How long does the breast continue to change after a breast reduction?

Question

I am 6 months post op breast reduction and I still see changes in my breast almost daily, it's not a bad thing but was wondering how long changes go on till the breast are fully healed. I still feel sharp pains and severe itching at times.

Gregory Mesna, MD, FACS · Answer

It is not uncommon for patients to see changes in their breasts for up to a year or more after a reduction. Most of the changes usually occur in the first 6 months so additional changes are typically more gradual and subtle. The pain and itching are also still common at this point and typically become less noticeable over time.

Jennifer Greer, MD · Answer

It is normal to see changes for up to a year after most types of surgery. This would include breast reduction, abdominoplasty, liposuction and face lifts, as well as other cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Once you have reached a year post-op your results will most likely be stable.

Adrian Richards, MBBS, MSc · Answer

Generally the scarring on the inside of the
breast would mirror the scarring on the outside of the breast.While the scars on the outside of the
breast are slightly red and pink this signifies that the tissue inside is also
slowly healing.Generally most of the maturing and healing
would have occurred within the first year of surgery.I hope when the breast area is completely
settled down you are happy with the results of your breast reduction procedure.

Tracy Kayan, MD · Answer

In many of my patients the major shape changes after a breast reduction happen in the first 3 months. Overall shape changes and scarring improvements may take up to a year to be complete, so I am not surprised that you are still noticing differences. In younger patients with thicker, more resilient skin, the shape changes are more gradual because the skin gives way less than in an older patient. Often nerve regeneration causes "sharp" or "shock-like" pains, and while these can be rather surprising, they are generally a sign of a favorable process occurring!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Usually by about 6  months the majority of changes have occurred. But with some time, there may be a few more changes.  Best of luck.

How long does the breast continue to change after a breast reduction?

Answers (5)

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