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Breast Reduction: Is It Safe if You are Morbidly Obese?

The Weight Barrier

Many plastic surgeons hesitate to perform breast reductions on patients with a high Body Mass Index (BMI). This is especially true for “morbidly obese” patients (BMI of 40 or higher).

Surgeons often worry about a higher risk of infections and poor wound healing. They also fear the challenges of Gigantomastia. This is when a surgeon must remove more than 2,000 grams of tissue from each breast.

But does the data actually support turning these patients away? A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery investigated this exact question.

The Study: Analyzing 179 Patients

Researchers in Galveston, Texas, performed a retrospective review of 179 patients. They wanted to see which factors truly caused complications. They looked at:

  • Body Mass Index (BMI).
  • The weight of the tissue removed.
  • The patient’s age.
  • Smoking status.
  • Other health conditions (comorbidities).

The Findings: Safety Across the Scale

The researchers found an overall complication rate of 50%. While this number seems high, it mostly consisted of minor healing issues common in large-volume surgeries.

Crucially, the study found no statistical difference in complications based on:

  1. BMI: Patients with a BMI over 40 were just as safe as those with lower BMIs.
  2. Reduction Size: Removing massive amounts of tissue (>2000g) did not increase the danger.
  3. Age: Older patients did not face more risks than younger ones in this group.

Furthermore, smoking status and other medical conditions did not significantly impact the complication rates in this study.

The Conclusion: A Green Light for Surgery

The study reached a bold conclusion. It is as safe to perform large-volume breast reductions in morbidly obese patients as it is in anyone else.

What This Means for You

If you have a high BMI and suffer from the weight of very large breasts, you may have been told to “lose weight first.” While losing weight is generally healthy, this research proves that you do not have to wait to find relief from physical pain.

Modern guidelines from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) agree. They recommend that surgery be offered based on your symptoms, not just your weight.

If you suffer from back pain, rashes, or shoulder grooving, you deserve a consultation. A skilled surgeon can perform your reduction safely, regardless of your starting weight.

—————

Ask yourself “Who is the Best Plastic Surgeon Near Me?”.
Contact us to know if you are a suitable candidate for Breast Reduction.

Revera Clinic caters with the Best Plastic Surgeon in Hyderabad!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Will a high BMI make my recovery longer?

A: Possibly. While major complications are not higher, some studies suggest that patients with a BMI over 35 may take longer than two months to heal completely.

Q: What is “Gigantomastia”?

A: This is a medical term for extremely large breasts. It usually applies when a surgeon needs to remove more than 2,000 grams (about 4.4 lbs) from each breast.

Q: Are certain surgical techniques safer for obese patients?

A: This study looked at various methods, including inferior pedicles and free nipple grafts. It found that the specific surgical method did not change the complication rate.

References

  • [1] Roehl, Kendall M.D.; et al. “Breast Reduction: Safe in the Morbidly Obese?” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 122(2):p 370-378, August 2008.
  • [2] Perdikis, Galen M.D.; et al. “Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline: Revision: Reduction Mammaplasty.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 149(3):p 392e-409e, March 2022.
Breast Reduction, Gigantomastia, Obesity & Heavy Breasts
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Robbins vs. McKissock: Does the Surgical Technique Change Your Result for Breast Reduction?

The Search for the “Perfect” Technique

When you research breast reduction, you will find several different surgical methods. For decades, surgeons have debated which technique is superior.

Two of the most famous methods are the Inferior Pedicle (Robbins technique) and the Vertical Bipedicle (McKissock technique). Many surgeons prefer one over the other. They often believe their chosen method provides better shapes or fewer complications.

But does the specific technique actually change your final look? A study from the Rambam Medical Center in Israel compared these two approaches to find out.

The Study: A Three-Way Evaluation

Researchers compared two groups of patients. One group had the McKissock technique. The other had the Inferior Pedicle technique.

