How Soon After Breast Reduction Can One Become Pregnant?

Question

I am scheduled for breast reduction in a few weeks. I am now considering having another child, since I am of older maternal age I do would not want to wait too long.  My surgery will be covered by insurance and do not want to delay plans because I don't know when I will be able to rescheduled and probably will not.  Although I will be happy not to go through another pregnancy with the pain of enormous breasts, I do not want to interfere with healing. Is it safe to become pregnant 3 months after surgery? Thanks.

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there-
I think this is possible and safe for you and your baby, but probably does not represent the best planning possible....
If you are certain you want both another child and a breast reduction, I would recommend you have your baby, allow your body to recover, then have your breast reduction.
If you have the reduction first, I would be concerned that the pregnancy will produce changes that increase your chances of needing a second operation after the delivery of the baby.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Yes, waiting 3 months should be fine prior to becoming pregnant again. It sounds like you are aware that a further breast procedure is often needed afterwards and that the Breast Reduction surgery may prevent you from breast feeding.

Shaun Parson, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. You should easily be able to start trying to become pregnant within 3 months following breast reduction surgery. You might still have a very slight amount of swelling at that point but your breast should be healed well enough to not experience any problems.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Yes it is safe to become pregnant 3 months after breast reduction surgery.

	Best wishes.

Michael D. Yates, MD · Answer

It would be safe to get pregnant within a few weeks after breast reduction. However, pregnancy will change the results of your breast reduction as there will be some enlargement of your breasts with milk production. When your breasts return to their normal size, you will likely note some sagging or settling of your breasts. Some women experience a change in breast size and shape that persists after pregnancy such that the breasts are larger or smaller than they were before pregnancy. For all these reasons, it would be best to wait until after your family is complete to have a breast reduction. Your surgeon can then best judge the proper amount of tissue to remove to give you the most appropriate long lasting result.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If you are planning to become pregnant soon, I would probably put off the breast reduction and have it done after you completed child birth.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

Pregnancy after breast reduction is very common, safe, and will not ruin the results of surgery. The breast will not sag more as the nipple position after the 'lift' in a reduction procedure is very stable. Healing will not be impacted as well because you should wait after any major surgery, breast reduction or other procedures about three normal cycles after a general anesthesia before becoming pregnant, plenty of time for complete healing from a reduction. Breast feeding will be affected, and though the breast will lactate and you can attempt to breast feed, it is most likely that you will have to supplement.If this is your golden moment for reduction you may wish to take it. Pregnancy does require planning though. Talk to your OB as well concerning time to rest and cycle your body after anesthesia, medication planning or avoidance, and nutrition.Best of luck.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

From a HEALING point of view, your Breast Reduction incisions would likely be healed by 3 months after surgery although the scar will continue to mature and soften up to 6-8 months later.
From a FUNCTIONAL consideration, a Breast Reduction will highly reduce the likelihood you would be able to breast feed.
From a COSMETIC view, a pregnancy AFTER a Breast Reduction is likely to stretch the breast skin resulting in sagging breasts which may require a Breast Lift.
You should consider these factors and may wish to postpone having the Breast Reduction until you completed your family.
For a comprehensive discussion of Breast Reduction, follow the link below - 
Dr. P. Aldea

George J. Beraka, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi.
It is entirely safe to have a pregnancy after breast reduction.  But the pregnancy, as you know, will change your breasts again. You may need a later revision.  So personally, I would recommend having the breast reduction after your last baby.

John Whitt, MD (retired) · Answer

If you like, you could become pregnant anytime following your reduction. The wounds should be well-healed and strong when engorgement occurs. However, I would recommend delaying your reduction if you are determined to become pregnant shortly thereafter. Pregnancy can certainly undo many of the benefits of your reduction and there is probably not a good reason to undergo the reduction first.

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