Regrowth After Breast Reduction. Am I a Candidate for a Revision?

Question

Hello. I had a breast reduction in December 2010 (T Incision). I went from a DD to B. I am 19,107 lbs, 5' 2".I study dance in school and therefore make sure to maintain a stable, slender weight. Now, 11 months after the surgery, my breasts have grown back to a large C. I am not and never been on birth control and nothing has changed health wise. However I am miserable. Large breasts do not fit my body type or lifestyle and I am now desperate to have a revision. Am I a candidate?Help!Thank you!!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Based on your description, having a repeat breast reduction surgery should not be a problem. The only question I would have is why your breasts have grown back so quickly without weight gain etc. You may want to be seen by your primary care physician for evaluation ( possible endocrinology  consultation).

	From this surgical standpoint, the concern of repeat breast reduction surgery is related to blood flow to the remaining breast tissue;  is important to perform the operation in such a fashion that the blood flow to the nipple/areola/breast tissue is not compromised.   The  part of the tissue that is left in place  after breast reduction surgery is called the &ldquo;pedicle"; this segment of tissue is responsible for delivering the blood supply to the nipple/areola/ breast tissue. If the pedicle (that was used during the previous breast reduction procedure)  is cut  then the blood flow to tissues may be compromised leading to serious competitions such as tissue necrosis etc.

	It may be helpful for you have the same surgeon perform the procedure or to find the previous surgeon's  operative report  prior to the redo surgery.

	I hope this helps.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, re-reduction is possible.  Most of the time, only one reduction is necessary.  However, in rare circumstances, the breasts continue to grow and those people may need another reduction.  Without seeing you in person or evaluating before and after pictures, it is impossible to give you more specific advice.

	 

	Good Luck.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, in young women, there is a risk that they have further breast growth even after a breast reduction.  You may be a candidate for a revision.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

The question is whether your breast tissue enlarged because of an endocrinological condition or if you underwent surgery a bit too early in your development.  I would recommend that you first have a complete medical workup to rule out other causes for the breast development.  You could certainly elect to have a revision but this would not be covered by your health insurance based on your current size.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

Although rare, it may happen that breasts keep growing after a breast reduction procedure. If it is not due to an overall weight gain or hormonal causes (discuss with your primary care physician), it would be reasonable to see your original plastic surgeon to determine if another reduction is a good idea.

Regrowth After Breast Reduction. Am I a Candidate for a Revision?

Answers (7)

Answer: Revision of breast reduction

Answer: Revision of breast reduction

Answer: Repeat Breast Reduction

Answer: Repeat Breast Reduction

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Regrowth After Breast Reduction. Am I a Candidate for a Revision?

Answers (7)

Answer: Revision of breast reduction

Answer: Revision of breast reduction

Answer: Repeat Breast Reduction

Answer: Repeat Breast Reduction

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.