Should I wait to get a breast reduction until I’m done having children?

Question

I’m currently 20 years old and have a 10 month old. I have always had large breast and when I had my son they grew larger and never shrunk they sagged a little leaving a lot of heavy breast tissue. My husband and I are planning on having at least one more kid.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

You would be a good candidate for breast reduction if your suffer from neck, back, and shoulder pain as the result of heavy breast tissue.  Based upon your weight and bra size, you may want to consider a breast reduction before your next pregnancy.   With most modern techniques of breast reduction, the ducts should be preserved as well as the sensation.  Therefore, breast-feeding should be possible. Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

This is something that you need to decide, many women do have breast reduction surgery before they are finished having children and are glad they did. It is possible that your breasts will change after child birth and you may need a revision surgery. However, if your breasts really bother you now and it may be a few years before you finish having children, you might want to go ahead. Be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck.

John Layliev, MD · Answer

If you are having pronounced back/shoulder/neck pain, breast reduction can be done prior to your last child. Doing so, however, keep in mind that the architecture and droopiness can again change after your last pregnancy/breast feeding. Also, about 20% of patients getting a breast reduction (that does not require a free nipple graft) will have decreased or lack of ability to breast feed. If it strictly for cosmetic reasons and you are planning to breast feed, it may make sense to wait until after you last child so that any changes in skin and breast tissue are final prior to surgery.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Breast reduction can be performed at any weight. However, weight loss can often times affect breast size. Weight loss prior to surgery, may lead to a decrease in breast size and subsequently a smaller or less significant reduction. In some cases, reduction may not be necessary after significant weight loss (although you may benefit from a breast lift at that point). Fluctuations in weight post operatively is likely to have an effect on your surgical result. If you lose significant weight post operatively you may feel as if your reduction was not adequate. Conversely, weight gain post-operatively can affect your operative outcome as well.With regards to your specific question, while further plans for children is not an absolute contraindication, post op pregnancy will likely negatively affect your cosmetic outcome. The more prudent approach is to wait.
In general, I recommend patients be at their goal weight prior to considering any procedure. As always, discuss your concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.
It would be a good idea to wait until you are done having children.  If you feel that you are to uncomfortable then go ahead and have it now. When you are ready to proceed, schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon. Best wishes!

Matthew A. DelMauro, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question. (Keep in mind that an in-person consultation is necessary for the best advice.) In my practice, many patients wait until after they have had children to have breast lift/reduction surgery. The most common reason is that they don't want their pregnancies and breast feeding to "ruin" or "mess up" their breasts. However, if you are unhappy with your breasts now and want surgery now, you should schedule an appointment with a plastic surgeon. If you decide to pursue surgery it’s very important that you find a surgeon whom you are comfortable with and trust and who evaluates you in-person and tailors an individualized treatment plan for you and your aesthetic goals. Best of luck!
Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.

Robert Drielsma, MBBS, BSc, FRACS · Answer

This  is a common question but one only you can answer!  Many women choose to have breast reduction surgery before they are finished having children and they are happy with their decision and enjoy the results of surgery for many years before having more children.  If you are planning on having more children in the next year or two then you may wish to wait.

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.  There are no "absolute rules"; in my opinion, it is best to individualize every patient's care.  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.

Should I wait to get a breast reduction until I’m done having children?

Answers (8)

More Breast Reduction Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (8)

More Breast Reduction Questions

Could my breast be infected after breast reduction? (Photo)

10 days post-op. Am I losing my nipple after breast reduction? (photos)

How can I help this wound under my breast heal? (Photo)

Can axillary breast tissue in my armpit be removed with a breast lift or reduction surgery?

Long Haul Flight - I have a history of swollen feet and legs after long haul flights generally. Can I fly in July?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS