Is breast reduction permanent? Here’s why breasts might regain size following breast reduction

Breast reduction is a big step toward living a more comfortable, active lifestyle for many years to come, and breast tissue is not likely to “grow back” after surgery. Still, you will need to maintain a stable weight, and certain changes like pregnancy can certainly affect your breasts’ size and shape!

For the patients we meet, learning how to maintain results is key before making this investment. Below, we’ll go over what goes into it.

Breast reduction surgery is highly effective & long-lasting

Breast reduction surgery (reduction mammoplasty) is a highly effective procedure that provides long-lasting results. It effectively reduces physical discomfort and pain caused by large breasts (macromastia) in women, including shoulder pain, back pain, skin irritation, bra strap grooving, and difficulty performing daily activities. 

Breast reduction carries patient satisfaction rates as high as 90% or more, according to several sources and studies.

This procedure is also known to improve overall quality of life. Many of our patients report that shopping for clothes, working out, and playing sports are all much easier and more pleasant after breast reduction restores a proportionate breast size.

What happens during a breast reduction?

Once you are comfortably ‘asleep’ under general anesthesia, Dr. Branman will make precisely planned incisions on the breasts, which may be either anchor- or lollipop-shaped. From there, he carefully removes excess breast glandular tissue from the breasts, as well as excess fat and skin, reshaping the remaining tissue to achieve the size and shape you desire. Most breast reductions also involve repositioning the areola and nipple higher on the breast mound.

How can breasts regain size after a reduction?

Weight gain

Most commonly, breasts may increase in size to some extent after breast reduction surgery due to weight gain. When you gain weight, your body stores excess fat proportionally throughout the body—including in the breasts. 

While the fat cells that are removed during surgery are gone for good, any remaining fat cells may increase in size if you gain weight, causing your breasts to grow larger and heavier again. This, in turn, may lead to an increase in breast size even after a reduction surgery.

Swelling

Breasts may also appear slightly larger in the weeks right after surgery due to swelling, a normal post-operative reaction. However, if you experience sudden or unexpected swelling during this time, this could be a sign of a complication; call your plastic surgeon to make sure that your symptoms are part of the normal healing process.

Breast changes after pregnancy & breastfeeding

Another factor that may affect your breasts’ size and shape in the years after a reduction surgery is any future pregnancies and/or breastfeeding, which could result in sagging or a deflated breast appearance. For some women, this can affect their surgical results; you may then desire additional procedures (i.e. a breast lift) to restore your desired breast size and shape.

Hormones, birth control pills, or adolescence

Changes in your hormones (naturally or because of medications like birth control pills) can also affect the breasts’ size. Similarly, if you have breast reduction while you are still in your teenage years, your body may continue to develop and change after surgery. Breasts also normally fluctuate in volume over the course of a person’s menstrual cycle.

How to prevent breast enlargement post reduction surgery

After breast reduction, establish a healthy lifestyle to maintain your new results. Here are some tips on how to prevent breast enlargement post-surgery:

1. Proper aftercare

Following the surgery, your breast reduction surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to take care of your breasts during the recovery period. It’s crucial to follow these directions, which may include wearing supportive bras, avoiding certain physical activities for some time, and taking medications as prescribed. Proper aftercare reduces the risk of complications and promotes healing, helping you achieve the desired breast shape and size and preventing excessive swelling.

Also, it’s important to attend all post-operative appointments with Dr. Branman. Here, he will monitor your progress and check for any complications, and he may recommend adjustments to your aftercare routine as you heal.

2. Healthy diet & exercise

Maintain a healthy body and a stable weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise. Focus on incorporating healthy, whole foods into your diet, and engage in moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking or yoga, for at least 30 minutes a day.

Physical activity not only helps with weight maintenance but also promotes healthy skin elasticity and hydration; both will help to maintain your results from breast reduction surgery. Your surgeon will advise you on the types of exercises that are appropriate for your recovery period and your specific needs—gradually increasing your activity level over the course of about six weeks can help you achieve optimal results after surgery.

3. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol

Smoking can slow down the healing process by reducing blood flow and oxygen levels, and over time it will decrease collagen formation and increase visible signs of aging. Similarly, excessive alcohol consumption can affect skin elasticity and lead to dehydration. Avoid these habits during the recovery period and beyond to maintain beautiful results. This will help to minimize the risk of complications and maintain the results of your surgery.

Breast reduction has outstanding patient satisfaction rates

Because of its effectiveness, breast reduction surgery has consistently held the highest patient satisfaction rates of any plastic surgery procedure, according to several sources:

• 90% patient satisfaction rate according to a clinical study in Gland Surgery
• 95% patients satisfaction rate according to a clinical study in Annals of Plastic Surgery
• 97% patient satisfaction rate according to RealSelf

High patient satisfaction rates do not mean that everyone is a good candidate for this surgery, however. It is important to discuss your personal anatomy and the results & benefits you are likely to have with a board-certified cosmetic surgeon. An experienced breast reduction surgeon can help you to have realistic expectations and navigate the best course of action for you! Every patient’s concerns are unique, and results can vary. 

Setting expectations for side effects

Patients who know what side effects they can expect before surgery are likely to be the happiest with their outcome. Be sure to talk with your surgeon about the side effects, including:

• Scars on your breasts
• Changes in breast sensation after reduction surgery
• Potentially decreased ability to breastfeed

While scars continue to fade over time, and most changes to breast sensations are short-lived, these changes can be permanent. Your ability to breastfeed is likely to be at least somewhat impacted by a reduction mammoplasty. Learn as much as you can from your surgeon, and make sure you find these risks and trade-offs to be well worth the gains in comfort and freedom you can experience after breast reduction.

Discuss insurance coverage with your insurance provider & your surgeon

It’s also key to have realistic expectations for the limits of insurance coverage before scheduling a surgery date. For insurance to cover this procedure, a certain weight of breast tissue may be required to be removed. This may or may not be at odds with the plastic surgeon’s recommendation to meet your goals for your body, so it is important to plan in advance and talk with the insurance company if you hope to receive coverage.

Board-certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Rhys Branman and the team at Cosmetic Surgery Center in Little Rock have what it takes to help you achieve the look and peace of mind you deserve! Dr. Branman has worked with thousands of patients to help them look and feel their personal best. In addition to a full range of cosmetic surgery procedures, our Exhale Med Spa team offers Botox, fillers, and facials to keep you looking refreshed and radiant. We are conveniently located near North Little Rock, Cammack Village, and Maumelle, while also serving Arkansas patients as far as Fayetteville, Pine Bluff and Hot Springs.

Ready to take the first step? Call 501.227.0707 or contact us online today!