Significant weight loss. Should I wait or should I do it now?
Asked 2014-10-22
I have lost 126 pounds over 2 years, I did not have weight loss surgery and I want to lose 34 more pounds. My general physician suggested that I should consider breast reduction surgery and a tummy tuck now. I do have considerable back pain and rashes under the breasts and tummy skin and have to use powder. Should I wait or should I do it now?
2 answers
Procedure(s)
Answered 2014-11-12
With massive weight loss it is can best to wait until your weight has been completely stable for at least 6 months before surgery. Continued significant weight loss after surgery can and does result for the need for addition corrective surgery. Hope this is of assistance.
Best,
Gary R Culbertson, MD, FACS
Congratulations on your success. Both of the procedures are not for weight control. With about 34 pounds to lose, there may or may not be much change at all in the size of the breasts. The breasts are made up of both breast tissue and fat. It is only the fatty portion of the breast that lessens with weight loss, therefore the consideration of moving forward with breast reduction surgery may make sense to you after consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon. The surgery can be combined with a tummy tuck. Your surgeon may be able to consult you on the timing of surgery with your weight loss goals.