Choosing to undergo breast reduction is a profoundly personal decision, and with that decision often come important questions about health, safety, and long-term outcomes. At Joshua B. Hyman, M.D. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, our patients sometimes ask whether breast reduction surgery increases the risk of breast cancer.
The short answer is no. Read on as we separate myths from facts and provide the clarity you deserve to make empowered, confident decisions about your body.
MYTH: Breast Reduction Surgery Increases Cancer Risk
Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, involves the removal of excess breast tissue, skin, and fat to create smaller, more proportionate breasts. The myth that it could increase cancer risk likely stems from a misunderstanding of how surgical intervention affects breast tissue and long-term health.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Some confusion may arise from the fact that any manipulation of breast tissue, whether through surgery, trauma, or biopsy, can temporarily affect mammogram results
- Post-surgical changes such as scar tissue, fat necrosis, or calcifications may appear on imaging and require follow-up, which can lead patients to worry unnecessarily about cancer risk
- However, these changes are benign and well-documented post-operative findings, not indicators of increased cancer development (Radiological Society of North America)
Another contributing factor to this myth is that many patients associate surgery with disruption or stimulation of cells. For example:
- Patients may fear that altering breast tissue might somehow “activate” dormant cancer cells
- This misconception is not supported by science
- In fact, studies have consistently shown no link between breast reduction surgery and a heightened risk of developing breast cancer (National Cancer Institute)
FACT: Breast Reduction May Actually Reduce Risk
Emerging research suggests that breast reduction surgery may lower your risk of developing breast cancer. Why? Because it physically removes a portion of the breast tissue, the same tissue where cancer can develop.
Here’s what you need to know:
- A landmark study published in the Annals of Plastic Surgery found that women who had undergone breast reduction surgery experienced a significantly reduced incidence of breast cancer over time compared to the general population (Annals of Plastic Surgery 52(5): p. 470, May 2004).
- Another long-term cohort study published in Cancer followed over 30,000 women and confirmed similar results: women who had breast reduction surgery had a lower risk of breast cancer than women who had not undergone the procedure (Cancer following breast reduction surgery in Denmark).
Note: You’ll Still Need Regular Screenings
Even though breast reduction surgery may lower your overall risk, it’s still essential to prioritize routine breast health. You should continue to follow your physician’s recommendations for mammograms, particularly if you have a personal or family history of breast cancer or other risk factors.
Breast reduction can actually make screenings more effective. With less dense tissue to evaluate, mammograms and other imaging tests often become easier to interpret, allowing radiologists to detect abnormalities more accurately. This can also help reduce the chances of false positives or inconclusive results.
Be sure to let your imaging provider know you’ve had breast reduction surgery, so they can tailor their approach to your updated anatomy and ensure the most precise screening possible.
Questions About Breast Reduction Surgery? We’re Here to Help.
If you have been struggling with the physical or emotional burdens of having overly large breasts, a breast reduction can be more than just a cosmetic procedure; it can be a powerful act of self-care. You’ll feel lighter, more confident, and free to live life without limitations. With Dr. Hyman’s expertise and advanced techniques, your results will be balanced, natural, and uniquely tailored to you.
At our AAAASF-accredited private surgical suite in NYC, Dr. Joshua Hyman performs every breast reduction with a strong emphasis on patient safety, surgical precision, and long-term well-being. With thousands of successful procedures completed and an impeccable safety record, Dr. Hyman is a board-certified plastic surgeon and a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical Center.
Your procedure will be conducted in complete privacy on-site, away from the chaos of a busy hospital environment. This allows Dr. Hyman and his expert team to provide a truly personalized, concierge-level experience, from initial consultation to full recovery.
Schedule your consultation with Dr. Joshua B. Hyman today or contact us online. We proudly serve women throughout Manhattan, across NYC, and worldwide.
