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I Am a Healthy 85 Year Old. I Want (And Need) a Breast Reduction.

I am 5' tall now-and weigh 121(probably 10 lbs are my breasts) i wear a 32 DX size bra.

Doctor Answers 9

Breast Reduction for a 85-year-old?

December 18th, 2011
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Thank you for the question.

Chronological age is not a contraindication for the procedure. See your internist prior to surgery and obtain a medical workup to make sure you are fit for the planned procedure.

Hopefully you will be cleared for surgery and undergo a safe/successful procedure.  Hopefully, your only regret will be not having had it done sooner.

Best wishes.

Web reference: http://www.poustiplasticsurgery.com/Procedures/procedure_breastreduction.htm

Tom J. Pousti, MD, FACS

Breast Reduction on a Healthy 85 year old Woman

January 23rd, 2011
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Operating on people over age 75 for cosmetic reasons is feasible but should be done after fully ascertaining their suitability for general anesthesia. For your safety, I would like to see a normal cardiac stress test and cardiologist clearance. With a normal stress test the risk of performing an elective operation on you would be greatly reduced. Dr. Peter Aldea
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 100 reviews

Elective cosmetic surgery in an older individual

January 23rd, 2011
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I have performed this procedure on a healthy 90 year old. Some risks of anesthesia are increased with advancing age but these are primarily related to your overall health. Your surgical risks and health should be evaluated by your primary care physician and any conditions such as hypertension such be optimized prior to anesthesia.

Web reference: http://www.bodysculptor.com/

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 72 reviews

By All Means!

January 22nd, 2011
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If you are a healthy woman, breast reduction is certainly something you are able to undergo. Consult with a plastic surgeon who can discuss the procedure with you and give you insight as to whether there may be insurance coverage.

George Sanders, MD

George Sanders, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 12 reviews

Breast reduction in older aged patients

January 22nd, 2011
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Having a breast reduction after age 60 is not that unusual. Assuming your health is good and your symptoms from the large breasts are significant, it would be good to discuss with your primary care doctor who knows your medical history. You may want to be prepared for Medicare not covering the procedure (as happened to my only 80+ year old patient who had this procedure done) so make sure your primary care doctor and plastic surgeon document all symptoms and physical exam findings.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 61 reviews

Breast Reduction in Elderly Patients

January 22nd, 2011
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Although I have never performed a breast reduction on an eighty-five-year old, I have done reductions on several Medicare patients in the past.  If you are in good health and are otherwise a good candidate for this surgery, there is no reason that you should be denied.  One problem is that Medicare will not pre-authorize this or any other procedure.  Therefore you should discuss with your plastic surgeon whether or not he/shr thinks that your procedure will be covered or you must be prepared to pay out-of-pocket.

John Whitt, MD (retired)

John Whitt, MD (retired)
Louisville Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 2 reviews

Breast Reduction Can Be Performed At Any Age

January 22nd, 2011
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When it comes to improving the musculoskeletal discomfort from the weight of large breasts, breast reduction can be performed at any age. The improvement in your back pain and posture may well be remarkable even at this point in your life. As long as your doctor clears you for the procedure, I see no reason why you should no enjoy the benefits to your health and comfort that a breast reduction can bring.

Web reference: http://www.eppleyplasticsurgery.com/breast-red.html

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD
Indianapolis Plastic Surgeon
4.6 out of 5 stars 66 reviews

85 year old for a breast reduction

January 22nd, 2011
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This is an unusual request at your age, but if you are healthy and desire smaller breasts it certainly is possible.

Web reference: http://www.stevenwallachmd.com

Steven Wallach, MD

Steven Wallach, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
4.1 out of 5 stars 23 reviews

I Am a Healthy 85 Year Old. I Want (And Need) a Breast Reduction.

January 22nd, 2011
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Please contact any of us Miami PS. There are over 50 boarded Plastic Surgeons in MIAMI alone. It may be covered by medicare. Regards Dr. Blinski

Darryl J. Blinski, MD

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.