What does my surgeon mean when he says I will have a boxy shape after breast reduction?

Thank you for the question. The term boxy refers to the early post operative shape of the breast. Everyone has different shaped breasts, just like faces have different shapes. Usually, in a reduction the breast has become elongated over time with the weight of the breast pulling down. With surgery, much of the tissue is removed and the remaining tissue needs to be repositioned higher up. In patients with certain dimensions and using certain techniques, the breast can look as wide as it is tall after surgery, hence the "box" term. As mentioned, usually the tissues relax and the look becomes more natural over time as the lower part of the breast settles into a more oval shape. Also, most patients have lived many years with thier breasts before proceeding with reduction and have gotten used to the longer look. Immediately post op many patients are struck by how different they look now that they are not as long. Surgeons will often use the term "boxy" to convey an accurate description of what it will look like. I hope this helps and enjoy your result.

After breast reduction surgery it often takes months for the shape to look normal again.  With the "anchor" or Robbins reduction the lower part of the breast often looks flat at first, like it is sitting on a shelf, but over time it usually gets the normal curve back.  Other types of breast reductions have their own unusual appearance at first.  With the "lollipop" or vertical breast reduction, the lower part of the breast often looks like there is deficient tissue and the nipple looks too high, but everything usually settles nicely over about 6 months.  

Hello,In my experience, the boxy shape should go away after about 3 - 6 months.  Right after surgery, it is normal for the breast shape is quite unnatural.  However, after about 3  - 6 months, the shape should take on a very normal shape and the best part is that it will give you a "lift" to, so that the breasts are perkier!Hope that helps.  Good luck with everything!

In the majority of patients that undergo a breast reduction, a boxy shape can be avoided. In my  opinion, it most likely happens when the skin envelope is made too tight.