If I Get A Breast Reduction, Will They Grow Back if I Were To Have Kids?

Question

I am a 24 with a Bra cup size 36G. The breasts are heavy and frustrating. Bra shopping is always a nightmare. I don't have kids yet, I have been advised to do the breast reduction after I have kids because the breasts will grow back... Is this true? I cannot wear what I would like to wear, my body is generally not big. I would like a sleeveless dress for my wedding, but I am loosing hope of looking descent in that kind of dress with my massive breasts.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

The main reason for waiting after your children are born is to be able to breast feed and that they typically stretch and sag afterwards. Hence the term "mommy makeover".Existing breast tissue can become larger after a breast reduction even if you haven't gain weight. A few of the more common reasons (besides weight gain) are use of hormones like birth control or others at the time of menopause, endocrinological problems, further normal growth if the first procedure was done at an early age, pregnancy related, and in many cases unexplained reasons. A secondary breast reduction can be performed once the cause is understood. Without photos or an exam the exact technique best for you cannot be determined.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

A breast reduction removes the fat and breast tissue from the breasts.  During pregnancy, the glandular tissue will enlarge but will shrink after you are done breast feeding.  However, if you are currently a size 36 G and have very havery, painful breasts and cannot find clothing that you want to wear, I would recommend you undergo a breast reduction now.  There are new techniques that avoid the vertical and boat anchor incisions and transfer the breast weight to the underlying breast chest muscles.  This allows many patients to wear clothing that they never could before and pain relief allows a more active lifestyle.

	Best of Luck,

	Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.
	Breast reduction surgery is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform. By removing &ldquo;excess&rdquo; breast tissue, adipose tissue, and breast skin  this operation reduces and lifts the breasts to a higher position on the chest wall. By doing so, patients often find improvement in neck, back, and shoulder discomfort and find it easier to form their activities of daily living and exercise.

	Timing of the operation will depend on the patient's life circumstances. In general, it is best to do this procedure ( like all other elective body contouring the stages,  when patients have reached their long-term stable weights.  In doing so, improve the safety of the procedure and minimizes the need for further surgery ( in the event of weight gain/loss after the breast reduction procedure).

	Timing of breast reduction surgery in relation to pregnancy should be individualized. In some cases, it is best to wait until after completing pregnancies before undergoing breast reduction surgery. Again, doing so will minimize the chances that patients will require further surgery after pregnancy related breast changes. Patients who seek breast augmentation after pregnancy should wait at least 3 to 6 months after they have stopped breast-feeding  him when they have reached their long stable weight.

	On the other hand, it can be argued that, some patients with breast hypertrophy will benefit from breast reduction surgery prior to pregnancy (to prevent the symptoms that may occur as the breasts grow even larger during and after pregnancy/breast-feeding).   Furthermore, patients will be able to enjoy the benefits of breast reduction surgery on a daily basis. Patients who elect to have surgery before having completed pregnancies should be aware that additional surgery may be necessary/beneficial.

	I hope this helps.

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

Great question, Pauline.  Unless you're planning on having children in the next few years, it sounds like you're a great candidate for a breast reduction now. Every breast reduction patient I know is glad she had her surgery, and most of them wish they had it sooner.  For women such as yourself who have difficulty fitting into clothes, neck pain, upper back pain, shoulder pain, etc, breast reductions are incredibly helpful. 

	I, and many other plastic surgeons, use the vertical breast reduction technique that results in much less scarring, faster healing, and faster recovery than traditional methods. While it is true that your breasts may get bigger with time and after childbirth, the benefits of a breast reduction are tremendous.

	I hope that help and wish you all the best!

Brian J. Lee, MD · Answer

In most cases the breasts do not return after a breast reduction. Pregnancy will cause the breasts to engorge and enlarge during the pregnancy and breast feeding, but will involute (lose volume) after breast feeding. This usually results in some stretching of the skin and supporting ligaments of the breast leading to a little more ptosis or droopiness afterwards, but the volume generally does not increase.

	 

	If you are having significant issues you may want to consult a Plastic Surgeon to discuss breast reduction prior to pregnancy to discuss the risks vs benefits.

If I Get A Breast Reduction, Will They Grow Back if I Were To Have Kids?

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Answer: Breast reduction now or after having children?

Answer: Breast reduction now or after having children?

Answer: Breast returning after breast reduction.

Answer: Breast returning after breast reduction.

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If I Get A Breast Reduction, Will They Grow Back if I Were To Have Kids?

Answers (6)

Answer: Breast reduction now or after having children?

Answer: Breast reduction now or after having children?

Answer: Breast returning after breast reduction.

Answer: Breast returning after breast reduction.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.