Do You Suggest Breast Reduction Before Kids?

Question

I am 21 and i am 5'3 and about 160 to 175lbs an is has a somewhat tiny figure and have not yet had children. but do plan on having them soon. have upper back pain an sagging with my breast. I am a 34O in bra size and have been sized with professional's more than once. In addition i am getting a little bit depressed because i have a hard time fitting into clothing & bras. I want to know what would be the best for me an what size would be best. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield

Mahlon Kerr, MD, FACS · Answer

Absolutely! I have done many breast reductions on younger women who have gone on to have children later. If you are suffering from the pain and discomfort of overly large breasts then I would meet with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area and discuss a reduction. It's possible a breast reduction might complicate nursing but otherwise a pregnancy should not ruin your results and the reduction in back pain may make the whole process more comfortable anyhow. Good luck! Dr Kerr

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

Breast reduction surgery is 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.

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).

There are patients who present with “juvenile” breast hypertrophy will benefit from breast reduction surgery ( for both physical and psychosocial reasons) at an early age ( even as teenagers). Patients should consider  carefully the pros and cons of the procedure as well as the potential need for further surgery if the breasts “regrow” in size.

If at all possible, it is best to wait until after completing pregnancies before undergoing breast reduction surgery. Again, doing so will minimize the chances that patients will require further surgery after pregnancy related breast changes.

On the other hand, it can be argued that,  patients with breast hypertrophy benefit from breast reduction surgery prior to pregnancy ( to prevent the symptoms that may occur as the breasts grow even larger during and after pregnancy/breast-feeding).  However, in the interests of avoiding additional surgery,  I feel that it is in most patients best interest,  to wait until pregnancies have been completed and a long-term stable weight has been reestablished.

I hope this helps.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I have many patients that undergo breast reduction before having children. If they are very large and causing problems, I think it is OK to have them reduced at any time.

Sherwood Baxt, MD (retired) · Answer

a great option for women before having kids is the liposuction only or Scarless reduction. certainly not the same amount of lift but that is something that can wait until after children if you like. find a surgeon who really likes the operation to discuss it with.

Do You Suggest Breast Reduction Before Kids?

Answers (4)

Answer: Scarless breast reduction

Answer: Scarless breast reduction

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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Do You Suggest Breast Reduction Before Kids?

Answers (4)

Answer: Scarless breast reduction

Answer: Scarless 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.