Breast Reduction Surgery Before Weight Loss
Breast reduction involves removing excess fat, tissue, and skin from the breasts to make them proportionate to other body features. During this operation, the surgeon chooses the best cup size for you based on your current weight and your expectation; therefore, your weight can affect how your boobs will look.
Your body mass index is the most accurate predictor of whether you are a good candidate for breast reduction surgery (BMI). Your BMI must be between 19 and 30, meaning you cannot be underweight or obese, to qualify for a mammoplasty reduction. Take into account the following things to drop a few pounds and get to your optimum weight before having breast reduction surgery:
You can also read about how much weight do you have to lose to get a breast reduction and losing belly fat after breast reduction in this post.
Breast Reduction Surgery Before Weight Loss
PATIENTS RECOMMEND WEIGHT LOSS BEFORE BREAST REDUCTION
Very large breasts can be extremely uncomfortable and prevent women from wearing clothes that make them feel confident. Many women with heavy breasts also find that they avoid certain physical activities because of their breasts, leading to weight gain and more discomfort.
For those who want a breast reduction and weight loss surgery, it can be tough to know which surgery to pursue first. Should you lose weight before breast reduction surgery, or should you have a breast reduction first? I often advise my Guildford, CT, patients that it’s usually best to have breast reduction surgery once they’re at or near their goal weight. And new research supports that recommendation.
I Regret My Breast Reduction
STUDY SAYS: LOSE WEIGHT BEFORE BREAST REDUCTION
The best results from breast reduction come when patients lose weight first, according to a new study in the September edition of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official journal of the ASPS.
The study analyzed a group of women who (except for one) chose bariatric surgery to achieve major weight loss. Fifteen of the patients had a breast reduction before weight loss surgery, while 14 of them did not. Outcomes from breast reduction were good: they reported good aesthetic outcomes and felt better able to exercise. However, after bariatric surgery, they experienced a subsequent reduction in breast size.
WHY NOT HAVE BREAST REDUCTION BEFORE WEIGHT LOSS?
Many women believe that a breast reduction can help them lose weight—both because it’s extra motivation and because some breast weight is removed during the surgery. But if you have breast reduction before losing weight, you should consider how that extra weight loss in your breasts will affect your surgically reduced breasts. Because of the changes in the skin after major weight loss, the cosmetic outcome of a previous breast reduction can change.
In some cases, women who lose their excess weight first find that they simply need a breast lift instead of a reduction.
FRIEND-TO-FRIEND: WEIGHT LOSS FIRST
After significant weight loss, 86% of the women who had undergone a previous breast reduction thought their breasts looked worse. “If giving advice to a friend, they said they would recommend losing weight before undergoing breast reduction surgery,” the ASPS reports. Interestingly, the benefits of breast reduction seemed to outweigh this cosmetic concern, as most of the patients “did not regret their decision to have reduction mammaplasty first.”
Among the group that did not have breast reduction (but did achieve major weight loss), about half said they were planning a breast reduction, while many others said they would if they could afford to pay for it.
What this study suggests is that women planning weight loss, whether through bariatric surgery or traditional methods, should expect changes in the appearance of their breasts. If these changes could potentially cause significant dissatisfaction, the patient may want to plan for breast surgery after weight loss is complete.
I’ve found that breast reduction surgery can help my patients’ confidence and daily lives, and you can read more about that in this related blog post.
Breast Reduction Surgery Cost
Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a procedure aimed at reducing the size and weight of breasts. Many individuals seek this surgery to alleviate physical discomfort, improve posture, and enhance their overall quality of life. However, one of the main concerns for individuals considering breast reduction surgery is the cost associated with the procedure.
The cost of breast reduction surgery can vary significantly depending on various factors such as the geographic location of the surgery, the qualifications of the surgeon, the complexity of the procedure, and the specific needs of the patient. On average, the cost of breast reduction surgery in the United States ranges from $5,000 to $10,000. This cost typically includes the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fee, facility fee, and any necessary follow-up appointments.
Additional factors that can affect the cost of breast reduction surgery include:
– The amount of breast tissue that needs to be removed
– The presence of any underlying medical conditions
– The type of surgical technique used (such as liposuction or traditional surgical methods)
– The location of the surgery (hospital vs. outpatient surgical center)
It is important for individuals considering breast reduction surgery to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss their specific needs and goals. During this consultation, the surgeon can provide a personalized quote for the procedure based on the patient’s unique circumstances.
In some cases, health insurance may cover a portion of the cost of breast reduction surgery if it is deemed medically necessary. Insurance companies typically require documentation from a healthcare provider demonstrating that the surgery is necessary to alleviate physical symptoms such as back pain, neck pain, or skin irritation.
Overall, while the cost of breast reduction surgery can be a significant consideration for patients, many individuals find that the physical and emotional benefits of the procedure far outweigh the financial investment. By working closely with a qualified plastic surgeon and exploring potential insurance coverage options, patients can take steps towards achieving their desired outcomes.
| Factors affecting cost of breast reduction surgery |
|—————————————————|
| Geographic location |
| Qualifications of the surgeon |
| Complexity of the procedure |
| Specific needs of the patient |
Lose Weight Before a Breast Reduction
Although most people think about altering breast size by augmentation, many women dream of how much easier their lives would be if they were smaller. Last year, more than 100,000 women had breast reductions. There are many reasons women choose a breast reduction
- Back pain
- General unwieldy feeling
- Difficulty with clothes
- Difficulty with exercising and outdoor activities
Almost all surgeons counsel their patients to lost weight before one of these procedures. And let’s be clear. Doctors recommend weight lose by making permanent lifestyle changes. That means no crash dieting or fad weight loss programs that have poor long-term maintainability. You have to make a commitment to creating and maintaining a new body style. With that out of the way, here are great reasons to lose weight before a breast reduction procedure.
A Breast Lift Might Be All You Need
You might not need a full reduction procedure if you lose weight first. Perhaps just a breast lift. Most women see their breasts get smaller proportionately to the amount of weight they lose. So, if your weight loss is significant, a less radical option like a breast lift might be just the ticket to match your new body shape.
The Order of Things Matters
If you decide you still want a reduction, it will be easier to choose your breast size to match your new body style. Once you’ve settled into a trimmer look, you and your doctor can choose your ideal breast size much more accurately. It’s like a great outfit. All the pieces come together to look exactly the way they should.
You May Sabotage Your Breast Reduction
If you get a reduction first then lose weight, your breasts may lose their shape. If you just lose a litte, this might not be an issue. But, if you end up losing a lot of weight, you may lose the breast shape you gained in the reduction. Remember, if you lose weight first, it’s much easier to match your ideal bust size to your new body shape.
There’s No Free Lunch
Keep in mind, you can get your former larger breast back if you regain your weight. This is why it is so important to decide on weight loss that brings you to a natural state. If you can’t maintain your healthy lifestyle, you might undo all the planning and work you’ve already put in.
How Much Weight Do You Have To Lose To Get A Breast Reduction
While it is possible to have a breast reduction at your current weight, it is certainly safer for you to lose weight to at least under 200 lb. , and preferably more. If you lose weight prior to surgery, your breast shape will be better and more stable than if you lose it after.
Losing Belly Fat After Breast Reduction
Yes, you will probably lose some weight after this procedure because you are removing fat from your body. The amount of weight you’ll lose depends on how much tissue you remove with surgery. However, you shouldn’t expect your operation to tip the scales.