Studies show that one in five women uses a larger bra size after the menopause than they did before. So it seems that breasts become larger. However, detailed analysis of the data shows that in most cases this is due to a general increase in weight and not to breast growth. The metabolism changes with the menopause leading to an average weight gain of five to seven kilograms. In these women, around 20%, the fat content in the breasts also changes, causing them to become larger.
The same process naturally occurs with the remaining breast glandular tissue if breast reduction surgery is performed before the menopause. Here too, the mammary gland tissue is reduced and the fatty tissue can become larger. The difference, however, is that breast reduction surgery also tightens the breast skin.
This reduces the risk of sagging breasts after the menopause. However, the breasts may become fuller and larger again due to the reduced excess skin, which was removed with the reduction. If this bothers the patient, she can undergo another breast reduction.
The menopause in itself is no reason to postpone a breast reduction surgery. However, in certain cases and depending on the patient's level of suffering, it may be advisable to wait until after the menopause.
As a general rule, if you suffer from the weight and size of your breasts and your quality of life is severely restricted, you should consider breast reduction surgery. In retrospect, almost all patients say that they should have had the operation earlier.
Interview with our former patient, Gabriela B. (54 years old), who had a breast reduction surgery at Breast Atelier after the menopause.
The consultation of one of our FMH specialist in plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery includes the following services:
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