When is a good time to have Breast reduction done?

I would like to know when it is a good time to have a Breast reduction. I have wanted to have a Breast reduction for a number of years. I used to have a 36 DD on a frame of 5'7" and 145 pounds. I recently had a baby (2 months ago) and am not breast feeding, nor do I plan to do so anytime in the future, if I have more children. I am still maintaining a very large breast size (36 G) and would like to know if I should wait longer to consider having the surgery in hopes that my chest may shrink down some more.

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9 answers to “When is a good time to have Breast...”

A: Go ahead with breast reduction now

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Once the breasts have stabilized after pregnancy, you may proceed with breast reduction. I think you will find that the reduction in weight will come as an enormous relief. Most patients lose additional weight after reduction because they become more physically active with the large appendages out of the way... more

A: Timing of Breast reduction

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

This is a difficult question to answer as there is the possibiltiy that any breast reduction surgery may interfere with your subsequent ability to nurse even if duct sparing procedures are utilized. It comes down to the amount of pain and discomfort that you are experiencing. At this point, I would advise you... more

A: A minimum of 3 months after breast-feeding

Michael C. Edwards, MD

    It is always best to be at as stable a weight as you can prior to a breast reduction and to be at least 3 months out from having any milk production. Most plastic surgeons will tell you that their most gratified patients are the breast reduction patients. Many women who I have cared for in their... more

A: Go for Breast Reduction

Darrick E. Antell, MD

I believe the best time to have surgery, is when you have the time to go through a relatively short recovery period. Most of my breast reduction patients return to an office job in 5 days. However, no strenuous excercise is permitted for a minimum of 2 weeks.

A: Sounds a little soon

Richard P. Rand, MD

 At this point, there is still a possibility that you will shrink some more on your own.  I would advise that you wait 6 months from the delivery date and see.  Then if your weight is down but the breasts are still huge, consider the surgery knowing that is may have an affect on future breast... more

A: It's probably a good time to get the breast reduction

Scott Tucker, MD

It usually take a month or two depending upon the insurance company to get a procedure approved. By then you'll be 4 months out and could look at scheuling.  I agree that the 4-6 month window is a good time, as long as you have help with the baby. You will be sore and unable to lift the child for a while... more

A: Wait a minimum of 3 months before having surgery

David A. Robinson, MD

I would recommend waiting at least 3, preferably 6 months, before having surgery.  You want to give your breasts an opportunity to stop lactating and shrink in size.  You should be aware that breast feeding can be effected by breast reduction surgery.  If you are not planning to breast feed now,... more

A: Breast Surgery after pregnancy

Steven Wallach, MD

If your breasts are still somewhat engorged after having children, you should wait about 6 months or longer until they have come back to their normal volume before you go ahead and have a breast reduction.

A: Optimal timing for Breast Reduction

Lavinia Chong, MD

As a generality, a woman will experience significant volume and shape changes at three periods of her life: a) menarche, when as an adolescent, your breasts erupt; b) post pregnancy and lactation, when your breasts are subject to significant hormonal variations; & c) menopause, when your breast composition... more

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