32DD/E not sure if I should have reduction.

Question

I am 52, 112pounds and have 32DD/E breasts. I have always wanted them smaller as they are very dense and heavy. Surgeon said he wants to remove 500g (approx pound) from each side, that seems like a lot. I think a C cup would be ok, but will they increase again as I get older. Surgery is scheduled for two weeks time, I am feeling very nervous. Scared of prospect of surgery anyway, maybe i am just trying to talk myself out of it, which I know I will end up regretting.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

500 grams is not a big reduction in my practice.  You should retain your new size unless there is significant weight gain.  Typically, breast reduction patients are the happiest patients in a plastic surgery practice.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Based on your description I think you may be an excellent candidate for breast reduction surgery; it tends to be one of the most patient pleasing operations we  perform.
By removing “excess” breast tissue, adipose tissue, and breast skin  this operation reduces and lifts the breasts to a higher position on the chest wall. By doing so, patients often find improvement in neck, back, and shoulder discomfort and find it easier to form their activities of daily living and exercise.
Some of the risks/potential complications associated with breast reduction surgery include:  infection, bleeding, seroma, hematoma, wound healing problems, abnormal scarring ( hypertrophic or keloid),  loss of sensation, inability to breast-feed, breast asymmetry, necrosis of tissue or skin,  unsatisfactory cosmetic results, unpredictability of exact cup size postoperatively,  recurrence of the breast hypertrophy, and the potential for further surgery.  Other risks  related to surgery in general include deep venous thrombosis (clots),  pulmonary embolism, pneumonia  and even death.
Fortunately, the majority of patients who undergo this procedure by well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons and board certified anesthesiologists do very well and complications tend  to be relatively minor and treatable. The severe complications are rare.
Timing of the operation will depend on the patient's life circumstances. In general, it is best to do this procedure ( like all other elective body contouring the stages,  when patients have reached their long-term stable weights.  In doing so, improve the safety of the procedure and minimizes the need for further surgery ( in the event of weight gain/loss after the breast reduction procedure).
Ultimately,  you will need to decide whether the “pros” ( benefits) of breast reduction surgery outweigh the potential “cons” ( potential risk/complications).  You may find the attached link helpful to you as you educate yourself about the pros/cons of the breast reduction procedure.
I hope this, and the attached link, helps.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Double D's to E's are very heavy to carry around, especially if you are 5'2".  Go for it!  You will be so happy to be relieved of the weight on your shoulders and rashes underneath your breasts, and find clothes that fit.

Andrew Elkwood, MD, FACS · Answer

From my experience in practice, my patients who have dealt with large, heavy breasts their entire life have felt immediate relief from some the weight of the breasts being removed as a result of surgery.  Based on your description of yourself, I agree with your surgeons recommendations for the amount of tissue removal. It is highly unlikely that your breasts will grow at this point in your life unless you gain weight.

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

With that breast size on such a small frame, you will definitely be pleased with the increased comfort after surgery. We often estimate how much tissue we will take off but the real determination is made during surgery. We are reducing to a pleasing size and shape. We do not reduce to get a certain weight off. Discuss this some more with your surgeon to see if you just misunderstood his statement. That would be a lot of weight from someone your size, but not unheard of.

32DD/E not sure if I should have reduction.

Answers (5)

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