Breast reduction bottoming out 3 years after. What can I do?

Unfortunately, breasts do continue to drop with time..."...average increase of the inframmary fold to nipple distance of 0.44cm per year” according to a paper pubished by Reus WF, Mathes SJ. (Preservation of projection after reduction mammaplasty: long-term follow-up of the inferior pedicle technique. Plast Reconstr Surg 1988;82(4):644e52.)There is nothing that you can do to avoid this, but hopefully they will not bottom out too much for you. But if they do, you can have the lower pole of your breasts revised by taking out extra stretched skin from this area (lemon slice excision).

Hello.
Great question. However, a personal examination and/or images are needed to properly evaluate your concerns. Every patient has a unique anatomy. You may need a breast reduction revision or a breast lift. Please visit a board certified plastic surgeon for a detailed surgical plan to achieve your desired results. 

Dear Diligent6198,
It is hard to tell for sure but in most cases, this can occur because of weight of the breasts. I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello and thank you for your question. It would be better to see some photos for a better advice. I don't think there is anything you can do to prevent potential worsening of the problem. You should discuss your concerns with your surgeon to see if you benefit from a revision surgery in future. Best,Pejman Aflaki, M.D.

Johns Hopkins-trained double board-certified plastic surgeon

You need a formal evaluation by a licensed plastic surgeon and expert in breast lifts, revisions and augmentations to determine what is best for you and your goals.Breast lift surgery can improve a woman's breast shape by repositioning the breast mound at a higher position on the chest and then centering the nipple and areola on the breast itself. If there is enough breast tissue, I can perform a highly aesthetic mastopexy without the addition of further volume by internally rearranging the breast tissue and removing excess skin. If more volume is needed, especially in the upper portion of the breasts, we will discuss the possibility of fat grafting or silicone gel implant placement. The type of incision required for this surgery (circumareolar, “lollipop” or “anchor”) and the lifespan of the lift depends on each patient’s condition, breast tissue, genetics, weight and hormonal fluctuations, and desired results.
Augmentation with mastopexy is a challenging surgery that requires significant experience to create a shape that is youthful, natural, and proportionate to the body, while managing the native tissue as well as fat grafts or implants. When performed properly, it can result in a dramatic improvement to a woman’s breast appearance.
I suggest consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon and expert in Breast Lifts. - Dr. Cohen

You may be still too large and more can be removed and the lift redone. Implants behind the muscle can be added for more fullness, especially in the upper chest.

Hello and thank you for your question. It would be beneficial to see photos to help better advise you, but regardless a follow up appointment with your surgeon would be necessary. Sometimes wearing a light support at night and an underwire during the day will help manage symptoms, but there is no way other than surgery to correct the issue. Good luck to you!

Hi and welcome to our forum!Bottoming out after breast reduction may be due to breast weight (if excessive), weakened soft tissues at the fold at the bottom of the breast, or may be due to secondary skin stretching. The stretching may plateau and may not progress further. If continued stretching occurs, it can be corrected with revisional surgery. 15% of cosmetic procedures require a touchup.At this time, I would recommend breast support with a satisfactory bra except for special occasions where exposure is desired. Best wishes...