If I'm overweight, is it better to lose weight before a breast reduction?

Question

I am a 26 year old female with breast size 38-40I, 5'4, and weight about 225 pounds. I am considering a breast reduction because of severe back, neck, and shoulder pain and have a consultation with a plastic surgeon coming up. I am wondering is it better for me to loose weight first?

Caroline Min, MD · Answer

It would be ideal if you lost weight before having breast reduction surgery.  If you lose a lot of weight after the surgery, your breasts may change in shape and possibly even become smaller that you'd like.  You should discuss this in detail with your plastic surgeon during your consultation.  Good luck to you!

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question!
It is best to be at your ideal/goal weight prior to having surgery. This will help to give you the best possible result. Best wishes!

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Before breast reduction surgery, being at or close to your ideal weight is crucial. Patients who are at their ideal weight have a faster recovery time and have less infection risk. Best of luck to you.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Absolutely! Lose the weight first for your overall health. If you lose the weight after breast reduction, you could expereince and undesireable loss of breast volume and shape.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Weight reduction is extremely helpful to reduce complications.  More importantly to you, whether you get a breast reduction or not you need to reduce your weight so that you will not have the life long issue associated with not being at or close to your ideal weight!

	Dr. ES

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

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.

	Yes, it would be in your best interest to lose weight prior to surgery. This will give you the best chances of NOT  needing further surgery ( in the event of weight loss after the procedure is performed).

	Best wishes.

Grant Stevens, MD · Answer

Yes, please loose the weight first.  You will do better, look better and feel better.  Good Luck!  Dr Grant Stevens

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is always better to lose weight first.  Once you get down to your goal weight and if your breasts are still quite large, you may be a good candidate for a breast reduction.

Olivia Hutchinson, MD · Answer

Breast reduction surgery has been shown to reduce the back and shoulder pain resulting from large breasts. Achieving and maintaining optimal weight will help with a better outcome and fewer complications from your surgery. The weight loss may also impact the size of your breasts, although these two are not directly proportional.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

ALWAYS better to TRY to lose as much weight as possible. It makes the surgery easier, recovery better, less risks of complications. Best of Luck from MIAMI Dr. B

If I'm overweight, is it better to lose weight before a breast reduction?

Answers (12)