risks and benefits. 

Best of luck to you!

 A breast reduction can be performed for patients that want their breasts reduced.  If you are looking to have insurance cover it, you have to check with the insurance company regarding their requirements.

The real question about being a candidate for a breast reduction is a combination of the size of your breasts in comparison to the rest of your body.  This is coupled with the symptoms that you describe including shoulder indentations, neck, back and shoulder pain.  A consultation with a plastic surgeon will help answer your questions.  

Congrats on your weight loss.

BMI is a guide to your ideal body weight. Reducing the breasts will certainly feel better with reduction in the symptoms, if you were to achieve your ideal body weight and then have your reduction you will feel better and you will love the way you look

Hope this helps

The reason to have a breast reduction is that you want your breasts to be smaller than they are. This is independent of BMI or % fat. If you want your surgery covered by insurance, then you have to meet the criteria for your insurance company and policy. These requirements may be related to height and weight but the medical necessity for the surgery is to decrease they symptoms of large breasts, such as back and shoulder pain, rash underneath the breasts or shoulder grooves. A consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon should help you decide what is right for you. Good luck to you.