Should I lose weight before a breast reduction?
I would like to get a breast reduction. Right now I’m an FF! I’ve lost a little bit of weight recently (about 15lbs) and it’s made a bit of a difference. Do you suggest losing more weight before I get the breast reduction or does it matter?
American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Dear Christina,
Thank you for your clinical post and
this is a common question. Weight loss
is extremely important to achieve weight stability prior to any cosmetic
surgery. If you find that when you lose
weight your breasts are responsive in that they shrink and lose volume then
losing weight prior to breast reduction is important so that the right breast
reduction amount can be performed. To
lose weight after a breast reduction runs the risk of excessive loose skin and an
inability of the surgeon to remove the accurate amount of fat necessary to
achieve your aesthetic outcome.
It is always best to achieve weight
stability prior to cosmetic surgery especially when reductions are performed to
ensure that the right amount of fat is removed at the time of the surgery. If your breasts do not shrink with weight
loss then a breast reduction can be performed at any time. It is important to note that if you shrink in
your hips and your waist, the amount of breast reduction glandular tissue that
will be performed would likely be modified to match your breast-waist-hip
ratio. Achieve the best possible weight
you can, make sure it is stable and you’re able to achieve it long-term before
seeking out a breast reduction procedure.
Best of luck.
R. Stephen Mulholland, M.D.
Certified Plastic Surgeon
Yorkville, Toronto