I was wondering if I would be able to get a reduction if I’m over weight? I’m 5’2 and 209lbs. I have a DDD and they give me back pain which makes doing physical activity hard and i will also get a rash under and between my breast because they sag. Will I need to drop to a specific weight before I can get the surgery or can I go through with one to help alleviate my back pain to further exercise?
Your BMI is 38.3, in the high obese range. This excess weight increases your risk of a postoperative complication, such as infection , wound healing delays, or reduced blood supply that can result in skin loss, nipple loss, or fat necrosis (scarring) within the breast tissue. The heavier you are, the more tissue has to be removed to satisfy insurance carriers that the reduction is necessary. At your current weight, many insurers would require removal of over 550 grams of tissue from each breast. Weight loss will reduce the size of your breast, so it is much better to lose weight before embarking on breast reduction. If you lose the weight after a reduction, your breasts will lose fatty volume, become smaller and saggier. Your current weight puts your overall health at risk, so I would encourage you to work to get your BMI below 30, which reduces your surgical risk and is healthier for your heart and back. Talk to your doctor about a medically supervised weight loss program.
Thank you for sharing your question. Although possible to perform it would be best to lower your overall body weight to maximize your surgical results while minimizing the possible complications of surgery. Hope this helps.
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. Weight loss may also improve your back pain. The breast reduction itself may also help relieve some of the back and shoulder pain . Your health insurance may help to cover the cost if you meet their criteria for breast reduction, and it varies from company to company. You need an in-person consultation to help to answer these questions.