To get the most accurate results, they used three different perspectives:

  1. The Patients: How happy were they with their results?
  2. The Surgeon: How did the doctor rate the aesthetic outcome?
  3. An Objective Observer: How did a neutral third party rate the breasts?

The Findings: A Statistical Draw

The results were clear: Both techniques are excellent.

  • Aesthetics: The researchers found no significant difference in the final aesthetic results. Both groups achieved “good to excellent” outcomes.
  • Safety: The complication rates were nearly identical for both methods.
  • Satisfaction: Patients in both groups reported high levels of satisfaction. Interestingly, the patients’ own evaluations were very similar to the objective observer’s ratings.

Expert Critique: Why Technique Isn’t Everything

In the accompanying discussion, Dr. Robert Ruberg noted that these results are predictable. He explains that if two techniques use the same Wise Pattern (the “Anchor” scar) for the skin, the final look is usually the same.

However, Dr. Ruberg pointed out several “glaring deficiencies” in the study that patients should keep in mind:

  • Different Surgeons: A single senior surgeon performed the McKissock cases. Meanwhile, various residents performed the Inferior Pedicle cases.
  • Different Hospitals: The surgeries took place in very different settings (one private and one public hospital).
  • Patient Motivation: The two groups of patients had different socioeconomic backgrounds and different motivations for seeking surgery.

The Takeaway for You

This research proves that there is no “best” technique for every patient. The skill and experience of your surgeon matter more than the name of the method they use.

As Dr. Ruberg suggests, no study has ever clearly demonstrated that one technique is superior to all others. Instead, multiple techniques are highly effective at relieving your symptoms and improving your health.

Your Next Step:

Do not choose a surgeon based on a specific “named” technique. Instead, choose a board-certified plastic surgeon whose “Before and After” gallery reflects the results you want.

Ask yourself “Who is the Best Plastic Surgeon Near Me?”.
Contact us to know if you are a suitable candidate for Breast Reduction.

Revera Clinic caters with the Best Plastic Surgeon in Hyderabad!

References

Breast Reduction
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Hidden Findings: Why We Test Tissue After Breast Reduction

The Routine Lab Test

When you undergo a breast reduction, your surgeon removes excess fat, skin, and glandular tissue. But what happens to that tissue?

Most patients assume it is simply discarded. However, standard safety protocols require this tissue to be sent to a lab for evaluation. While the goal of surgery is relief from physical pain, this routine step can sometimes uncover “occult” (hidden) medical findings.

The Evidence: The ASPS Recommendation

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) provides clear “Gold Standard” guidelines for this procedure.

  • The Rule: Plastic surgeons should send breast tissue from all patients for pathologic evaluation.
  • The Benefit: This allows for the early detection of cancer or high-risk lesions.
  • The Rationale: Preoperative mammograms are helpful but not perfect. They do not always catch the tiny abnormalities found in surgical specimens.

What the Research Says: The Emory University Study

A major study from Emory University analyzed the records of 1,014 patients who had breast reductions over 20 years. The researchers wanted to know how often hidden (occult) cancer or high-risk cells were found.

They split the patients into two groups:

  • Group A: Women with no history of breast cancer.
  • Group B: Women who had a previous breast cancer diagnosis.

The Incidence of Hidden Findings

The study found that these hidden findings are “not uncommon”.

  1. For General Patients (Group A): High-risk or malignant cells were found in 1.8% of patients.
  2. For Cancer Survivors (Group B): The risk was much higher, 8% of these patients had hidden findings in their reduction specimens.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

The research identified two major “positive predictors” for finding hidden abnormalities during surgery:

  • Increasing Age: As patients get older, the likelihood of a positive finding increases.
  • Personal History: Having a previous breast cancer diagnosis is a significant risk factor.

Why This Matters for Your Safety

Finding these cells early is a major benefit. Identifying high-risk lesions allows your medical team to start early treatment or more frequent screening.

As the authors of the study concluded, it is crucial for surgeons to maintain open communication with the lab. This ensures that if something is found, your follow-up care is precise and effective.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: If my mammogram was clear, do I still need a lab test?

