I am 270 pounds and 5 ft 3. Is it possible to get a breast reduction? (Photo)

Dear divineangel94,
Most plastic surgeons use BMI to calculate the risk of complications. BMI over 30 is a significant risk factor for surgical complications so most plastic surgeons refuse to do elective procedures on overweight patients. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. 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

You need a formal evaluation by a licensed plastic surgeon and expert in breast reductions to determine what is best for you and your goals.
Breast reduction is one of my favorite surgeries as it allows me to dramatically improve a woman’s breast appearance as well as alleviate many physical symptoms of large breasts, such as back, neck and shoulder pain, bra strap grooving, and rashes under the breasts. When I perform breast reduction surgery, I generally use a superomedial pedicle to provide blood supply to the nipple while maintaining fullness in the upper and inner breast. Excess lower and outer breast tissue are removed. Breasts are often asymmetrical, so I remove more tissue from the larger breast. The final scar pattern is a circle around the areola, down the breast, and possibly under the breast, depending on the degree of skin excess.
For me, breast reduction is not a one-size-fits-all surgery. The size and shape of the breasts are customized to each patient depending on her goals and desires. Some women want a significant amount of tissue removed while others prefer to have a more limited reduction. Regardless of the amount of tissue removal, I perform the maximum safe amount of lifting and tightening for each patient.
I suggest consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon and expert in Breast Reductions. - Dr. Cohen

With a current BMI of approximately 47.8, safety and healing would be issues in undergoing a BR.  Being categorized as obese increases the risks of complications during and after surgery; in addition, the final results of the surgery will be less than you desire.  Recommend that you consult with your primary care physician who can recommend a diet that you can follow and can refer you to a trainer who can recommend minimal exercises which will help you feel better and drop the weight.BRs which are medically necessary (i.e. you suffer back, shoulder, head, and neck "pain" with DOCUMENTED medical attention over a period of a YEAR) are typically covered by most medical insurance providers.  Read your medical insurance certificate of coverage. Determine what medical information is required for your medical insurance to issue a pre-authorization or predetermination of benefits for the BR surgery. Consult with a board certified PS who can evaluate your medical condition and history, discuss the pros and cons of this surgery as it applies to you, and help you in completing the paperwork required.

Hello and thank you for your question! A reduction could help with the heavier/dense breast tissue, however, most plastic surgeons will not perform surgery with a BMI >35 due to the complications that can occur after surgery. With a BMI >35 you will not have optimal healing and could alter your results. My recommendation would be stick to a strict diet plan (if you are unable to work out) and try to lose a little more weight, so you can move forward with your surgery! For the best possible results, get to a good weight and do your research on your surgeon.

Considering weight and bra band width, your BMI seems to be quite high. I would have thought that your breasts contribute
significantly to your high BMI too. Having a high BMI carries some risks with it,
mainly related to the general anaesthetic and wound healing. One has to weigh
the risk versus benefit in considering surgery in someone like
you. Ideally, your BMI should atleast be around 30 or just over to justify
doing the procedure for you. Loosing weight will also help loose weight off your breasts. 

Candidates for reduction will typically have documented evidence of neck/back and shoulder pain as well as rashes and bra strap grooving attributable to the increased breast weight. They will often demonstrate that these symptoms have been resistant to more conservative measures like therapy, weight loss and pharmacologic intervention.
In addition to establishing a case for medical necessity, there are also requirements for resection weight (when covered by insurance). This may be a standard "500 gm per side" stipulation or a more variable standard based upon body surface area/Schnur scale. It is important to realize that these weight requirements can occasionally exceed your goals for size reduction. Insurance coverage is contingent on these requirements being met, thus cosmetic concerns become secondary(i.e. cup size goals).
Based on your narrative, you would seem to be a reasonable candidate. The absolute requirements from each insurance provider will vary but that being said your clinical narrative checks all the proverbial boxes. Optimal candidates have reached a healthy stable weight (preferably with a BMI < 30).
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).
Donovan Rosas MD
Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
RealSelf Top 100
RealSelf Hall of Fame

Thanks for your question!  Every insurance company, doctor, hospital facility, etc. has different requirements for whom they may approve for a breast reduction.  In the type of surgery center I have on-site, we wouldn't be able to safely operate on you due to your BMI.  That being said, some surgeons may feel comfortable doing your surgery in a hospital.  Please be sure to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon for optimal and safest results.  Good luck!

Hi and welcome to our forum!
Your candidacy for cosmetic surgery requires consideration of many
factors. One is measurement of your BMI (body mass index equals weight in kg /
square of height in meters). You can find BMI calculators on the internet. If
your BMI is > 30, the cosmetic result will not be optimal. If your BMI is >
35, your operative risk will rise.Your BMI is 47.82, far too high a surgical risk for cosmetic surgery.  
Your BMI is hazardous to your health. Your weight puts an extra load upon your heart as well as other organs. Cosmetic surgery is presently deemed too risky. Weight loss through diet and exercise is recommended. If not achievable, a bariatric procedure (such as a gastric sleeve) will result in significant weight loss. This may reduce your breast size to a point where your neck and back pain disappear.
You may wish to seek advice from a bariatric surgeon. These procedures are now being performed on an out-patient basis or with just an overnight stay. 
Best wishes...

Many surgeons prefer an ideal BMI of less than 30 but some do consider a reduction surgery with BMI of up to 35. This would lessen the risk of complication after surgery. Be sure to first reach a stable weight to make sure recovery will be safe and comfortable. The best course of action would be to schedule an appointment with a board-certified plastic surgeon to have a detailed discussion of your surgical options.

I am sure you would benefit from breast reduction. However, high BMI does significantly increase the risk of complications such as wound healing problems and deep vein thrombosis. I would recommend reducing you BMI ideally below 30, certainly below 35. Perhaps your GP could help with this? In the meantime you can still see a plastic/breast surgeon for assessment and to find out more about breast reduction surgery.