5'2, 200 lbs - Should I lose weight before or after my breast reduction surgery? (Photo)

Question

I’m 5’2” and have lost 15 pounds in the past 2 months. Currently 200lbs and I want to lose at least 30 more pounds. Should I have my surgery first or weight till I’m closer to my goal weight? My doctor said do it now. I’ve always had large breasts. Was a 32 DDD in high school and now am around 38/40 G (29). My biggest concern having the surgery then losing 30 pounds and my breast becoming even smaller. Any suggestions would be great!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

It is best to be within 10-15 pounds of your ideal weight before surgery. If you lose more than 15 pounds after surgery, it could impact the size of your breast.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Elle_C thank you for your question and showing your pictures. Yes, it is beneficial to lose weight before surgery if your goal is to be slimmer. The reason is that when you have breast surgery and then there is a significant reduction in body weight, you lose weight in all parts of the body, including the breasts. The breasts are composed of glandular and fat, and when the fat of the breast decreases the fat of the breast, it decreases and this can lead to the breast begin to fall or become a little flaccid. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

David Branch, MD · Answer

Dear Elle_C 
While it is always better to be at your goal weight prior to any reduction type of surgery including breast reductions or abdominoplasties, the amount your insurance requires for a reduction may play a role in making the right decision.

Johanna D'Agostino, MD · Answer

My recommendation would be to continue to lose weight and once you achieve your goal consider surgery. In addition to volume reduction, there are significant skin changes that occur after weight loss. When performed before, the cosmetic outcome of a previous breast reduction may significantly change.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

At 5'2 and 200 lbs, your BMI is 36 which puts you at high risk for complications. You may benefit from liposuction of the breasts. This can be done to take off the weight safely since the incisions are quite small. The other option is to continue to lose weight and get down to approximately 175 lbs. Once you get to this weight, you would be a candidate for 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 (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Warren Schutte, MD · Answer

It is always a great idea to lose all of the weight you are planning on losing before elective surgery. If you lose a substantial amount of weight after surgery, you can distort aesthetics, have new excess skin and yes, lose volume in your breasts. Your current BMI is about 36.6. Literature has shown us that performing these types of surgery on patients at a BMI of greater than 32 leads to a very high risk healing outcomes. The weight that we would assure you got to before surgery, for safe surgery would be 175. Hope this helps.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Elle_C,
generally speaking, you want to reach your goal weight before you consider surgery, otherwise your results will be suboptimal if you continue to lose weight after the surgery. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I think it would be fine to proceed. It looks like mire if a lift and possibly a small reduction. I doubt insurance would cover i. Insurance companies usually want you to lusecweight prior to approving reduction. But I don’t think they would cover it any way.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I encourage you to lose the planned weight prior to having breast reduction surgery.  This will give you an opportunity to more accurately decide what size breasts you'd like in order to match your frame. You and your surgeon will not need to guess how future weight loss may affect the volume of your breasts because you'll already know.

Manuel Diaz, MD · Answer

Dear If you want to lose pounds, the ideal would be to do it before your surgery, because when you lose weight your whole body loses weight including your breasts, when you are at your desired weight you can have the surgery.

5'2, 200 lbs - Should I lose weight before or after my breast reduction surgery? (Photo)

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