Age 79, is it possible to get a breast reduction if I have a pacemaker?

Question

I'm a female and was going to have a breast reduction which my doctor already recommended but before i chose to have it, I had a pacemaker put in. Is it possible to have one now. Im 79 and soon will be 80 but my neck and back hurt because of them. Any suggestions ?

Emre Guvercin, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Yes &mdash; age and having a pacemaker do not automatically prevent you from having a breast reduction.Many patients in their late 70s and even 80s safely undergo breast reduction when properly evaluated and planned.What matters more than ageChronological age alone is not the deciding factor. Surgeons focus on:Overall medical stabilityHeart function (how well the pacemaker is controlling your rhythm)Lung functionBlood pressure and circulationAbility to heal woundsIf your cardiologist considers you medically optimized, surgery can absolutely be considered.How a pacemaker affects surgeryA pacemaker requires special precautions, not avoidance of surgery:Pre-operative clearance by your cardiologist is essentialThe anesthesia team coordinates with cardiologyElectrocautery settings are adjusted to avoid interferenceThe pacemaker is monitored before, during, and after surgeryThese steps are routine in modern operating rooms.Is breast reduction reasonable at your age?Yes &mdash; especially since:You already have neck and back painYour doctor has recommended the procedureBreast reduction is often life-improving, not cosmetic, at this stage of lifeMany older patients report:Significant pain reliefBetter postureEasier breathing and movementImproved sleep and daily comfortSurgical approach considerationsIn older patients, surgeons typically:Aim for symptom relief, not extreme size goalsUse techniques that preserve blood supplyAvoid overly aggressive reductionsPlan for gentle, supportive reshaping (often a lift with reduction)This keeps risks lower and recovery smoother.What to do nextSee your cardiologist for surgical clearanceConsult a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced with:Breast reductionOlder patientsMedically complex casesAsk about:Anesthesia typeExpected recoveryPain relief outcomes

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

Having a pacemaker is not a concern or a problem with breast reduction surgery. It is important to have Cardiology consultation for surgery and definitely let your surgeon know about the pacemaker. Best of luck to you

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for submitting your question! You can absolutely still have a breast reduction procedure done. We require a cardiac clearance from your cardiologist but if you're able to provide us with that then we would be able to move forward with scheduling a breast reduction for you. I would recommend consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon like myself so we can create a surgical plan that is best for you and your goals!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Inventive228111,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. You will need to get a clearance from your cardiologist prior to 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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

You should be able to have a breast reduction with a pacemaker in place.  Imaging of the area should help determine where the device and wires are located but nonetheless, the surgery should be nowhere near that area.  The pacemaker should not have a defibrillator function or it can be triggered by cautery and may need to be deactivated during surgery.

Warren Schutte, MD · Answer

If there are no other health history contraindications, you can have surgery while having a pacemaker placed. Patients with pacemakers have surgery often. There should always be a conversation between the cardiologist and plastic surgeon prior to surgery to ensure cardiac clearance and protocol for pacemaker on the day of surgery. Good luck on your breast reduction journey.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

First, you need to get cardiac clearance for a 4 hour operation under general anesthesia. Second, the surgeon will need to know where the pacemaker is placed. If it is involved in the area adjacent to your breast surgery then that may be an issue as well. However, age by itself, is not a contra-indication to breast reduction surgery.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You may still be a candidate for a breast reduction even though you have a pacemaker.  Speak with your cardiologist about your interest in the procedure.  If given clearance you can then meet with a board certified plastic surgeon to learn more.  I've included a video about breast reductions and age that I hope you find helpful.

Oliver Harley, FRCSEd(Plast) · Answer

Thanks for your question.  I did a breast reduction for an 80 year old just earlier this year.  she did not have a pacemaker but she did have other cardiac problems and we liaised with her cardiologist about this and also I work with an excellent anaesthetist.  The op was successful and no complications or heart trouble.

The main thing with PMs and surgery is that some of them may not be compatible with electrocautery and/or need to be deactivated with a magnet temporarily during surgery - we use electrocautery to cut tissue and seal blood vessels in surgery......so you would need to show your surgeon / clinic / hospital the details of the pacemaker in order to safely determine this....even better, ask your cardiologist or neurophysiologist to write to your surgeon about your heart condition.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thanks for your question! It is possible as long as you have medical clearance. Your surgery should absolutely be performed in a hospital setting. Good luck!

Age 79, is it possible to get a breast reduction if I have a pacemaker?

Answers (12)

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