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A new study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery reveals a concerning trend in adolescents and young women who undergo breast reduction surgery (reduction mammaplasty)—many experience weight gain in the years following the procedure. The research highlights that, particularly among patients with a healthy body mass index (BMI) before surgery, body weight and BMI tend to increase after the procedure.
Lead author William N. Doyle Jr., a medical student at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, comments, “Our experience suggests that BMI and body weight trend upwards after reduction mammaplasty in teens and young women. These patients should be targeted for healthy lifestyle changes to prevent weight gain.”
Follow-Up Data on Weight Changes After Surgery
Reduction mammaplasty, often performed to alleviate symptoms such as neck, back, and shoulder pain caused by overlarge breasts (macromastia), can also improve psychological well-being. Despite these benefits, previous research has raised concerns about the impact of obesity on post-surgical complications in adolescents with macromastia. Many plastic surgeons recommend weight loss before surgery, fearing complications associated with obesity.
While some studies have suggested that breast reduction surgery may lead to weight loss by reducing physical discomfort, which can hinder exercise, the new study explores long-term body weight changes in adolescents following the procedure. The study tracked 56 patients aged 21 or younger (average age 18.6) who underwent breast reduction surgery between 2015 and 2019. Data on body weight and BMI were collected over a median follow-up period of 46 months.
Findings: Weight Gain After Breast Reduction Surgery
The results show that 39.3% of patients had a decrease in BMI, but body weight and BMI both decreased only slightly in the first year, before steadily increasing during the follow-up period. On average, body weight increased by 3%, and BMI increased by 5%.
Interestingly, the study found that women with a healthy BMI before surgery experienced the most significant weight gain. In contrast, patients who were initially overweight had smaller increases in weight, and those who were obese showed no significant changes in weight or BMI.
Potential Factors Behind Weight Gain
The reasons behind this weight gain remain unclear, but the researchers suggest that hormonal or metabolic changes after puberty could be contributing factors. Additionally, the lack of established healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet, post-surgery may also play a role.
“Another theory is that healthy lifestyle habits, including exercise and a balanced diet, are not established postoperatively,” the researchers wrote. To better understand the factors influencing weight gain, further studies on patient behaviors and attitudes toward lifestyle changes are needed.
The Need for Post-Operative Lifestyle Guidance
The authors emphasize that reduction mammaplasty alone is not enough to promote sustained weight loss in adolescent females, regardless of their preoperative BMI classification. They advocate for a multidisciplinary approach to postoperative care, which includes nutrition guidance, fitness coaching, and close follow-up with a primary care provider to promote healthier lifestyles.
“This suggests that young women undergoing breast reduction surgery should be targeted for measures to support healthy living habits,” conclude Doyle and co-authors.
Disclaimer: This article is based on research findings and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any decisions about surgical procedures or lifestyle changes.
Reference: William N. Doyle et al, “Monitoring Postoperative Weight Changes following Reduction Mammaplasty in Adolescents,” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2024).
