Do I need to lose weight before a breast reduction? (Photos)

Question

I’m 38 mom of 3. I’m overweight currently enrolled in Grad school and gained about 30 pounds. My breast are painful and it’s hard to sleep laying flat. I have pain in my neck and back. My shoulders hurt and feel stiff. I want to know if my family Dr. will require l loose weight before having breast reduction surgery. Honestly I’m ashamed to go to her office I’ve never been overweight. I gained more after my last appointment. I’m 5’5, weight 160 age 38.

Nidia H. De Jesus, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos.
I'm sorry you're having pain and discomfort. These may only be partly due to the size of your breasts. For most aesthetic procedures it is best to be close to one's goal weight so that the results will be long lived if one decides to maintain that weight.  At 5'5" 160 lbs, you are just above a normal BMI. If you know you would like to lose the weight anyway it may be best to lose the weight prior to your breast reduction for if you lose a significant amount of weight after your breast reduction your results will likely significantly change. Best wishes with your decision and with graduate school.

Jean Paul Giudicelli Saba, MD · Answer

Hi, thanks for sharing your concern and photos with us!
  
The ideal BMI for aesthetics procedures is below 34%, but the more weight you lose the better results you will get. Reaching your weight goal prior to surgery would decrease the risks of complications during and after surgery and enhance results.
   Looking at your photos I might say that you´ll be a great candidate to get a breast reduction because you have enough tissue to reshape to reduce and lift it. Before all this, of course, you need to get a complete medical evaluation and laboratory exams to check everything is fine. Also please try to find a board certified plastic surgeon, remember that your safety, always, is going to be first.
 
  
Have a great day! 
  
Dr. JPG

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I would say get to the weight that you are comfortable at, and then consider the breast reduction...

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Your BMI is 26.62 so you do not need to lose weight to have elective cosmetic breast reduction. Also your family doctor does NOT do BR surgeries! See a boarded PS t have a BR. Also sounds like you are trying to get health insurance to cover your surgery? Than yes your ht & wt become an issue.

Daniel Greenwald, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

From the photos presented it is clear that you would be an excellent candidate for breast reduction.  Losing a few pounds is not going to affect your results since your extra weight is not excessive.  Be sure to see a surgeon with a lot of experience who can show you a comprehensive portfolio of pre- and post op photos.

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