Breast reduction before or after baby?

Question

Hi! I really hope someone will give me their honest input on this. I had 420cc and redid them to 565cc. They still sit perky but I've been wanting a reduction because think it's too big for me. I'm planning on getting pregnant at the end of the year and was worried my boobs will get double in size from pregnancy and possibly sag. Should I get my boobs smaller before I get pregnant so that way it doesn't have to stretch out even bigger?

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

Your have a few options here. One would be to leave the implants, have the baby, breast feed, and after completing all of this, evaluate your breasts to see if you would need a lift. A second option would be to aggressively attempt to reduce the risks of sagging by replacing the implant with smaller prostheses prior to pregnancy. I would tend to favor the former, as it is difficult to predict exactly what changes will occur following pregnancy, regardless of the size of the implants. But, if in fact you decide to have surgery prior to pregnancy, i would suggest you consider just taking the implants out during this process then reevaluating your appearance and needs after breastfeeding.

Lisa L. Jewell, MD · Answer

How your breasts will change during pregnancy is not totally predictable, but they will likely get bigger during and after pregnancy (if you choose to breast feed) and then become smaller after you stop nursing. They may even become smaller than they were prior to pregnancy. It sounds like you have breast implants and are wondering if you should downsize your implants, not reduce the amount of actual breast tissue that you have. How your breasts will change during pregnancy is not totally predictable, but they will likely get bigger during and after pregnancy (if you choose to breast feed) and then become smaller after you stop nursing. They may even become smaller than they were prior to pregnancy and they may even droop a little. Or, if you are lucky you have very few breast changes during pregnancy! My advice would be to wait until you are finished having children so that you can then predictably choose the size of implant you want AND address any positional issues that may have occurred to the position of your breasts or nipples during pregnancy. Otherwise you may be having surgery to prevent a problem you may never have OR need additional surgery after your pregnancy to address other issues (like droopiness) afterward anyway.

Albert Ko, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! I would wait until after your pregnancy to have breast surgery. Your breast will stretch during and after pregnancy, so it is best to wait until after your breasts are back to their original size. It is best to visit your board certified plastic surgeon and have an in person consultation and discuss your goals! Best of luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Babygirllll1,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Generally speaking, it is probably better to get surgery after baby. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Moises Salama, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. If you plan to get pregnant, I would recommend to wait until after to get your breast reduction because pregnancy can affect your results. Please always consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Take care, Dr. Moises Salama, board certified plastic surgeon.

Jeremy S. Nikfarjam, MD · Answer

Hi Babygirllll,
As you may know firsthand, any fluctuations in weight can have a physical impact on the body's appearance. Yes, your breasts may become even bigger if you're pregnant! But they will likely shrink post delivery/ breast feeding so anything you do surgically now, may need to be re-done again. There are no guarantees, of course. Some women bounce back remarkably after pregnancy and delivery and others are more affected. If I were consulting with you, I'd suggest waiting since you do have specific plans to try to get pregnant. If it were more of a "someday" type of thing, I'd say don't necessarily wait. I'd hate to see someone spend their hard earned money twice if they can avoid it!
Good luck to you!
- Dr. Nik

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thanks for your question! I think this is personal preference. I suppose if you wanted the best chance for your breasts to rebound, I might suggest explant entirely until you are done with children. Then, you can evaluate your breasts at that time. Good luck!

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, you have not provided photographs or told us your bra size. However, 565 cc implants are quite large. You may benefit from simply removing the implants or remove the implants and do a lift at the same time. The technique I recommend is explantation and lift using The Bellesoma Method. The implants are removed, your breast tissue is reshaped creating upper pole fullness, elevated higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained if not injured during your previous surgery.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question regarding a breast reduction before or after pregnancy. I understand your concerns regarding breast size and potential sagging during pregnancy. It's important to consider that each individual's body responds differently to pregnancy, and it's not always possible to predict exactly how your breasts will change.

Breast size can indeed increase during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, and it's possible that they may sag afterward as well. However, it's important to note that breast changes during pregnancy are temporary, and your breast size may return to its pre-pregnancy state after giving birth or after breastfeeding.

If you're considering a breast reduction before pregnancy, it's essential to weigh the potential benefits and risks. Reducing your breast size before pregnancy might reduce the amount of stretching your breast tissue experiences, but it's not a guarantee that sagging won't occur. Additionally, undergoing surgery before pregnancy could potentially impact your ability to breastfeed, depending on the surgical technique used.

I would recommend discussing your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can provide personalized advice based on your individual circumstances. They can help you make an informed decision regarding the timing of a breast reduction surgery, taking into account your plans for pregnancy and your specific goals.

Ultimately, it's important to make the decision that's best for you and your body. It may be worthwhile to wait until after you've completed your family to assess the impact of pregnancy on your breasts and then determine the most appropriate course of action to achieve your desired appearance.

Steve Laverson, MD, FACS · Answer

There is no medically right or wrong answer to this question, but in general, minimizing the number and complexity of surgical procedures minimizes risk.  Unless there's a compelling indication for surgery, it's best deferred.  If you strongly desire smaller breasts, then change for smaller.  You decide.

Breast reduction before or after baby?

Answers (19)