Will breast reduction cause nasty side boob scars?

Question

Will I be able to breastfeed after breast reduction? I am age 26, 5’3”, 135 lbs with a 34 DDD breast size. I do not fit into ANY bras I buy correctly. My traps look swollen and I’m bras that actually support my breasts I feel like I can’t breathe. Do I sound like I would be a good candidate for breast reduction?

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 and the ability to breast feed are maintained.  Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

With most modern techniques of breast reduction, the ducts should be preserved as well as the sensation.  Therefore, breast-feeding should be possible.In general, scarring is a product of genetics. Some people are good scar formers, and others are poorer scar formers. I always minimize the scars to minimize the likelihood of poor scars. There is no one best therapy for scars. Silicone sheets, Mederma, and Bicorneum are reasonable and popular options. I recommend that the scar therapy begin after the scars have healed and there are no open areas, which usually takes 4 - 6 weeks.Consult with a board certified PS who performs hundreds of breast procedures each year to discuss your candidacy for the BR, the pros and cons of BR, and the most appropriate time for you to have the surgery.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

You sound like a good candidate for this procedure.  At DDD cup size and the symptoms you describe, insurance should cover this.  Look for a specialist that can provide a vertical breast reduction and this will reduce the incidence of a long inframammary fold scar.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Candidates for breast reduction will typically have documented evidence of neck/back and shoulder pain as well as rashes and bra strap grooving attributable to the increased breast weight. They will often demonstrate that these symptoms have been resistant to more conservative measures like therapy, weight loss and pharmacologic intervention.
In addition to establishing a case for medical necessity, there are also requirements for resection weight. This may be a standard "500 gm per side" stipulation or a more variable standard based upon body surface area/Schnur scale. 
With regards to your specific questions, the reduction in breast tissue does not affect the ability to breastfeed but rather the ability to produce adequate supply. The connections between nipple and underlying ducts should remain intact.Scarring will vary from patient to patient. Wise pattern or anchor scars are fairly consistent. Lateral extensions of these scars is a function of the individual breasts. Overall they are well tolerated.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).Donovan Rosas MD
Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic
Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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Matthew A. DelMauro, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your
question. (Keep in mind that an in-person consultation is necessary for the
best advice.) 
Your extent of scarring depends on the type of breast reduction performed. A physical exam is needed to assess which type would be best for you.
Studies have shown that around 70% of women who have never
undergone breast surgery are able to breastfeed. Studies have also shown that
around 70% of women who have undergone breast reduction are able to breastfeed.
In other words, if a breast reduction is done and the nipple/areola is not
detached, the likelihood that you will be able to breastfeed (or pump) should
be unaffected by the breast reduction surgery. 
If you decide to pursue surgery
it’s very important that you find a surgeon whom you are comfortable with and
trust and who evaluates you in-person, addresses your concerns, and tailors an
individualized treatment plan for you and your aesthetic goals. Best of luck!
Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Based on your description you may be an excellent candidate for breast reduction surgery.   However, much more information is needed to determine whether you should proceed with surgery, and if so when (timing).  In my practice, I individualize the “timing” of surgery based on a lot of information that is transmitted during the consultation process.
“Typical” patients who present for breast reduction surgery are women who have disproportionately large breasts, causing problems such as neck/back/shoulder discomfort, postural changes, bra strap grooving, skin irritation/rashes under the breasts, and/or difficulty with activities of daily living and/or exercise etc. There may be both physical as well as psychosocial “stress” caused by the disproportionately large breasts.
Reducing breast tissue mass and elevating the breasts on the chest wall tend to improve or alleviate many of the symptoms associated with the disproportionately large breasts.
Patients considering breast reduction surgery should also consider the potential downsides (risks/complications) associated with the procedure as well.. Poor scarring, for example may be associated with the procedure.  Additional surgery may be necessary in the short or longer term for a multitude of reasons.The majority of patients who undergo breast reduction surgery will be able to breast-feed. Discuss this goal with your plastic surgeon; utilizing certain breast reduction techniques the chances of breast-feeding can be potentially increased.
 When the time is right, I would suggest starting with the American Society of Plastic Surgery and/or the Aesthetic Society of Plastic Surgery to obtain a list of well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons.
Then, I would suggest you visit a few surgeons whose practices concentrate on aesthetic surgery. Ask to see lots of examples of their work and preferably speak/see patients who have had similar procedures done.
Then, it will be important that you communicate your goals clearly with your plastic surgeon and make sure that you have realistic expectations prior to proceeding with any type of surgery. In regards to breast size desired, also communicate carefully. In my practice the use of goal pictures are helpful in this regard; a discussion of cup size can be confusing and imprecise.   Therefore, I would not suggest that you communicate your goals and/or base your satisfaction with the outcome of surgery on achieving a specific cup size.  I also find that the use of pictures is more helpful than the words “natural” or "proportionate” etc., which can mean different things to different people.
Many of my patients choose to have enough breast tissue removed to help alleviate symptoms while retaining enough breast tissue to remain proportionate to the remainder of their torso.
I hope this helps.

Norman M. Rowe, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for sharing your experience with us and I would be happy to help you with that concern. Not all breast reduction techniques are created equal. Breast reduction surgery can be performed with a variety of different techniques; I prefer to use the short-scar breast reduction technique. The short-scar technique, also known as the “lollipop incision,” is a novel method that can give better results than older methods, and with fewer and smaller scars. The short-scar technique reduces visible scars and recovery time from breast reduction procedures. We'd love to see you for a consult.

Will breast reduction cause nasty side boob scars?

Answers (7)

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