How Does Fibrocystic Breast Condition Affect Breast Reduction?

Question

My GP has recommended breast reduction because of neck/back/headaches. I'm at a healthy, stable BMI, but wear a 32H, and the cup size keeps growing! I suspect worsening fibrocystitis is making my breasts larger. But I am nearing menopause, and have heard that will ease the fibrocystitis. What changes might I naturally see in fibrocystic breast condition after menopause? In breast size? Does FBC complicate reduction surgery or results?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	I think your general practitioner has made a good recommendation. The presence of fibrocystic breasts should not necessarily complicate breast reduction surgery. Your only regret may be that you have not done it sooner.

	Best wishes.

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there-

	There is no reason to believe that breast tissue that is of a fibrocystic nature will affect your surgeon's ability to safely and successfully perform a breast reduction for you, provided you select a skilled surgeon certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery.

	In fact, most women with mammary hypertrophy have breast tissue that is dense and fibrocystic in quality.

	I would not expect menopause to significantly change your situation.

	If you would like some help finding a surgeon you like and feel you can trust, please read this:

Lavinia K. Chong, MD · Answer

Breast reduction addresses excess breast skin, breast tissue (both glandular as well as fat), reshapes the appearance and migrates the nipple-areolar complex to a more superior position.  My breast reduction patients often ask me how long their breast reduction results will last.  My response is circumspect and based on the fact that weight gain, hormonal changes (pregnancy and/or menopause) can change the fat composition of the breast.  Moreover, when the composition of breast glandular tissue to fat is high, the shape of the breasts are better preserved.  It would be my opinion that the shape and position of your reduced breasts should be stable for some time.  Good luck.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

Menopause will not change the size of your breasts. In my opinion, much of your symptoms are related to the sheer size of your breasts than to fibrocystic disease. As a result, a reduction in the size of the breasts is likely to greatly improve your symptoms.

Scott E. Kasden, MD, FACS · Answer

Menopause untreated will usually ease the symptoms of fibrocystic breasts and the lesions will usually shrink to some degree.  The breasts also tend to atrophy, or reduce.  Most women will get fibrocysts in their breasts and this will not have a specific impact on the surgery.

How Does Fibrocystic Breast Condition Affect Breast Reduction?

Answers (9)

Answer: Large Symptomatic Breasts WILL Improve with Breast Reduction

Answer: Large Symptomatic Breasts WILL Improve with Breast Reduction

Answer: Fibrocystis breast disease

Answer: Fibrocystis breast disease

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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How Does Fibrocystic Breast Condition Affect Breast Reduction?

Answers (9)

Answer: Large Symptomatic Breasts WILL Improve with Breast Reduction

Answer: Large Symptomatic Breasts WILL Improve with Breast Reduction

Answer: Fibrocystis breast disease

Answer: Fibrocystis breast disease

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.