I had a breast reduction as a minor at 17 that was covered by insurance. I told my doctor I wanted to be as small as possible but told me he would only make a D and no less. I was very over weight at the time by maybe 30-45 pounds (36 now) after losing 44 pounds. I am now needing implants due to sagging caused by weightloss. Why did my surgeon only agree to make me a D and why did they not force me to lose weight before the procedure?
January 17, 2025
Answer: Guidelines for Reduction Surgery Thank you for your question. For insurance-covered breast reduction procedures, surgeons must adhere to guidelines regarding the amount of breast tissue to be removed. Reducing breast size excessively, especially in overweight patients, can lead to disproportionate-looking results. Your surgeon likely considered your BMI and frame size to determine the appropriate breast size. Additionally, removing too much tissue may affect the blood supply to the nipple-areolar complex and could impair healing. While surgeons may recommend weight loss for optimal outcomes, it is generally not required unless a patient's weight presents a direct surgical risk. Also, as a minor, being asked to lose 30 to 45 pounds could be challenging, considering the psychosocial factors involved and the urgency to improve your quality of life. Over time, weight loss and aging can lead to a loss of volume and elasticity in breast tissue, contributing to sagging. If sagging is significant, combining breast implants with a breast lift may help restore fullness and improve breast shape.
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January 17, 2025
Answer: Guidelines for Reduction Surgery Thank you for your question. For insurance-covered breast reduction procedures, surgeons must adhere to guidelines regarding the amount of breast tissue to be removed. Reducing breast size excessively, especially in overweight patients, can lead to disproportionate-looking results. Your surgeon likely considered your BMI and frame size to determine the appropriate breast size. Additionally, removing too much tissue may affect the blood supply to the nipple-areolar complex and could impair healing. While surgeons may recommend weight loss for optimal outcomes, it is generally not required unless a patient's weight presents a direct surgical risk. Also, as a minor, being asked to lose 30 to 45 pounds could be challenging, considering the psychosocial factors involved and the urgency to improve your quality of life. Over time, weight loss and aging can lead to a loss of volume and elasticity in breast tissue, contributing to sagging. If sagging is significant, combining breast implants with a breast lift may help restore fullness and improve breast shape.
Helpful
January 3, 2025
Answer: Weight loss Thanks for your question! If that was your stable weight at the time, performing the surgery then was not the wrong choice. And it's not uncommon as we age, our breasts change, etc, to need some sort of revision/secondary procedure. I would suggest an in-person consultation with someone who does a lot of breast revision surgery. Good luck!
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January 3, 2025
Answer: Weight loss Thanks for your question! If that was your stable weight at the time, performing the surgery then was not the wrong choice. And it's not uncommon as we age, our breasts change, etc, to need some sort of revision/secondary procedure. I would suggest an in-person consultation with someone who does a lot of breast revision surgery. Good luck!
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