The Best Candidates For Breast Reduction Surgery

Having heavy, oversized breasts, can cause substantial physical problems. If you find that your breast size is getting in the way of you feeling good and enjoying life to the fullest, breast reduction surgery may be right for you.

Good Candidates for Breast Reduction

Patients often ask Dr. Golshani what makes someone a good candidate for breast reduction surgery. He says that the best candidates for surgical breast reduction are healthy women who have realistic expectations, and understand all of the benefits, risks, and requirements of surgical procedure they’re choosing.

Timing can also determine whether breast reduction surgery is appropriate for you. Though the surgery can be performed at any point in a woman’s adolescent or adult life, certain times may be better than others. It is recommended that women wait until their breasts are fully developed, usually by the age of 18, and the size has become stable for about a year.

In addition, many patients believe it is best to wait until after your last pregnancy for breast reduction surgery as they fear they will not be able to breastfeed after surgery. However, contrary to popular belief, most women are able to breastfeed due to advances in surgical techniques that involve preserving the milk-producing tissue.

How to Know if You Are Not a Candidate for Breast Reduction

It’s also important to understand when someone is NOT a good candidate for breast reduction surgery. Reasons why breast reduction surgery may not be right for you at a particular time include:

  • Having a medical condition or breast disease
  • Having symptoms of a medical condition or breast disease that hasn’t been thoroughly evaluated
  • Having a high medical risk for surgery or general anesthesia
  • Being too small-breasted for a breast reduction (may be a candidate for a breast lift, also known as mastopexy)
  • Planning major weight loss such as gastric bypass
  • Unwilling or unable to comply with the before and after surgery instructions or commit to the time, including recovery
  • Feeling pressured to undergo breast reduction but not wanting it
  • Having unrealistic expectations about the procedure

The best way to learn whether you are a good candidate for breast reduction surgery is a private consultation with Dr. Golshani. This appointment will typically include a physical examination, an evaluation of your current symptoms and a discussion of your goals, the likely outcomes, potential risks and benefits, as well as alternative methods of management. Please contact us today if you would like to schedule a consultation.

Have Questions?

Contact us by submitting the form below and one of our team members at Dr. Golshani’s plastic surgery practice will respond and provide answers to your questions.