Weight loss after a breast reduction (I'm 5'4 and currently 145 lbs)?

Question

I got approved by my insurance to have a breast reduction & now I'm trying to figure out when I should schedule surgery. Obviously I want it done asap for the back pain, but I'm also concerned because I'm in the middle of my weight loss journey. I'm 5'4 and currently 145 lbs & ideally I would like to be around 115. I'm worried about how it would make my breasts look after surgery. Will weight loss cause them to sag more? Are there any other complications associated with this too as I heal?

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

If you are in the process of losing weight it is best that you reach your goal and are able to maintain it prior to having surgery.  Some women notice changes in their breasts with weight fluctuations.  A thirty pound difference in your weight could impact your results.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

You want to lose the 30 pounds prior to surgery and be able to maintain that weight for three months before the BR. It is always important to remember body dimensions in BR and not reduce a woman’s breasts to make her disproportionately small.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thanks for your question! We always encourage patients to be within 5-10 lbs of their goal weight prior to surgery. That will give you the best, most long-lasting results. Please be sure to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon for optimal results. Good luck!

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. 
First off, congratulations on your weight loss! If you are wanting to lose additional 30 pounds, I would try to do so before the surgery only because this can change the results of your surgery and breast shape/fullness. 
I suggest that you seek an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon specializing in Breast Reduction surgeries to further discuss your options, specific techniques, concerns and expectations. Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results. 
I hope this helps.Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzFellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear emmmibird,
generally speaking, you want to reach your goal weight before you consider a breast reduction, otherwise your results will be suboptimal if you continue to lose weight after the surgery. 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

Weight loss after a breast reduction (I'm 5'4 and currently 145 lbs)?

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Weight loss after a breast reduction (I'm 5'4 and currently 145 lbs)?

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