Am I a good candidate for another breast reduction? (photos)

Question

In 2020 I have a breast reduction. I was a 34F to a 34D to large C. I am 135 pounds and 5’3. Everything was great untill April of this year to September. My breast tissue has grown back. I have the same problems I had before. Back pain, I hunch over bc of the weight of my breast and I have to wear 2 sports bra to run, which I didn’t have to post op surgery 1. I have bra marks that hurt and my overal breast hurt from the weight of them. I will put some pictures. From left to right are beforeafter

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. It is often that women who have had a breast reduction may come back and have another one down the line. This can take place usually years after the initial surgery, because our bodies change, hormones change, pregnancy, weight fluctuations. Given your history it is possible to get another breast reduction if you feel that this will solve your other symptoms. Of course discuss the plan with your plastic surgeon to see if this a good time to do that after your prior breast reduction.

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures. If you had a breast reduction and aren't happy with your new size you can definitely undergo a second breast reduction. Any significant change in your body will influence the breast tissue to grow again. Hormones are the main thing that affects your body's growth and development. Hormones are present during pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and weight changes. Your breasts can also grow back as a result of a poor diet. 
The good news is that you can definitely go through with a second reduction surgery. Best wishes.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  If you are experiencing discomfort and your breast size has increased again, then I would recommend a breast reduction.   I would suggest speaking with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in person to evaluate you.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. This will reduce and reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. The weight of the breast is transferred to the underlying pectoralis major muscle resulting in pain relief without excessive reduction. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thanks for your question! As we get older, our breast tissue continues to change. You could always have a second reduction but understand it comes with some increased risk. Also understand that your breasts can continue to change. Be sure to seek out an in-person consultation. Good luck!

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

As your recurrent hypertrophy is causing debilitating symptoms, a secondary breast reduction would be appropriate. 2 years is a relatively short period of time for this degree of recurrence. You may want to visit your primary care physician or gynecologist to determine if there is an underlying cause for the early recurrence.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Vale26 thank you for your question. Yes you are candidate. In some cases the glandular tissue can grow back and it will always be possible to intervene again especially if the patient is reporting back pain, shoulder creases, pain at the level of the breast crease, difficulty in maintaining cleanliness in the breast crease, especially from perspiration. The important thing is that the reduction can be done in expert hands. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Vale26,
breast reduction is best suited for women who wish to decrease the size of their breasts. While there are different techniques used to perform this surgery, I prefer the vertical incision (lollipop pattern) breast reduction technique instead of the anchor scar pattern, which reduces more noticeable scarring than usual. I also use a SAFE liposuction technique to reduce additional fat around the stubborn axilla area and bra line. This way, my patients are achieving beautiful results with minimal incisions which reduces downtime and delivers an overall better breast shape long term.If you are considering breast reduction surgery, you should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options and make sure your surgeon understands your goals. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Omer Sagir, MD · Answer

Hello dear, 
Thank you for the information and pictures that you have provided. It seems like you are a good candidate for another breast lift operation. But this time your breasts can be lifted a bit more to prevent too much sagging after the surgery. A more skilled and experienced doctor would be the remedy you were looking for. You can take a look at the link below to have a visual idea of what a breast surgery should look like.

Norman M. Rowe, MD · Answer

If your breasts are causing discomfort or you are concerned about their appearance, then yes you are a potential candidate. A breast reduction removes much of the breast tissue, but not all of it. Breast tissue does not grow back, but the remaining tissue will still respond to your natural hormonal changes and can enlarge. More commonly, women gain and lose weight in their breasts, accounting for the change in size. If you are still having neck and back pain or other issues related to your breast size, you may be a candidate for another breast reduction.