Should I get to my goal weight before breast reduction or does it not make much difference?

This is a great question that I hear from many patients - should you wait until you reach your goal weight to have a breast reduction? If you are actively trying to lose weight, then yes I will always recommend you get as close to your goal weight as possible before undergoing surgery. Some women lose more volume in their breasts than others when they loose weight, so it is always a good idea to reduce their size as much as possible through weight loss and then undergo the procedure. Good luck!

Hello, and thank you for your email.

For some people, losing weight shows on your breasts. For others is doesn't. 20lb is a reasonable weight loss, so how will we know that, even though you have a past history of not losing in that region.

So, if you were my patient, I would say that to me it makes sense that you'd rather lose the weight first, so that by the time you see me to plan your surgery, I'm looking at the picture I'm trying to help you change.

Most patients have different breast size and shape on each side, for some noticeable and a problem, and for some perfectly acceptable. So, your surgery plan may well need to take that breast difference into account. Differing amounts of reduction on each side, a breast lift or implant are the types of things that may be suggested. Your final size is something that is affected by many factors, which, when combined, help you and I both come to a surgery plan. Factors like how big you are currently, where your nipples are in relation to the rest of your breast and chest wall, your body size and shape, your plans for having children, your 'wants' for size and look.

Both these questions above are complex and need a face-to-face consultation so that you can be properly examined and also communicate with your surgeon in detail. Your Plastic Surgeon then has the information to explain your options for treatment.  Then you will be best placed to come to a surgery decision together.

I trust I have been able to give you some insight. This is an operation that my patients find life-changing and it opens up a new way of seeing themselves, with the new look and confidence that follows. I wish you well in your journey.

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

Although the breast reduction surgery can certainly be done at this point, if you are contemplating the weight loss then it would be in your best interest to have the breast surgery after you have reached your long-term stable weight (If possible). This will improve your chances of achieving your goals and minimize the chances that revisionary breast surgery (to treat “sagging” for example) will be necessary afterwards. 

When the time is right, seek consultation with well-trained/experienced board-certified plastic surgeons. Ask to see lots of examples of their work and communicate your goals clearly.  I suggest that you do not communicate your goals in terms of achieving a specific cup size. For example, a “C or small D cup” may mean different things to different people and therefore may be a source of miscommunication. In my practice, I ask patients to communicate their goals with the help of goal photographs.   

You may find the attached link, dedicated to breast reduction surgery concerns, helpful to you as you learn more.

Best wishes as you work towards your goals.

 It is always advisable to first reach your goal weight before undergoing the procedure as this will help you get a better image of how much tissues in your breasts should be reduced. Losing weight may also change your breast size and thus will get rid of some of the fats that would have otherwise been removed by the surgery.