Breast Reduction – Risks and Complications

In the world of plastic surgery, most people think of implants and augmentation when they think of surgeries involving the breasts, but for women with disproportionately large breasts, breast reduction is a very real need. However, those who are considering this procedure need to understand all possible risks, so they can make an informed decision about their treatment.

General Surgery Risks

Breast reduction is a surgical procedure, and as such it carries all of the risks common with surgical procedures. For instance, you put yourself at risk of excessive blood loss and infection any time you allow someone to operate on you. If you choose a highly skilled surgeon, this risk is minimal. However, since cosmetic surgery is elective, some feel this minor risk is not worth taking.

Another risk associated with surgery in general is the risk for a reaction to the anesthetic. If you have never had surgery before, you may not know that you are allergic to anesthetic, and this reaction is potentially fatal. The good news is that few people are actually allergic, and most reactions are mild.

Risks to the Breasts

Breast reduction does carry some risks specific to the procedure, and many of these involve the breasts. For instance, women who have this procedure may have difficulty breastfeeding in the future. For this reason, many doctors will recommend waiting until you are done having children to have the procedure, unless you are certain that you will not be breastfeeding any future children you have.

Problems with the look of the breasts can also happen. Sometimes the end result ends up asymmetrical. While this can frustrate the patient, the truth is that most women are not symmetrical naturally, so unless the difference is large, few people will notice this. Irregularities in the position of the nipples and areola, a change in nipple color, or heavy scarring can all change the way the breasts look. Many women will notice that their breasts look boxy or flat after surgery. This is usually a temporary condition and will fade as the area heals.

Changes in Sensation

Any time someone operates on the breasts, there is a potential for a change in sensation. Nerve damage can occur, and this can lead to nipple numbness or overall change in sensation. This is rare with breast reduction surgery, usually occurring in less than 7 percent of patients, but it can occur.

Benefits Outweigh Risks

While there are risks associated with breast reduction surgery, for most women, the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Carrying around breasts that are too large for the body leads to neck and shoulder pain, problems buying clothing, and general self-esteem issues. Many of these problems are fixed within a few weeks of surgery, allowing women to once again enjoy their daily activities and an active lifestyle. If you are considering this procedure, take the time to consult with a skilled plastic surgeon to learn more about the benefits and risks, so you can weigh them and make your final decision.

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