Breast Reduction Gone Wrong

[debbie99]

This is my second reduction, the first was over 20 years ago in 1985.  It was done well, very little pain, very small scars, but I was left a large "C" and not the "B" I requested.  After asking why, my surgeon said, "women just look better with a little larger breast line."  This time I had to have reduction, and was suggested by my neurosurgeon and my orthopedic surgeon.  I have arthritis issues and a bad back and already one shoulder surgery.  I told all of this to my  new plastic surgeon, and relayed what happened in 1985.  I was firm that I wanted only size "B", nothing larger as I know I always gain in my breasts, and do not lose weight there.  I'm 1 month post surgery, am a huge size D, have nipples that are not circular nor even, one breast is cockeyed, with a mass on the right side, the incisions where the liposuction was done look as if the skin is pulled up into a 1/4" loop, like a big lump.  When I asked the surgeon about my sizing, he stated I had "compromised circulation" and to make me any smaller would entail a mastectomy.
I'm thinking I need to give it some time, and then consult another surgeon to see what can, if anything be done with the mess I have.  I doubt my military Tricare insurance will pay, but I sure hate to go the rest of my life with the mess I have right now.

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

It is much too early to evaluate the results of your surgery due to swelling and early healing.  Your size will decrease with time (several more months).  If you are still not satisfied with the results, a simple option would be the use of liposuction, which I have successfully used as the sole method of breast reduction in a number of patients.  Any appropriate scar revision could be done at the same time.  This should not even be considered for at least nine to twelve months from now.