Can You Get a Breast Reduction Twice?

The answer is yes, you can get a second breast reduction surgery.

For many women, breast reduction surgery offers a life-changing solution to physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by large breasts. While in rare cases, concerns can arise again after the initial procedure, in that case, you need to undergo a second breast reduction.

Second breast reduction or revision breast reduction is a relatively common procedure performed for various reasons. Understanding these reasons, the eligibility criteria, and the key considerations involved can help you to make informed decisions.

Why Might You Need a Second Breast Reduction?

Several causes might contribute to the necessity for a second breast reduction. These causes may include:

Weight Fluctuations: The breast reduction procedure removes a significant amount of fat cells. However,  weight gain after the initial breast reduction surgery can cause remaining breast tissue growth, necessitating further reduction.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:  Hormonal changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding can lead to volume changes, requiring readjustment.

Insufficient Volume Reduction: In some cases, the initial surgery may not achieve the desired breast size due to factors like tissue elasticity requiring revision breast reduction surgery.

Aesthetic or Symmetry Issues: Some women may be dissatisfied with the aesthetic results of their first surgery, such as issues with shape, symmetry, or scarring. They opt for a second breast reduction surgery to address these concerns in those cases.

Functional Issues: Sometimes, women face recurring neck and back pain, skin irritation, or difficulty exercising, requiring further reduction.

Factors to Consider Before a Second Breast Reduction Surgery

Revision breast reduction can help you to improve the breast shape and volume and correct initial surgery. However, there are a few things that you need to consider before undergoing a second breast reduction surgery. These factors may include:

Timing Between Two Procedures: Before considering a second breast reduction procedure, be sure your body has had enough time to recover after the initial procedure. It is recommended to wait for at least 3 to 6 months after initial surgery. During this time, the swelling will subside, your blood vessels and nerves will regenerate, and any other complications will resolve. 

Physical Health: Undergoing any surgical procedure requires good overall health. If you are considering breast reduction surgery, you should be in good health, with any chronic conditions well-managed, to minimize risks during surgery and recovery.

Realistic Expectations: Second breast reduction surgery is performed to address the issues arising from initial breast reduction surgery. Therefore, you should set realistic expectations. You should discuss your goals, concerns, risks and expectations with your chosen board-certified plastic surgeon to achieve the desired results. 

Surgical Risks: As with any surgery, there are risks involved, including infection, bleeding, adverse reactions to anesthesia, and complications related to wound healing. The risk of decreased nipple sensation or impaired ability to breastfeed, which exists with any breast surgery, may also increase with a second procedure.

Scar Tissue: Scar tissue from the first surgery can make a second reduction more challenging. Your Surgeon will carefully place the incision to minimize additional scarring and navigate through existing scar tissue.

Undergoing a second breast reduction surgery is a personal decision that requires careful consideration of the benefits, risks, and impact on your overall health and well-being. If you are considering a second breast reduction, selecting a surgeon with experience in revisionary breast surgery is paramount.