A: Yes. Research shows that 81% of patients with abnormal findings in their surgery tissue had a “normal” preoperative mammogram. The lab test is a necessary safety net.

Q: Is it common to find cancer during a breast reduction?

A: No, it is rare. In general patients, the risk is about 1.8%. However, “high-risk” cells (which are not cancer but could lead to it) are found slightly more often.

Q: Does insurance cover the cost of the lab test?

A: Generally, because this is a standard-of-care recommendation from the ASPS, it is treated as a necessary part of the medical procedure.

References

  • [1] Razavi, Seyed Amirhossein M.D.; et al. “The Incidence of Occult Malignant and High-Risk Pathologic Findings in Breast Reduction Specimens.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 148(4):p 534e-539e, October 2021.
  • [2] Perdikis, Galen M.D.; et al. “Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline: Revision: Reduction Mammaplasty.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 149(3):p 392e-409e, March 2022.
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A Safer Breast Reduction for Smokers? The “Three Flap” TechniqueThe Risk: Why Surgeons Turn Smokers Away

The Risk: Why Surgeons Turn Smokers Away

If you smoke or have a higher Body Mass Index (BMI), finding a surgeon for breast reduction can be difficult. Many surgeons hesitate to operate on these “high-risk” patients.

The reason is simple: Blood Supply.

Nicotine shrinks blood vessels. This limits the oxygen reaching the healing tissue. In breast reduction surgery, this increases the risk of serious complications, specifically nipple necrosis (where the nipple tissue dies) or wound breakdown.

However, a study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery presents a specialized technique designed to overcome these odds.

The Solution: The Three Dermoglandular Flap Technique

Surgeons from the University of Bari, Italy, developed a method specifically for challenging cases. They call it the Three Dermoglandular Flap technique.

How It Works

Standard reductions often rely on skin to hold the breast shape. Over time, skin stretches, and the breast droops again (recurrence).

This Italian technique uses a different approach:

  1. Inferior-Central Pedicle: The surgeon keeps the nipple attached to a robust central bridge of tissue to ensure maximum blood flow.
  2. Internal Support: They create three separate flaps of dermis (deep skin) and gland tissue.
  3. The “Internal Bra”: These flaps are stitched together inside the breast. This creates a strong internal structure that supports the weight of the breast, independent of the skin.

The Test: Operating on “High-Risk” Patients

The researchers tested this method on the hardest-to-treat group. They selected 47 women who met strict criteria:

  • They were all smokers.
  • They had massive breasts (volume >1000 cc).
  • They had severe sagging (Grade 3 Ptosis).
  • They were overweight (Average BMI of 31.2).

The Results: Zero Nipple Loss

Given the high risks, the results were remarkable.

  • Safety: There were zero cases of partial or complete nipple necrosis.
  • Healing: There were zero cases of major wound breakdown.
  • Aesthetics: The technique produced a good cone shape with fullness in the upper breast.
  • Longevity: The results remained stable over time (up to 4 years of follow-up), proving the “internal support” worked.

What This Means for You

If you have been told you are “too high risk” for surgery due to smoking or weight, do not lose hope. While quitting smoking is always the best option for your health, surgical techniques exist that can handle challenging anatomy safely.

The Three Dermoglandular Flap technique offers a “safe and practical approach” for heavy, pendulous breasts. It prioritizes blood supply and structural support, ensuring you get the relief you need without the complications you fear.

Reference

[1] Pascone, Michele M.D.; Di Candia, Michele M.D.; Pascone, Christian M.D. “The Three Dermoglandular Flap Support in Reduction Mammaplasty.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 130(1):p 1e-10e, July 2012.

Social Media Hashtags

#BreastReduction #PlasticSurgerySafety #SmokersSurgery #HighBMISurgery #BreastLift #MedicalResearch #SurgicalInnovation #MassiveWeightLoss #ReconstructiveSurgery #PatientEducation

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