Should I lose weight before having breast reduction surgery?

When we talk about boob jobs, we usually envisage breast augmentation and implants, and possibly a breast lift. However, there is also another form of boob job, the breast reduction or to use the technical term ‘reduction mammaplasty’.  The operation involves removing excess tissue and skin and lifting them, making them smaller and perkier.

Breast lift vs breast reduction surgery

Even though a breast reduction also repositions the breast after reducing the skin and tissue, it’s important to understand that this is not the same as a breast lift. If the intention is to create a perkier, young-looking breast without removing volume, a breast lift will be the most appropriate choice. This will involve repositioning the breast higher up the chest and creating a more youthful shape.   Whereas a breast reduction procedure is undertaken by patients who wish to reduce the size and volume of their breasts.

There are many reasons for undergoing a breast reduction, however all share the same ultimate aim, which is to improve the quality of life. Large pendulous breasts can be both uncomfortable, inconvenient and embarrassing. Shopping can be a nightmare as it is impossible to find nice clothes that fit. Many breast reduction patients also suffer the discomfort of bra straps digging into their shoulders, neck and back ache.  Large breasts can also be a hindrance when exercising, limiting the type of activity that can be done. There also the possibility of rashes and irritation below the breast when they are too large and heavy.

After a breast reduction, the patient literally has a weight lifted off their shoulders, giving them the freedom to shop where they want, wear what they want and to do the types of activity they want, unhindered. Leading to both greater physical and mental wellbeing.

Some women are predisposed to large breasts even though they have a healthy BMI and slim body, whereas others have large breasts as a result of gaining weight, which they are actively seeking to lose. 

So, the question is, whether a patient who is following a diet plan to lose weight should undergo the surgery before they have reached their designed weight goals.

Breast are predominantly composed of fatty and fibrous tissue, which means that the fatty tissue can be modified via exercise and diet. However, the fibrous tissue cannot be reduced. The amount of fatty and fibrous tissue dictates why some patients can easily drop a bra size when dieting and other can’t.

Surgery before or after losing weight?

The question, whether it is advisable to wait until after you lose weight before undergoing a breast reduction, depends upon the reasons for opting for this type of surgery. 

Dr Pietro di Mauro explains, “If a patient undergoes breast reduction surgery before reaching their target weight, it could negatively impact the results.  If you have achieved your ideal breast size via a breast reduction procedure, then lose a large amount of weight, this could result in much smaller breasts than initially anticipated. Weight loss can also change the shape of the breast and the skin. Unless, the breast reduction surgery is required to urgently relieve pain and other severe discomfort, it would be advisable for patients to reach their target weight before undergoing surgery.”

The best time to undergo a breast reduction procedure

When deciding whether to wait until after successfully losing weight, there are other factors to take into account, such as if you plan to get pregnant. If you are planning on having a baby, your breast skin can change, as will the size and shape.

If you are ready to go ahead, there is another consideration; the time of year. As with any cosmetic procedure, you will need to factor in recovery time, which will disrupt your normal daily routines (work and homelife) for a couple of weeks, as you’ll need time to recover. A good tip is to wait until the winter months, when the weather is colder you can cover up any swelling and spend more time indoors, protecting your scars from harmful sunlight.

However, before you make any decision about which cosmetic surgery procedure you require or when you want to have it done, it’s important to fully discuss your requirements, desires and expectations with you surgeon in the first consultation. 

If you would like to find out more about Dr Pietro di Mauro’s aesthetic treatments and cosmetic surgery procedures get in touch for a confidential no-obligation personalised consultation, by calling call 648 43 45 93.