I have fibrocystic breasts and am looking to have a reduction and lift, is this possible? I have 36 DDD and am 21 years old

Question

I have two large concerns. The first being that last time I went to my OBGYN she felt my breasts and told me that I had fibrocystic breasts I am wondering how that will effect my surgery. Secondly my concern is that I am a recovering alcoholic and have been sober for 2 years. I previously had a dependence on prescription pills and am very nervous to be administered them again, is the pain so unbearable that post op narcotics are absolutely necessary? Please any answers will help

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Based on your description, you may be an excellent candidate for breast reduction surgery; this operation tends to be one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform. The fibrocystic nature breast will not contraindicate or complicate the procedure. Pain control will likely be achievable through nonnarcotic medications if this is of concern to you and your plastic surgeon.  It will be important for you to select your plastic surgeon carefully and communicate your goals carefully as well.  In my practice, I find the use of goal photographs very helpful during this communication process.  You may also find the attached link helpful to you as you learn more about breast reduction surgery. Best wishes; hopefully, you will be very pleased with the outcome of the procedure performed.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Breast reductions can be performed in patients that have fibrocystic disease.  As for the dependency issues, often patients need some form of pain medications post-op. Non-narcotic meds can be used.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Fibrous breasts would not contraindicate breast reduction. In terms of the narcotics, I would recommend that you speak with the physician who has managed your recovery.  This is also important information in terms of the results of pretesting as well as anesthesia management.  There is obviously pain involved but what is crucial is having a support system to get you through the first few days. Medication is not required for more than a fee days. Some patients can make it through because they are strongly motivated but others do not feel this way. It is very individuated.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

Fibrocystic breasts are a common finding during breast reduction and should not influence the procedure. You can have a great result in spite of it. It is unusual though to have a fibrocystic breast at your age. Chemical dependence is another issue which should be discussed with your surgeon, with strategies to in place to manage discomfort after.

J. Garrett Harper, MD · Answer

As far as the breast reduction, fibrocystic breasts will not interfere with a safe and beautiful reduction.  With regards to your other inquiry, the pain is there and real, but few of my patients really think that it's really bad.  There is a long acting pain medicine called Exparel that can be injected into your breasts and incisions that gives you upwards of 72 hours of relief- it's been a game changer for my patients.  This should allow you to go with something less habit forming for pain control like Tylenol or Ultram.

William B. Rosenblatt, MD · Answer

If you have large breasts, you are a candidate for a reduction. fibrocystic disease does not stop you from having your breasts made smaller. You should be a perfectly good candidate. The lift goes with the reduction.

Megan Jack, MD · Answer

Great questions! You are absolutely a candidate for breast reduction surgery. Fibrocystic breast disease is a very common finding in young women and does not prevent them from having breast surgery. It may slightly increase the risk of perioperative infections so you and your chosen surgeon will just have to take extra precautions and watch you closely after surgery.  As far as the 2nd concern, a straight forward breast reduction does not tend to be a particularly painful operation. Most of my patients only need to take mild pain medication for 2-3 days then Tylenol is usually adequate. Additionally, there is a long-acting numbing medication (Xparel) that could be injected in your tissue that provides excellent non-narcotic pain relief for up to 72 hours after surgery. This would be a great adjunct to your post-operative pain control and may reduce or even eliminate the need to use any narcotic medications. Make sure that you consult with board certified plastic surgeons with experience in this type of surgery. Good luck!

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for your questions and the pain from a reduction is significantly less then an augmentaion and many patients do not take pain medication at all as they are relieved by the loss of the extra weight and fibrocystic breasts are common in young women and not a problemDr Corbin

Robert Savage, MD (retired) · Answer

Fibrocystic changes are very common in large breasts are not felt to be precancerous nor a deterrent to having a successful Breast reduction.There are a number of creative ways where a reduction can be done without the need for narcotics.With that said everyone's pain tolerance is different so get all your doctor team involved

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

There is nothing unusual with having fibrocystic breast tissue, it is extremely common. Yes, most patients need a short course of narcotic pain meds. Discuss this with your regular care giver for options.

I have fibrocystic breasts and am looking to have a reduction and lift, is this possible? I have 36 DDD and am 21 years old

Answers (10)

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