I'm confused! Please help! Have I been reduced enough? Breast reduction, almost 8 months post-op. (Photo)

Question

I am 5'2," 120 lbs, band size 30. Post op, I was a 32F cup with dense tissue. Approximately 1 1/2 pounds were removed from both breasts, with more being removed from the left. Currently I am fitting a 32 DD-DDD across a large variety of bra manufacturers. Does my result look proportional? Do I look as if I might be in danger of future sagging? Should I consider revision? I do feel some relief from my symptoms, but I am still fitting into old bras and feel saggy. Thank you for your opinion!

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. Your #breastreduction results appear to be proportionate. I recommend that you seek the assistance of a bra-fitting specialist to ensure you are comfortable and lifted up enough. If your #pre-breastreduction health issues have been solved, but you have excess skin, you may a #candidate for a #revision surgery. Schedule a consultation with a #boardcertified #plasticsurgeon to have your questions and concerns addressed in a face to face environment. Best Wishes!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for sharing your photographs.  It looks as if your reduction was sizeable enough to warrant a much smaller bra size but remember that it was designed to improve your breast-related symptoms and to achieve a better size and shape.  It appears that your reduction better fits your overall frame but a revision may be needed if you have too much skin relative to your breast tissue but only an in-person examination could show that.  Gravity will continue to have effect on your breasts, but less so with your now smaller size.  See a board certified plastic surgeon in consultation, or for a second opinion.  Hope this helps!

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

It's clear that your breasts have been reduced. Whether you have arrived at the proper mound is actually your judgment. It's important the surgeon have a good idea of what your expectations are prior to the operation. In any event it would be too early for any kind of revision. Also there still may be some swelling although in terms of total volume it would be modest

Robert Stroup, Jr., MD, FACS · Answer

Your photos seem to indicate a pretty sizeable reduction.  Whether it is "enough" is completely subjective.  You said you have relief of some of your symptoms, which is great; and, in my opinion, your breasts now seem to match your overall build much better.  At 8 months post-op your size is not going to change anymore, unless, of course, you gain weight.  As far as sagging goes, unfortunately time marches on, and gravity does take its toll, so you can expect a little bit of sagging.  I suggest you get fitted and buy some new bras that better match the new you.  I think you will be much happier with your results, which really look quite good in the photo.

Tracy Kayan, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry - "small enough" is truly a matter of opinion. I always tell my patient that the smaller they want to go after a reduction, the more chances of wound healing issues, blood supply issues to the nipples and permanent nipple numbness. Your post op photo looks pretty darn good - your incisions are healing well and you are symmetric. In terms of sizing, the questions to ask would be do you feel better in clothing? Do you have pain in your back/neck anymore? While it is always possible to go smaller, you do not want to be disproportionate in the opposite way - i.e. too small. With a 32 band size, it does not take a lot of extra tissue to go from a 32D to a 32DD or 32DDD. Regarding your feeling "saggy," even smaller breasts would have some degree of "hang" to them, unless you went to an A or B cup. I would recommend keeping your new breasts well supported with a bra (I sometimes recommend that my patients sleep in a sports bra for the first 3-6 months to keep them supported), and see how you feel about sizing and settling in a few months. If you are still unhappy then you should consider a revision, but I would really advise waiting some time for now.

I'm confused! Please help! Have I been reduced enough? Breast reduction, almost 8 months post-op. (Photo)

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