Can Breast Tissue Grow Back after Breast Reduction Surgery?
Undergoing any type of breast surgery is a big decision. My patients, understandably, often have several questions when they come in for a consultation, which is excellent. You need to know what your surgery entails.
One of the most common questions I receive from women who are considering a breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is: “Can my breasts grow back after a breast reduction?”.
The answer is breast regrowth after reduction surgery is possible under certain circumstances, though it’s not very common.
Will I Need A Second Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery involves removing excess fat, tissue, and skin from the breasts. You can see some before and after photos of a reduction here. My patients will undergo breast reduction for various reasons, including:
- Chronic pain in the neck, back or shoulder
- Restricted physical activity
- Hard time fitting certain clothing or bras
- Low self-confidence
We can also perform breast reduction surgery to help patients have a more proportionate silhouette. The procedure certainly helps correct those issues, and many patients say they wish they would have gotten it done earlier. This surgery has a very high satisfaction rating.
But will you need to undergo a second breast reduction surgery at some point?
There’s always that possibility, but it doesn’t happen often. A woman’s breasts will continue to evolve over their lifetime, and, despite having a reduction surgery, the breasts may increase in size again as you get older. Here are the circumstances under which that may occur:
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding – Both pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause the size of your breasts to increase. It may be better to wait until you’ve finished having children before opting for a breast reduction.
- Excessive Weight Gain – Generally speaking, it’s essential to maintain a healthy, stable weight, eat a well-balanced diet, and exercise regularly. Breast tissue can grow back with weight gain.
- Menopause & Hormonal Changes – Hormonal changes, especially during menopause, can cause breasts to become bigger.
- Adolescents and Physical Growth – While there are generally no age restrictions for breast reduction surgery, I recommend younger women and adolescent girls wait a bit longer unless it’s medically necessary. That’s because, as I mentioned earlier, the breasts are still changing and developing, and having the surgery done too soon increases the chances of having to get it done a second time.
So, can your breasts regrow after reduction?
Yes, but those changes rarely lead to a second surgery. And if they do, a wise pattern reduction can be repeated, but other types of lifts can be more difficult to repeat.
Talk To Me About Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction surgery has a high rate of satisfaction. If you’re ready to explore your options or have more questions about breast growth after reduction surgery, contact my office and schedule a consultation.