Alternatives to breast reduction? (Photos)

Question

I am 21 years old and weigh 150. I recently lost about 30 pounds and my breasts shrunk from a 34H to a 34DDD/32G. My boobs have always been pendulous and moderately saggy but they have gotten worse after the weight loss. I have a mild case of connective tissue disorder called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome so I have some excess/stretchy skin. Is there any procedure or creams that will help firm the skin/lift the breast. I don’t want a typical anchor breast reduction because I fear the scaring.

Rajat Gupta, MD, MS, DNB · Answer

You definitely need a breast lift procedure the way you are describing it. I’m sorry to say there is hardly any cream that will help you achieve this. You need a surgical technique of mastopexy and we don’t use anchor breast reduction technique. We use a short vertical scar technique. So I would ask you to meet a board certified plastic surgeon and request them to follow this technique so that scars are kept at minimal to get a much more stronger and powerful results.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

I recently operated
on a patient with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome that was similar to you with excellent
results.  The technique I recommend is
The Bellesoma Method.  This will 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 and long term
stability.  Vertical scars are avoided,
nipple sensation and the ability to breast feed are maintained.  Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The proportion of breast that is fat varies, but weight loss can reduce the fatty weight of the breast.  Liposuction is another option, but this will not improve the skin.  If there is any level of droop, breast reduction by the conventional surgical methods is best.  Beware of marketing tactics advertising breast creams, breast exercises, pills, and other gimmicks.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Nick Masri, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss, eg311!
There really isn’t any non-surgical alternative to breast reduction. You might encounter creams or lotions that claim they can reduce  breast size, but many of them don’t make a difference.
I think you’ll benefit from a breast reduction with a breast lift. If you’re worried about the scars you’ll get, I suggest that you consult a reputable and board-certified plastic surgeon so that he can personally evaluate you and alleviate your concerns. I offer free consultations that you may schedule on my website.
Good luck!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your successful weight loss.  No, there is no nonsurgical method to lift or reduce the breasts.  Be careful that you do not waste your time/resources on heavily marketed noninvasive technology and/or medications. Best wishes.

Jon Ver Halen, MD, FACS (license suspended) · Answer

Thanks for your excellent question!  We recently started offering the Bellesoma Breast Technique for breast lifts and reduction, and have been VERY HAPPY with the results.  It may be worth looking into this. One advantage in your case is that it minimizes the number of scars on the your breast. I suggest you search for a plastic surgeon near you that can evaluate you for this procedure.  If you have any questions, call our office for assistance at (817)484-0169. Good luck!
  
Best,
  
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS
  
Harvard educated plastic surgeon
  
Texas “Top Doc”
  
RealSelf100
  
America’s Top Plastic Surgeons, Consumer’s Research Council

J. Michael Morrissey, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos and congratulations on your weight loss. Unfortunately, there are no significant alternatives to breast reduction surgery that will reduce, lift, and or tighten the skin of the breast. I can tell you that breast reduction patients are among the happiest patients that a  plastic surgeon has. The relief of neck, back and shoulder pain is almost immediately felt in the recovery room after surgery. Lifting a pendulous breast so that the breast skin does not contact the skin of the upper abdomen will create the illusion of length and will make you appear taller. Non excisional techniques such as liposuction alone will only make the skin more lax.Your Ehler's Danlos Syndrome contributes to the laxity of the skin and the pendulousness of the breasts that you note.   Unfortunately, surgery in people with Ehler's Danlos syndrome is more risky in terms of wound healing problems and less than favorable scarring. If you have had previous surgeries, that experience would be suggestive of how you would recover from a breast reduction. Consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in your area and discuss your concerns. Dr. Morrissey

Alternatives to breast reduction? (Photos)

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Answers (7)

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