It is advisable to be at a healthy and stable body weight before going ahead with breast reduction surgery.
Breast reduction surgery is a very popular procedure, and for good reason. Not only does the treatment achieve better proportions for women with particularly large breasts, but it also alleviates the discomfort caused by excess weight on the neck, back, and shoulders. Women who have been through breast reduction surgery often experience considerable relief from back pain once the treatment is complete. There are, however, some important considerations to keep in mind before going ahead with the surgery. One of the factors that can affect the surgery and recovery period is body weight. Read on to find out more about the effect your BMI could have on your breast reduction.
What is BMI?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a calculation that estimates the amount of body fat one has. The calculation is based on weight and height and helps determine if one’s weight is healthy or not.
In some cases, a high BMI is an indication of too much fat, while a low BMI indicates too little fat. The higher one’s BMI, the greater the risk of certain health concerns, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
It’s important to understand that although BMI can be a very useful tool, especially when it comes to screening for weight issues, it does have limitations. If you are concerned about your BMI, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor.
Why consider breast reduction surgery?
If the size of your breasts is causing you general discomfort as well as back, neck, and shoulder pain, you might consider breast reduction surgery. Other issues associated with heavy breasts include rashes and skin irritation underneath the breasts; an inability or difficulty getting clothes to fit correctly; indents in the shoulders from bra straps; and discomfort and difficulty with exercise. Breast reduction surgery aims to improve all these symptoms.
As well as its ability to alleviate discomfort, breast reduction surgery also helps to enhance the appearance of the breasts and achieve a breast size that is more proportionate to one’s figure.
If you are considering surgery, a good starting point is to consult with Dr. Mark Hanikeri. He will let you know if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure and advise you on the types of results that you can realistically achieve.
Can you have a breast reduction if you are overweight?
Although it is possible to undergo breast reduction surgery if you are overweight, most surgeons will advise that you lose weight before going ahead with the procedure. High-weight patients with a body mass index (BMI) of over 30 are at greater risk of surgical complications when compared to women with a healthy BMI. To maximise the outcome from breast reduction surgery — both aesthetically and in terms of risk — Patient’s with a BMI over 30 should lose weight. Although surgeons vary in their advice, Dr. Mark Hanikeri’s preference is to have an upper limit of a BMI of 32, provided the patients are prepared to accept a moderately increased risk at this weight. If you have a BMI of over 32, the surgery will still be offered to you once you have dropped your BMI to minimise risk. In fact, Dr. Hanikeri has had many patients over the years who have thanked him for encouraging them to lose weight before breast reduction surgery.
What are the benefits of losing weight before breast reduction surgery?
Individuals who are at a healthy weight are much more likely to enjoy a fast and smooth recovery than those with a high BMI. Excess weight is often associated with a range of surgical complications, including poor wound healing.
Your body weight can also have an impact on the results that can be achieved with breast reduction surgery. Weight loss often changes the size of the bust, so it is best to reach your goal weight before surgery rather than afterward. This will ensure that you enjoy improved proportions and an improved overall aesthetic.
How can you lose weight before breast reduction surgery?
If you would like to lose weight but are struggling to do so in a way that is healthy and sustainable, you would likely benefit from consulting with a dietician. They will be able to help you put together a weight loss programme that works for your particular body composition and lifestyle.
When combined with proper nutrition, regular exercise can also go a long way toward healthy weight loss. Another factor that can affect your weight loss results is sleep. Adequate sleep helps to regulate appetite, provides energy for exercise, and reduces the risk of several health concerns, including high blood pressure and high insulin levels.
How can we help?
Dr. Mark Hanikeri offers a range of procedures, including breast reduction surgery. If you are struggling with back, neck, and shoulder pain caused by large breasts and would like to have breasts that are proportionate to your figure, we encourage you to come in for a consultation. Dr. Hanikeri will discuss your particular concerns and aesthetic goals and explain what you can expect from the process. The breast reduction method that Dr. Hanikeri uses will vary according to your breast size, personal preference, and lifestyle demands.
If you would like to find out more about breast reduction surgery and what it involves, please have a look here.
To find out about the full scope of treatments that Dr. Hanikeri offers, please have a look here.
To arrange an appointment to meet Dr. Hanikeri and his team, please get in touch here.
