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

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.

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.

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.