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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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

Answers (8)

Answer: Breast Reduction Before or After Having Children

Answer: Breast Reduction Before or After Having Children

Answer: Breast reduction in relation to

Answer: Breast reduction in relation to

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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.