Comparing fitness performance before and after breast reduction surgery

Background: Breast reduction is one of the most commonly performed surgeries by plastic surgeons. Patients may receive many benefits and overall complications are low allowing for breast reduction to be a popular procedure offered by plastic surgeons. Fitness improvement is a perceived benefit but has not been objectively demonstrated, which is the purpose of this study. Methods: An IRB approved retrospective review of fitness performance scores before and after breast reduction for symptomatic macromastia in active duty women was performed. Results: No improvement or statistically significant difference was demonstrate in overall fitness, push-ups, sit-ups, waist measurement, or 1.5-mile run time. All women reported relief of symptoms of macromastia and felt more comfortable exercising. Conclusions: Although comfort during exercise improves, actual fitness performance remains unchanged. Fitness requirements of active duty members allowed for this unique opportunity to study actual fitness performance in breast reduction patients.