A Comprehensive Guide to Breast
Reduction Surgery: Side Effects
and Risks Included

• 30 October 2023
• Mr A. Siddiqui

Last updated on October 30, 2023

Breast reduction surgery is a popular procedure performed to reduce the size of large breasts. It can reduce physical, emotional, and social discomfort associated with overly large breasts. Women who suffer from chronic neck and back pain, shoulder grooving, and skin irritation are ideal candidates for the procedure.

Additionally, this procedure can help improve posture and overall body proportions. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and side effects associated with breast reduction surgery.

This comprehensive guide provides you with the information you need to make an informed decision about undergoing the procedure. It covers the types of breast reduction surgery, the risks and side effects, the recovery process, and the benefits of undergoing the procedure.

Armed with this insider knowledge, you can make an informed decision about whether or not this procedure is right for you.

Overview of Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery is a procedure that reduces the size of overly large breasts. This procedure is often chosen by women who have severely enlarged breasts that cause physical and emotional discomfort.

The goal of breast reduction surgery is to improve quality of life by alleviating symptoms such as pain and back pain. Breast reduction surgery can also improve posture, increase self-esteem, and boost confidence.

To achieve these results, a plastic surgeon may remove excess breast tissue and reposition the remaining tissue to create smaller, more proportionate breasts. A plastic surgeon may perform one of two types of breast reduction surgery; a vertical breast reduction or a breast reduction with an anchor incision.

Vertical breast reduction involves removing excess breast tissue and excess skin from the top, sides, and underneath the breasts. A breast reduction with an anchor incision also removes excess tissue and skin, but it also repositions the remaining tissue to lift the breasts. A breast reduction with lift is often used if the patient has sagging breasts or if the patient desires smaller breasts with lifted nipples.

There are also a variety of supplemental procedures that can be combined with breast reduction. These procedures can help achieve additional goals in addition to breast reduction, such as improving nipple position, removing excess skin around the areola, or removing excess skin and fat from the back.

42-year-old, back pain neck pain, rashes, tissues removed 512 gm and 518 gas

Types of Breast Reduction Surgery

There are two main types of breast reduction surgery:

1. Vertical breast reduction: Vertical breast reduction involves removing excess breast tissue and excess skin from the top, the sides, and underneath the breasts. This type of breast reduction surgery is most commonly performed to reduce the size of severely enlarged breasts.
2. Breast reduction with Anchor Incision: A breast reduction with a lift also removes excess tissue and skin, but it also repositions the remaining tissue to lift the breasts. This procedure is often used if the patient has sagging breasts or if the patient desires smaller breasts with lifted nipples.

Breast reduction with lift can also be combined with other procedures to achieve additional goals in addition to breast reduction. These procedures can help achieve additional goals, such as improving excess fat in the armpits or the upper part of the anterior axillary fold.

Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery can reduce the size of overly large breasts, which can lead to increased self-esteem, improved posture, and reduce chronic pain. Breast reduction surgery can also help improve body proportions and create a more proportionate physique.

Breast reduction surgery can alleviate chronic pain caused by burdensome breasts. Large breasts can place excess strain on the back, neck, and shoulders. Additionally, this procedure can improve posture and alleviate shoulder grooving and dimpling associated with large breasts.

Breast reduction surgery can also improve body proportions, which can improve overall confidence. For example, it can help create a more balanced body shape by making the hips appear proportionate to the rest of the body.

Risks and Side Effects Associated with Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery is a safe procedure, but it is important to be aware of potential risks and side effects. A plastic surgeon will discuss the risks and side effects with you before the procedure.

• Excessive bleeding: Excessive bleeding during breast reduction surgery can occur if the patient is taking anticoagulant or blood-thinning medications.
• Excessive scarring: Excessive scarring can occur if the incision is too large, or if the patient is not taking proactive steps to minimize scarring. Infection: A breast reduction surgeon may prescribe antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.
• Injury to blood vessels: Injury to blood vessels can occur and cause blood flow to stop. This can be serious if not corrected immediately. Numbness or decreased sensation: Numbness or decreased sensation can occur in the breasts or nipples. This side effect is temporary and can subside with time.
• Pain: Breast reduction surgery can be painful, but it is important to remember that pain is normal during recovery. Loss of nipple areola complex either partially or fully is  aware complication.

Preparing for Breast Reduction Surgery

Before undergoing breast reduction surgery, it is important to prepare by discussing the procedure with your surgeon. Your surgeon will walk you through the procedure, discuss the risks and side effects, and help you prepare for postoperative recovery.

It is also important to prepare financially for breast reduction surgery by researching the cost of the procedure. You should also establish a support system by informing the people in your life about the procedure. This will help you access support when you need it during recovery.

You should also familiarise yourself with basic first aid techniques and know how to properly clean and dress wounds. Finally, you should prepare your home for postoperative recovery by purchasing a reclining chair, a raised toilet seat, and other items to help you maintain a healthy and comfortable lifestyle while recovering from breast reduction surgery.

Breast reduction. 416 gm and 376 gm removed. 51 year old

The Recovery Process

The recovery process after breast reduction surgery is different for each patient and can vary based on the type of breast reduction surgery performed. The patient’s level of pain, mobility, and other factors can affect the length of recovery.

However, a general timeline for the recovery process can be estimated by taking into account the type of breast reduction surgery performed. Vertical breast reduction surgery usually takes between one and two weeks to recover, while breast reduction with an anchor scar usually takes between two and four weeks to recover.

After breast reduction surgery, a patient should expect to experience the following;

• Pain: Breast reduction surgery is an invasive procedure that may cause significant pain during recovery. A patient may take prescription pain medication for several days to control the pain.
• Swelling: Swelling is a normal side effect of breast reduction surgery, and it usually subsides after a few weeks. It is important to massage the affected area to help reduce swelling.
• Numbness or decreased sensation: Numbness or decreased sensation can occur in the breasts or nipples. This side effect is temporary and can subside with time.
• Scarring: Excessive scarring can occur if the incision is too large, or if the patient is not taking proactive steps to minimize scarring.
• Infection: A breast reduction surgeon may prescribe antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.

Special Considerations for Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery is a safe and effective procedure, but certain factors can increase the risk of complications. These factors include being very overweight, having an active infection, being pregnant, having an active autoimmune disorder, or taking certain medications.

A breast reduction surgeon may recommend delaying breast reduction surgery until these factors are resolved to reduce the risk of complications. It is also important to understand that breast reduction surgery does not change the size of the breasts or stop them from growing in the future. You should also be aware that breast reduction surgery does not alter the size of the nipples.

Making an Informed Decision about Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery is a popular procedure that can reduce physical and emotional discomfort caused by overly large breasts. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and side effects associated with this procedure.

Moreover, it is important to discuss the procedure with your surgeon to determine if it is the right procedure for you. To make an informed decision about breast reduction surgery, you should understand the procedure, its benefits, and its risks and side effects.

Breast reduction surgery is an effective procedure that can reduce physical and emotional discomfort caused by overly large breasts. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and side effects associated with the procedure. Moreover, it is important to discuss the procedure with your surgeon to determine if it is the right procedure for you.

Conclusion

Breast reduction surgery is a popular procedure performed to reduce the size of large breasts. However, it is important to be aware of the risks and side effects associated