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Should I Lose Weight Before My Breast Reduction?


Charles A. Messa, III, MD, FACS
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Posted May 03, 2022 in Breast Reduction

3 Minute Read: 

If you plan to have breast reduction surgery and are above your ideal weight, the answer is yes. 

Choosing to have a breast reduction is a major decision that can deliver a number of benefits for women who are concerned with their large breasts. It’s essential to be prepared for this procedure, which means being at or close to your ideal body weight.

A woman in a sports bra measuring her waistline.

Some of the reasons women seek breast reduction surgery include:

  • To relieve pain in the shoulders and back
  • To fit more easily into your favorite clothes
  • To achieve a more discreet silhouette 
  • To enhance athletic performance

Breast reduction usually includes a lift and can perk up large breasts that have begun to sag while reducing their size. A breast lift by itself will typically maintain your cup size.

You can learn more about the benefits of breast reduction by reading our blog here.

What Happens When You Lose Weight After a Breast Reduction? 

Breast reduction is designed to remove excess breast tissue and skin and lift the remaining tissue and skin (including the areola) into its proper position. 

Anytime you lose weight, you can expect that some of that weight will come from your breasts. 

When this happens, laxity increases in the breast, meaning it can lose some of its firmness.

Breasts tend to sag from the effects of time and gravity, but weight loss is another major cause. After investing in breast surgery, the last thing you want is to achieve the results you desire, only to have them diminished because you lost weight afterward. 

Illustration of breasts before and after weight loss.

After weight loss, your breasts may develop laxity, causing them to sag.

Weight loss in itself can be a tremendous benefit, so you should try your hardest to accomplish the weight loss part of your aesthetic journey first and then consider breast reduction.

Reaching a Lower BMI

Your BMI (body mass index) is a good indicator of whether or not you are ready for breast surgery, so let’s look at what your BMI means. 

This standard measure of body fat is based on your weight and height, and it is also the most commonly used method of determining if you are at a healthy weight or not.

BMI standards are as follows:

  • Underweight – Under 18.5
  • Healthy weight – 18.6 to 24.9
  • Overweight – 25.0 to 29.9
  • Obese – 30.0 or above

For instance, a woman who is 5’6 and 175 pounds would have a BMI of 28.2 and would be considered overweight. However, a woman who is 5’8 and weighs 150 pounds would show a BMI of 22.8 and would be considered to be at a healthy weight using this measurement.

Calculate your BMI here

3 Tips to Reduce Your BMI in a Healthy Manner

Follow these three proven methods for long-lasting and healthy weight loss to lower your BMI.

  • See your doctor – Medical supervision of weight loss is always recommended, and if you are overweight, you should be getting regular medical care to prevent diabetes or other health conditions from developing.
  • Eat more vegetables and fruits – If you love steak and potatoes, try reducing these and increasing leafy green vegetables. Try having a salad for lunch or dinner and fruit for breakfast.
  • Exercise daily – Move your body to burn those calories for at least 25 minutes per day.

Breast Reduction Specialist in Weston, FL

Dr. Charles Messa is a dual board-certified plastic surgeon in Weston, Florida, who has won many awards for his work and is dedicated to helping his patients improve their quality of life.

Scroll down to schedule a consultation or give Weston Cosmetic Surgery Center a call at (954) 659-7760 or (877) 250-8117 today!

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