I had a breast reduction 13 months ago and it's smaller than I wanted. Can this be fixed? (Photo)

Question

I had a breast reduction and lift 13 months ago. I went from an E to a A/B. The surgeon made me much smaller than I wanted. They also made my right breast smaller and the scar underneath comes up much higher than the left side. I’m not interested in implants but was wondering if I would be a candidate for natural breast augmentation (breast fat transfer).

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

You have had a very nice lift and reshaping from your procedure. To make your breasts as high and tight as possible, the surgeon has to take volume to achieve a durable, long term result. Now that the soft tissues are taken care of, you can opt to have more volume by fat transfer as desired (or a saline implant). This is a common, predictable sequence to rejuvenate your breasts with minimal complications and risk with maximum rejuvenation. In my experience, a lot of patients are very happy with your result, however, a few will proceed to augmentation (implant or fat transfer) if desired. Thank you.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear RachelNWooten,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello,
 
And thank you for the question and the photos.

I'm sorry to hear that you are not happy with the results.

Fat transfer is a good option to add volume to the breasts following breast reduction. This procedure is usually done through tiny incisions with minimal scarring. Often more than one session is necessary to achieve the desired results.  It also allows improvement of contour in the areas where the liposuction is performed in order to harvest the fat for transfer.
 
About 50-70% of transferred fat will generally survive after the surgery. The fat that does survive will act like normal fat as it's permanent but will also grow with weight gain.
 
I suggest that you seek an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon specializing in Breast surgeries to further discuss your options, specific techniques, concerns and expectations.  Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.
 
I hope this helps.
 
Best, Dr. Karanetz
 
Dr. Irena Karanetz
Breast Fellowship Trained
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

There are 2 things I would do to fix your smaller breasts. One is to do fat transfers and the second is to do a scar revision of the inferior scars. This can be done in such a way to make them project more. It would take about 2 hours to perform under general anesthesia and cost $7,000.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your query. The  size of your breasts can be increased with autologous fat grafting or with insertion of  breast  implants. The  issues of scarring can be corrected by revision as well. Please discuss your concerns with your surgeon who can help you. All the best!

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thanks for your question! I do think liberal fat grafting can help to correct minor asymmetries. If you are looking to add substantial amounts of volume, an implant would be your best bet. Good luck!

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, fat can be added to give more volume. You might need more than one transfer because only so much fat can be added at one time because of the internal scarring. Please discuss this with your surgeon.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It appears you have some asymmetry in your breast folds which is not uncommon.  Volume asymmetry can be addressed with a revision surgery.  An in person evaluation is needed to determine if you are a good candidate for fat transfer based on your physical exam and goals for surgery.  It's important that you understand the pros and cons of fat grafting before making your decision.  Grafted fat can form microcalcifications over time which can potentially interfere with future mammograms/breast imaging.  Your surgeon can provide more information and help you decide what's best for you.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Based on your post of photos, you are a perfect candidate for liposuction and fat transfer to the breast under ultrasound guided placement. The latest ultrasound is a colorized or color coated ultrasound to see exact location of fat being injected. Best virtual consult with. Fees range from $5000-$10,000. Again, best of virtual consult with.

I had a breast reduction 13 months ago and it's smaller than I wanted. Can this be fixed? (Photo)

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