Age 60, female - would I be a breast reduction candidate at 230lbs?

Ideally you would lower your BMI to less than 30 prior to surgery. If this is not realistic or possible, you should be able to find a surgeon to perform your surgery at your current weight, keeping in mind that your risks for complications are greater. Insurance companies use a variety of factors to determine whether they will cover your procedure. Seek a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you. If you are a candidate, he or she can send a letter to your insurance company requesting preauthorization. Without further weight loss it would be safest to do the breast and arm procedures separately.

Thanks for your question! Even though BMI is just a number, it does create complications, increase risk for infection, wound-healing complications, etc. I would check with a qualified plastic surgeon to see what their thoughts are. Good luck!

At 65" tall and 230 lbs, your BMI is 38 which puts you at high risk for complications. Your surgeon would never combine the 2 surgeries. At this time, I recommend a low fat diet, core exercises such as sit-ups, planks, pilates and start wearing an abdominal binder. You can consider liposuction at this time. Liposuction can safely remove 10 lbs during one session and the session can be repeated. Once you get your BMI at 32 or lower, then I would recommend The Bellesoma Method. This will reduce and reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. The weight of the breast is transferred to the underlying pectoralis major muscle resulting in pain relief without excessive reduction. Vertical scars are avoided and nipple sensation (in 95%) is maintained.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Dear imalright1962,
breast reduction is best suited for women who wish to decrease the size of their breasts. While there are different techniques used to perform this surgery, I prefer the vertical incision (lollipop pattern) breast reduction technique instead of the anchor scar pattern, which reduces more noticeable scarring than usual. I also use a SAFE liposuction technique to reduce additional fat around the stubborn axilla area and bra line. This way, my patients are achieving beautiful results with minimal incisions which reduces downtime and delivers an overall better breast shape long term.If you are considering breast reduction surgery, you should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options and make sure your surgeon understands your goals. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Although the surgery would probably benefit you, your insurance may not cover it. It depends on their criteria for approval which varies between insurance carrier

BMI is only one factor when considering if a person is a candidate for surgery. We must also look at the rest of your medical history. It is best to have a BMI under 30 to keep your risk low of developing complications. In my office we offer a program to help our patients reach their weight loss goals. This may then make them a better candidate with a higher chance of optimal results for the procedures that interest them.

Hello there,
Going by your complaints you are a suitable candidate for breast reduction surgery and you will definately benefited by it. With your given weight the risks involved are best explained by an anesthesiologist.
But if you lose weight again after surgery it may change the shape of breast in future. So if you have scope for wieght loss, do it first.
And yes your arm lift can be combined with breast reduction depending on your surgeons comfort and if you are a suitable candidate for that.
Do consult a board certified plastic surgeon for expert opinion. Hope this helps.

Congratulations on your weight loss. Your BMI is still over 38.
Every surgeon has their protocols for BMI and elective procedures. It also depends on any pre existing medical issues or medications (as well as past surgical complications).
Many medical insurances cover breast reduction procedures. Many plastic surgeons accept insurance for these procedures.
Have several consultations with board certified plastic surgeons in your area and ask for their opinion and guidance.
Best wishes.
Dr. Taranow

Hi and welcome to our forum!
First of all, congratulations on your weight loss. BMI, or body mass index (weight in kg / square of height in meters) is one criterion to determine the results of a cosmetic surgery. You can find BMI calculators on the internet. If your BMI is greater than 30, the cosmetic result will not be optimal. If your BMI is greater than 35, your operative risk will rise. Your BMI is 38.27, placing you at greater risk of complications. Breast reduction is a major operative procedure.
Most surgeons will ask you to lose weight before your procedure for your safety. If you have tried diet and exercise and cannot progress further, you may wish to consider a gastric sleeve procedure which will result in a significant amount of weight loss. This procedure is now being performed on an outpatient basis by a bariatric surgeon.
Best wishes...