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Breast augmentation after reduction mammaplasty: getting the size right
Amy S Colwell1, Sumner A Slavin, James W May
1Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Annals of Plastic Surgery
|March 26, 2008
Summary
Some patients desire breast augmentation after reduction mammaplasty due to inadequate remaining breast tissue. Factors like weight loss, childbearing, or initial dissatisfaction can lead to this, with enhancement improving body image.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Aesthetic Surgery
Background:
- Reduction mammaplasty typically results in patient satisfaction.
- A subset of patients later seek breast augmentation due to perceived inadequate breast volume post-reduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify patient and procedural risk factors contributing to over-reduced breasts.
- To understand the reasons for seeking breast augmentation after initial reduction mammaplasty.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of seven patients who underwent breast augmentation after reduction mammaplasty.
- Analysis of patient history, including weight changes, childbearing, and initial satisfaction levels.
Main Results:
- Four patients experienced volume loss post-reduction due to weight loss or childbearing.
- Three patients were initially dissatisfied with breast size (BMI 18-20).
- All patients reported improved body image after breast augmentation.
Conclusions:
- Thorough patient discussion regarding desired size, insurance, and potential volume changes is crucial.
- Breast augmentation can effectively improve body image in patients with small breasts post-reduction mammaplasty.
