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Is There a Weight Restriction on Breast Reduction Surgery?

November 2, 2021

3 Minute Read: 

Many women with overly large breasts tend to be overweight — varying from slightly to quite substantially. 

Should you be at or near your ideal body weight before undergoing a breast reduction?

Can you be overweight and still have the surgery?

Let’s look into these two questions and more.

First of all, there is no rigid weight restriction or limitations for breast reduction surgery, so being overweight doesn’t automatically mean that you can’t undergo the procedure. However, having a very high body mass index (BMI), such as being in the morbidly obese range, can be a relative contraindication for surgery or specific surgical techniques. 

Additionally, overall aesthetic results tend to be superior for those who are closer to their more ideal body weight.

Regardless, a reduction in the size of one’s markedly and disproportionately enlarged breasts can have a major and positive impact on one’s well-being, ability to engage in a far greater range of activities without limitations, and the resolution of breast-related symptoms.

Should I Lose Weight Before My Breast Reduction?

If you are desiring or planning to lose weight, you generally will get better short and long-term results if you lose weight before surgery. 

One of the reasons for this is that if you are appropriately reduced and contoured at your present weight and then lose a substantial amount of weight subsequently, you will have less breast volume but the same amount of skin. This will translate into faster and greater breast drooping and loss of the rejuvenated breast shape, making it an aesthetic issue versus a functional one.

Unfortunately, having very large breasts can make it very difficult to lose weight because many calorie-burning activities are associated with breast discomfort. It is this discomfort that leads many women to seek breast reduction surgery in the first place. 

Despite this, if you are overweight and can lose some pounds prior to surgery, this would be the advisable course of action. 

You also should know that higher BMIs are associated with greater risks for a variety of complications.

Breast Reduction’s Impact on Weight Loss and the Appearance of Weight Loss

Having overly large breasts can make you look heavier than you are. With the removal of excess fat, skin, and glandular tissue, many patients will appear to have lost weight.

Breast reduction, however, is not primarily a weight-loss procedure — though having smaller breasts can make it easier for you to lose weight later on. Many women will lose a few pounds as a result of their breast reduction procedure. 

There is that relatively small group of larger women with truly massive breasts who will lose 15 pounds or more directly from the surgery.

This procedure often motivates women to seek and live more active lifestyles. With the breast-related symptoms resolved, working out becomes easier and far more comfortable. For some, seeing their protruding belly, which previously was largely hidden by their breasts, serves as additional motivation to lose weight.

It is also important to know that a significant weight loss following breast reduction surgery often will have a negative aesthetic impact on your breasts. The outcome can be even smaller breasts with less projection that are also increasingly saggy. This situation can subsequently be addressed with a breast lift if so desired.

Curious About Your Results?

If you would like to see how breast reduction has helped Dr. Turkeltaub’s previous patients, visit our breast reduction before and after gallery.

Interested in Breast Reduction With Dr. Steven Turkeltaub?

Are you considering breast reduction and want to learn more about how future weight loss may affect the results of your surgery? Contact us today at 480-451-3000 or fill our online form to schedule your consultation with Dr. Turkeltaub.