Can I still get a breast reduction if I have dense breasts?

Thank you for your question. The density of the breast tissue should not affect your surgeons capability to do the surgery. Each patient has a different breast tissue density and that will not affect your ability to have a breast reduction. Breast reductions surgery can truly be life changing for many patients. It gives them relief from back and shoulder pain and well as smaller more suitable breasts for their body. There are a few different ways to approach a breast reduction so it is important to consult an in person experienced plastic surgeon and see before and after photos. I myself use vertical breast reduction method which leave you with much less scar than typical anchor style breast reduction

Thank you for your question.  Typically as long as your mammogram comes back ok and you are medically cleared there should be no reason why you couldn't continue with your breast reduction.  I would suggest seeing a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in person to evaluate you and discuss your options.  Best of luck to you. 

Hello and thank you for your question.Yes. You may still have breast reduction surgery if you have dense breasts. Schedule a consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options/ Best of luck!

Thanks for your question. Yes breast reduction can be performed on breast tissue which are dense. Some techniques are more suited for dense breast while other techniques for good for less dense breast tissue. Please see a board certified plastic surgeon for consultation and discussion

Most women who are under 40 years old will show up as "dense breasts" on a mammogram. That is why we usually do an ultrasound or MRI on anyone who is under 40 and needs imaging. If you are over 40 and have "dense breasts" consider yourself blessed because it means your tissues appear younger on the imaging. You can still 100% have a breast reduction. I personally find that in women with denser breasts, I can shape the breast better because the "dense" nature can hold sutures and shape better. Good luck on your journey!
Ramsen Azizi M.D.
Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
R.A.M. Plastic Surgery - Chicago

There are 2 types of tissue in the breasts: fat and breast parenchyma.  Breast parenchyma is more dense than fat and more difficult to cut.  However, dense breasts is not a contra-indication to breast reduction.  Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Dear knack,
generally speaking, dense breasts are not a contraindication for breast reduction. 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

With a normal mammogram, there is no reason you could not get a breast reduction with dense breasts.  A breast reduction will not only reduce the size of your breasts but also lift and shape them as well.

Thank you for the question. Yes, you can absolutely get a breast reduction with dense breast tissue. This is often the case in younger patients with large breasts and they do exceptionally well with the procedure.

Yes you can still be considered a candidate for breast reduction even with dense breasts. The next step is to schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more about the procedure. I've included a video that I hope you find helpful.