Is a second breast reduction safe?
I recently had a breast reduction and ended up close to the same size as before. I don't know what was used but I have lollipop scars. My surgeon cautioned me that a 2nd reduction may include more risk to my nipples and he has had patients lose a nipple. Is it still a big risk if I only ended up with a lift and hardly any reduction? I hate the thought of living with these big breasts forever.
It is difficult to understand how you can end up with the same size breasts after breast reduction. Provided the skin flaps are elevated in the same way as they were for the first surgery the risks should actually be less for this operation since your tissue has already been trained to rely on its new blood supply. This is known as the "delay effect" and is a phenomenon which is well recognized in plastic surgery. I would seek another opinion from an experienced plastic surgeon. You should obtain a copy of your operative report which hopefully will be detailed enough to figure out exactly what was done the first time.
It is possible to have a second breast reduction performed safely. However, the original breast reduction has probably affected the blood flow within the breast. It would be very important to know exactly how the original breast reduction was done in order to make a surgical plan that would protect the remaining blood supply to the nipples. That information would be available in the operative report from the first surgery. Sometimes if the breast shape is good and the skin elasticity is acceptable, breast reduction can be accomplished by liposuction alone.
I would consider a second opinion. Seek the consultation of a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. They have a website listing all the certified plastic surgeons. Members of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery will all be board certified in plastic surgery and have demonstrated an interest and competence in cosmetic plastic surgery as well.