How Long After Breast Reduction Surgery Must You Wait Before a Breast Augmentation Can Be Performed?
Women with large breasts often experience emotional distress and physical discomfort due to the size and weight of their breasts. As a solution, they may seek breast reduction surgery to reduce breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin, so their breast size is more in proportion with the rest of the body.
However, subsequent body changes may occur over time due to factors like weight loss or breastfeeding, resulting in the loss of youthful shape and breast perkiness. Add to this the appearance of stretch marks and changes in the appearance of the areolas, and many women start considering breast augmentation to regain their youthful body contours.
To find out more about both procedures as well as the possibility of combining them, keep reading!
What Is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a procedure performed by Dr. Stephen Bresnick that can help women reduce the uncomfortable effects caused by large breasts while improving their self-image and ability to participate in physical activities.
Breast reduction might help you if:
- You are concerned about feeling that your breasts are too large or heavy
- Your breasts restrict your physical activity
- You experience back, neck, and shoulder pain caused by the weight of your breasts
- You experience chronic rash or skin irritation under the breasts
- You have difficulty fitting into bras and clothing
- Your breast size is affecting your self-esteem and confidence
During the surgery, Dr. Bresnick usually makes an incision around the areola and down the front of each breast, removes excess breast tissue, fat and skin to reduce the size of each breast, and finally reshapes them while repositioning the nipple and areola.
What Is Breast Augmentation Surgery?
When carried out by Stephen Bresnick, M.D., and his care team in Encino, California, breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, can add volume by creating more beautiful, natural-looking breasts. The procedure involves the placement of implants within the breast tissue, providing a fullness, increased cup size, and contours that complement a woman’s figure.
Breast augmentation might help you to:
- Increase the size of your breasts after significant weight loss or pregnancy
- Enhance your appearance if you feel your breasts are too small or if one is smaller than the other
- Correct breasts that are uneven in size
- Create body contours that match your physique
- Improve your self-confidence
Are You a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation After Reduction?
Women who have lost the original shape and volume of their breasts after breast reduction surgery might seek breast augmentation after a reduction for several reasons:
- The breasts may have shrunk in size due to weight loss or breastfeeding
- Pregnancy or weight gain may have resulted in sagging skin and breasts that have lost their youthful lift
- Stretch marks have developed, or changes in the appearance of the areola may be a concern
- Weight loss may have resulted in the loss of breast size
- Breast augmentation after reduction can restore volume, producing more beautiful, natural-looking breasts
The best candidates for breast surgery:
- Are in relatively good physical health
- Have no significant underlying health conditions
- Have realistic expectations about the procedure, recovery time, and results
How Long Should You Wait to Have Your Breast Augmentation After Reduction?
During the planning for your breast reduction procedure with Dr. Bresnick, he will introduce the prospect of later breast augmentation, even if you haven’t considered the possibility.
Since each procedure has a different goal, Dr. Bresnick will perform your breast reduction and breast augmentation into two stages, with at least four months separating for the following reasons:
- During a breast reduction, significant amounts of breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin are removed. An adequate amount of time should transpire for healing before a second procedure is performed.
- During a breast augmentation, breast implants stretch the skin of the breast while adding volume, shape, and weight. It is important that the breast incisions from reduction are healing well and strong prior to adding implant volume to the breasts.
By performing your breast reduction and augmentation in two stages, the risk of a complicated healing process and possible wound breakdown and infection are considerably reduced. In addition, apart from avoiding potential scarring issues, the final lifting and shaping would be more predictable with your breasts being given the volume, perkiness, symmetry, and contours you wanted.
Allowing the tissue and scars to heal after your breast reduction will result in smaller scars and an overall more predictable implant placement during augmentation.
Learn More About Breast Augmentation After Breast Reduction in Los Angeles
If you’re wondering if a breast reduction followed by an augmentation might be right for you, take your next step with a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Stephen Bresnick. As one of the most sought-after and extensively trained board-certified plastic surgeons in the Los Angeles area with substantial expertise in breast surgery, he is known for his compassionate approach and superior artistry. Call us at (818) 981-3333 or contact us today to schedule your consultation.