Im 23 yrs old with 44G breasts. I am thinking about a reduction, but I also weigh about 300lbs. Would I even qualify?

Question

I am considering getting a breast reduction because my breasts are so big they make me feel self-conscious, not to mention the back and neck pain, and make it difficult to exercise. I am wondering if I would qualify for a reduction even though i am overweight, or if doctors would recommend diet plans before doing surgery? I know I have to lose weight, but will surgery help with that or should I try to diet first with no exercise? Thanks

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.
It is best to be at a healthy, stable weight prior to having surgery. Your BMI should be no higher than 32. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Best wishes!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

BRs which are medically necessary (i.e. you suffer back, shoulder, and neck "pain" with DOCUMENTED medical attention over a period of a YEAR) are typically covered, but there are other criteria such as amount of breast tissue removed. Check your medical insurance plan to see if your case would be covered AND if it is, which plastic surgeons in your area would work with your plan. Reimbursement is so poor and such a bureaucratic hassle to collect that many PSs lose money on performing the surgery. Obesity increases the rate of wound infections, disruption of suture lines and tissue loss. Every 10 lbs of weight loss increases safety of your breast reduction. Some insurance companies will deny breast reduction surgery unless the BMI is less than 30, others, less than 35. Others may require documentation that you have attempted to lose weight in the past through diet, exercise or weight loss surgery.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Many carriers set BMI maximums. This allows them to deny procedures to overweight women. You may be able to review the criteria online. It isn’t enough to obtain a diet recommendation. You would have to first reach the BMI maximum.

Im 23 yrs old with 44G breasts. I am thinking about a reduction, but I also weigh about 300lbs. Would I even qualify?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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Im 23 yrs old with 44G breasts. I am thinking about a reduction, but I also weigh about 300lbs. Would I even qualify?

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.