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I Regret My Breast Reduction: What Can I Do?

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Guide

Many women consider breast reduction when the size and weight of their breasts cause them to experience back pain. Larger breasts can cause discomfort for women in multiple situations, such as while running, lying on their stomachs, or trying to wear certain styles of tops. They may naturally have larger breasts or have larger breasts following pregnancy, breastfeeding, or gaining weight. Breast reduction is a popular procedure for young women who have spent their lives struggling with the physical strain of carrying their breasts and for middle-aged women whose breasts have grown and stretched by having children or by the natural aging process.

Trends in what society deems the “ideal” body shape change constantly. One moment, everyone wants curvy bodies with large breasts, and a few years later, everyone is seeking a slim body frame. On a more personal level, we all have ups and downs with body acceptance and self-confidence. It’s a human struggle as we overanalyze ourselves every day when looking in the mirror. Sometimes, we change our minds about our features and learn to accept things we used to dislike about ourselves. We can often go back and forth with our appearance by dieting and exercising or trying new hair colors. However, when it comes to our breasts, it’s nearly impossible to change them without some form of surgical procedure. The decision to get a breast reduction is an important and life-changing one that requires careful consideration.

Can you undo a breast reduction?

During the consultation, Dr. Liland will discuss the seriousness of the decision to get any form of breast surgery with his patients. Then the decision is based on the full knowledge of what’s ahead rather than on impulse. We are only human, and no matter how great of an idea we get of what life will be like with our changed body before surgery, sometimes we change our minds and miss our old selves. Dr. Liland always fully supports his patients and lays out all the options available to help them make this new life-changing decision.

Dr. Liland understands that feelings change, and sometimes results do not always maintain the way patients hoped they would. The reason patients want to alter the appearance of their breasts after a reduction may be aging, weight loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or other hormonal factors that cause them to start sagging and lose their shape.

If you feel flat-chested and regret having a breast reduction, There are procedures available to let you love your body and feel confident in your skin. It is possible to gain volume back in your breasts after getting a breast reduction if you regret losing your natural breast size. It is not entirely possible to get your breasts back to the exact size they were before, as breast reduction involves the removal of skin and tissues to promote a lifted, perky result. Dr. Liland will explain your options for helping you to feel confident in your breasts when you meet with him for a breast reduction revision consultation. Some procedures he may recommend depending on your goals include:

Breast augmentation – Dr. Liland can return the volume to make your breasts look full, natural, and youthful after a breast reduction through breast augmentation. He revisits your breast reduction incisions and inserts implants of your desired size. In more advanced cases, this procedure is similar to breast reconstruction for women who lose their natural breasts to breast cancer. Sometimes new tissue and skin are taken from other parts of the body to be able to add volume back.
Breast augmentation with fat transfer – If you are not interested in implants and would prefer your body tissue to rebuild your breasts, you may be a candidate for breast augmentation with fat transfer after reduction. During this procedure, Dr. Liland performs liposuction to harvest fat cells from other parts of your body, such as your stomach, hips, or thighs, and injects them into your breasts. If you have enough body fat to undergo this procedure safely, it can accomplish multiple goals: augmenting your breasts and sculpting and slimming other areas of your body.
Breast lift – If your concerns regarding your breast reduction results are less about the size and more about the placement of your breasts, you may be a great candidate for a breast lift after reduction. This option is suitable for patients who initially loved their breast reduction results but noticed their breasts starting to sag due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, or unavoidable aging factors as time passed following their reduction procedure.

Can my breasts naturally grow back after a breast reduction?

Your breasts may naturally grow back to their natural size and shape following a breast reduction, but this is rare. Factors that could cause your breasts to regrow after being reduced include pregnancy, puberty, a new diet, less exercise, weight changes, menopause, and certain illnesses.

Am I a candidate for breast reduction revision?

If you no longer feel confident with the results of your breast reduction, Dr. Liland will work with you to find a solution that allows you to discover newfound confidence in your breasts. Whether you are looking to add volume to your breasts, adjust the shape, correct the placement, or all of the above, Dr. Liland and any credible surgeon with genuine care for you and your goals will do everything in their power to help you achieve the breasts that you love. Your candidacy for a revision procedure after a breast reduction depends solely on the type of procedure you are considering to achieve your goals. The best action for you is to consult an expert breast surgeon and professional in the plastic surgery field. When you meet with them, you should explain your concerns, allow them to digest and understand your situation, and ask for their opinion on the best course of action to help you achieve your goals.

How soon after my breast reduction can I get a revision?

If you start to feel displeasure with your breast reduction results, it is better to get in touch with the surgeon who performed the initial procedure as soon as possible. If you no longer trust their ability to help you reach your goal, it is acceptable to reach out to a new surgeon, explain your situation, and discuss your options. If possible, you should first inform the previous surgeon of your dissatisfaction and concerns regarding your results. Providing them with feedback may help improve their techniques for future patients. Dr. Liland will always ask for the contact information of the surgeon who performed the initial surgery if you request a breast reduction revision procedure with him. It is valuable for any new surgeon you approach with your concerns to have complete knowledge of your surgical history from a professional standpoint to properly assess your situation and come up with the best solution possible. Despite the need to take action and get in touch with a professional as soon as possible, understand that you cannot physically undergo another procedure on your breasts safely until they have fully healed from your breast reduction surgery. It can take at least a year for your scar tissue to fully heal into your skin.

What do I do if I regret my breast reduction surgery?

To summarize, here are some steps you should consider if you are regretting your breast reduction and feel dissatisfied with your results:

  • Take your time reflecting on your feelings about your results and consider your options. Is your disappointment something you think will stay? Or do you think you need time to wait and see how your breasts heal? You may have a change of heart.
  • If you decide you are not happy with your breast reduction results and can’t imagine ever being pleased with them in the future, contact the surgeon who did the procedure immediately.
  • Consult the original surgeon about a revision procedure. However, if you don’t feel you can trust them to help you reach your desired results, contact a different surgeon and explain your situation to them.
  • If you go to a new surgeon, be open about sharing the contact information of the original surgeon so the two doctors can successfully communicate about your situation and what the next steps should be.
  • Whether you return to your original breast reduction surgeon or put your trust in new hands, know that a good surgeon will listen closely to your concerns and work with you to create a solution.

There are many benefits to visiting a surgeon to help you reach your goals when you regret your breast reduction, the most important is being able to love yourself again and feel genuinely confident in your breasts.