After Breast Reduction Surgery Will my Breasts Fall Down?

After breast reduction the remaining breast tissue has weight and as such can be pulled inferiorward by gravity over time.  This is why support with a bra is important after reduction surgery.

Breast reduction surgery accomplishes several aesthetic goals.  The procedure not only reduces breast size, but also lifts the breast into normal position and reduces areola size.  Unfortunately, the effects of gravity are unrelenting.  Although, the breasts are lifted with this procedure, there is continuous downward pressure following surgery.  This often results in recurrent breast sag.  In other words, we can set the clock back, but can never stop it from ticking.
Several factors contribute to the development of recurrent breast sag.  These include the size of breasts following reduction surgery, the biologic tendency of the patients tissue to stretch, and the type of breast reduction performed.
In most cases, patients are not bothered by minor amounts of breast sag.  Occasionally, severe breast sag occurs with the passage of time and patients require a secondary breast lift procedure.
Despite the potential for secondary breast sag, breast reduction surgery is associated with extremely high satisfaction rates.  If you’re considering this procedure, consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who has experience in this area would be appropriate.

It is normal for gradual "settling" of the breasts after breast surgery, where gravity exerts some force on the breasts in a downward direction. There is no such thing as permanent superior fullness. The breasts will never be how they were before. The amount of recurrent sagging can be related to many factors including the residual size of your breasts, your skin tone, age, pregnancy, and whether or not you wear a bra regularly.

After a breast reduction, breasts are still subject to the changes of aging and gravity.  However, with smaller and lighter breasts, you will not experience the same changes (sagging) that you would have experienced before the breast reduction surgery.  Basically, your improved shape can last fifteen years or longer provided you continue to use a bra and maintain a stable body weight.  There is always the possibility that you may need a revision or a breast lift (mastopexy) in the future if your nipple position needs to be improved.

Please consult with a board certified plastic surgeon before undergoing a breast reduction.

Best wishes,

Dr. Bruno

Breast reduction is not a permanent cure for droopiness of the breasts. If you have a breast reduction at the age of 20, that does not mean you will have a 20 year old breast for the rest of your life.  As with anything else on the body, your breasts will be subject to the aging process.