Wait to Lose Weight Before Breast Reduction?

The results
of breast reduction surgery are better when patients are near their ideal body
weight.When patients are overweight
they may have higher complication rates as well.When patients are overweight they’re
encouraged to lose weight prior to surgery, unfortunately the majority of
patients are unsuccessful at dieting.Despite this, patients who are overweight still derive significant
benefits from breast reduction.Many
have increased exercise tolerance following reduction and are able to lose
weight elsewhere.For these reasons, we
don’t view excess weight as an absolute contraindication to breast reduction
surgery.Ocassionally patients lose weight
after breast reduction.When this
happens the breasts can lose additional volume and develop breast sag.When this situation arises, secondary surgery
may be necessary.In some cases, either
a breast lift or secondary breast reduction surgery maybe indicated.Even when secondary breast surgery is necessary
because of continued weight loss, breast reduction patients report high
satisfaction rates.For these reasons, it’s extremely
important to discuss these issues with your plastic surgeon prior to
surgery.Your plastic surgeon should be
able to formulate a treatment plan that addresses your anatomic findings and
achieves your aesthetic goals.

It is always better to be at a stable ideal weight before pursuing surgery, preferably within a normal BMI. This improves surgical outcome as well as reduces the risks associated with surgery. You may find that losing weight also reduces the size of your breasts naturally.Depending on your situation, insurance may be able to subsidize the cost of breast reduction. Some breast reduction coverage requirements where I practice in Ontario include your current cup size, the amount of breast tissue removed during surgery, unsuccessful experiences with alternative treatments and medications, as well as recommendations for breast reduction from other specialists, such as chiropractors and neurosurgeons.Please see an experienced board certified plastic surgeon to find out whether you are a suitable candidate for breast reduction first. Best of luck. 

Thank you for the question. Congratulations on your decision to proceed with breast reduction surgery. It is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform.

The ideal situation is for you to lose  weight and be stable in regards to weight prior to surgery - that will give you the best chances of  long-term results  you will be happy with.  If you,  for example, have the surgery and then lose 20 more pounds, you may need to have another surgery because there may be additional loose skin to be removed  or you may be displeased with the ultimate breast size.

Although I understand insurance coverage issues that  exist,  I hope you do not compromise the quality of your breast reduction results.

I hope this helps.