Planning breast reduction comes with many natural questions about everything from scars to sensation in your nipples. To help you get a head start on your consultation, our La Jolla plastic surgery team put together some answers to common questions about life after this procedure.
Jump to:
- What is recovery like?
- Does breast reduction affect nipple sensation?
- Will I need another reduction surgery after pregnancy?
- Can I breastfeed after breast reduction surgery?
- How long do the results of breast reduction surgery last?
- What will my scars look like?
What is recovery like?
Recovering from breast reduction surgery (aka reduction mammoplasty) involves some soreness, so you’ll need a period of rest and limited activity to allow your body to heal. You will have check-ins with Dr. Gallus periodically after surgery, and she’ll make sure you are healing well and answer any questions you have.
Most patients can return to work and normal activities within a week or two, but a full return to exercise and any heavy lifting takes about 4-6 weeks. Your breast shape will be close to final at this time, though some minor swelling can take several months to fully resolve.
Plan for physical adjustments, such as changes in how clothing fits or the need for different bras and swimwear. Emotions are also part of the journey, so expect that you will need time to adjust to your new body image—while this is generally a positive adjustment for my breast reduction patients, the change itself can be emotional.
Does breast reduction affect nipple sensation?
While changes in nipple sensation (it could be an increase or decrease in sensation) are a concern for most patients undergoing breast reduction, most are temporary and resolve within a few months as the nerves recover. There is a small risk of permanent sensation changes. Talk with Dr. Gallus about what you can expect based on your individual surgical plan, as the extent of sensation change can depend on the surgical technique used, as well as how you heal after surgery.
Will I need another reduction surgery after pregnancy?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding have unpredictable effects on breast size and shape, so many of the secondary breast reduction surgeries Dr. Gallus performs are due to childbirth (if volume adjustments are not needed, a breast lift can address sagging).
Can I breastfeed after breast reduction surgery?
Studies have shown that women who have undergone breast reduction surgery are still able to breastfeed at a rate that is similar to women who have not had surgery. If you have a baby after breast reduction surgery, we encourage you to try breastfeeding if that is important to you.
Still, the ability to breastfeed after the procedure can depend on several factors, including the surgical technique used. Some techniques can preserve the milk ducts and nipples’ connection to the glandular tissue, making breastfeeding possible. Talk with Dr. Gallus about any future plans to have children at your consultation before the surgery.
It’s important that you talk with Dr. Gallus about any future plans to have children at your initial consultation.
How long do the results of breast reduction surgery last?
In general, most women enjoy the benefits of breast reduction surgery for many years. As you age, your breasts will gradually droop, although likely at a decreased rate due to the smaller size of your breasts. Breast volume does not usually change unless you become pregnant or experience significant fluctuations in weight.
What will my scars look like?
In most cases, breast reduction incisions are placed around the areola, vertically down from the areola to the breast crease, and horizontally along the breast crease to create an “anchor” shape. Initially, scars may be red, raised, and noticeable, but they will fade over time if you follow Dr. Gallus’s aftercare instructions. Scar maturation can take up to a year or longer, with scars gradually becoming softer, flatter, and closer to your natural skin tone in color.
In minor cases, a small incision just around the areola may be sufficient, or you may have a “lollipop”-shaped scar without the horizontal breast crease incision.
Choosing to undergo breast reduction surgery is a personal decision that should be made based on thorough research and consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. To schedule your consultation with La Jolla plastic surgeon Dr. Katerina Gallus, call 858-224-2281 or fill out the contact form below!
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I had breast reduction 12 years ago and now have zero sensation in my nipples. This is terrible because before the surgery my nipples were an important part of my sexual experience and now I’ve completely lost that. Is there anything g I can do about this?
Pauline
Restore SD Plastic Surgery says
Hi Pauline, Thank you for your comment, and we are sorry to hear about the challenges you’ve faced since your breast reduction. Loss of nipple sensation can occur, though it’s not always permanent. However, after 12 years, it might be difficult to regain full sensation. It’s best to consult with a plastic surgeon who can explore potential solutions to improve your situation, even if full sensation cannot be restored. They can offer insights into recent advancements in this area that may be beneficial to you. If you’re in the San Diego area, or are willing to travel, Dr. Gallus and her all-female staff would love to meet with you. Dr. Gallus can discuss your situation more in person and offer expertise or recommendations. We hope this helps!