Common Problems After Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a process that removes fat, breast tissue, and skin from your breasts. It is often done to reduce discomfort and improve the appearance of large breasts. This surgery can also help improve your self-confidence and make it easier to do activities more comfortably.

But like any surgery, it also has some risks and possible problems. However, it is important to talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of breast reduction surgery. A board-certified plastic surgeon can help you understand what the surgery involves and what results you can expect.

In this blog, we will describe the most common problems people may face after breast reduction surgery.

What is a Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction is a procedure that makes your breasts smaller because some people have very large breasts that can cause pain in the back, neck, and shoulders.

In this surgery, the doctor removes extra fat, tissue, and skin from your breasts, which helps make the breast size more comfortable.

What are the Different Types of Breast Reduction Scars?

The type of scar you have after breast reduction surgery depends on the type of incision your surgeon makes. There are two common types of incisions:

‣ Vertical (Lollipop) Method

In this method, the surgeon makes two cuts around the dark area and your nipple, called the areola. One straight line from the bottom of the areola through the fold under your breast.

‣ Inverted-T (Anchor) Method

In this method, the surgeon makes three cuts around the side of the areola, one straight line from the bottom of the areola down to the breast fold, and one cut along the fold under the breast.

What Are The Complications of Breast Reduction Scars?

Two types of complications cause raised scars after breast reduction surgery:

‣ Keloid Scars

These are thick scars that grow bigger than the original cut. They develop slowly over several months or even years and do not go away on their own. People with darker skin tones are more likely to get keloid scars because of their genes.

‣ Hypertrophic Scars

Hypertrophic scars are also raised scars, but they usually appear one to two months after surgery. They stay within the area of the original cut and do not grow outside it. Over time, hypertrophic scars may become lighter and less visible.

Why Do Women Choose Breast Reduction Surgery?

Women choose breast reduction surgery for various reasons, and one of them is the large breasts, which cause physical discomfort that might include:

• Poor posture
• Headaches
• Deep notches in your shoulder due to tight bra straps
• Breathlessness
• Neck, back, and shoulder pain
• Nerve problems, such as numbness
• Rashes, infections, and skin irritation

However, large breasts make it difficult for you to fit into fitting clothes and be involved in certain activities, and over time, it might affect your body and self-confidence, and even affect your health.

Furthermore, it can also help with gynecomastia, which affects some men and people who were assigned male at birth, because of extra fatty tissue in the breasts.

Common Problems After Breast Reduction Surgery

Common Problems You May Face After Breast Reduction Surgery:

⦿ Feeling Weak and Tired

It is normal to feel weak or tired after surgery, and this happens due to changes in your body, including nutrition and hormones. Usually, it gets better within a month. To feel better faster, you should drink plenty of water, avoid coffee and alcohol, and eat a healthy diet.

⦿ Tender Breasts

After the surgery, your breasts might feel sore and sensitive. But this is normal during healing. You may feel discomfort in the breast and nearby areas.

⦿ Uneven Breasts

Sometimes, one breast may look slightly different from the other after surgery, which means one is bigger, smaller, and shaped differently. This is called asymmetry and is a possible result of the recovery process.

⦿ Loss of Feeling in the Nipples

Some people may lose feeling in their nipples. Generally, it happens if the nerves are affected during the surgery. It may be temporary or permanent. However, it is important to discuss this risk with your surgeon before surgery.

⦿ Slow Wound Healing

The cuts made during surgery may take a longer time to heal for some people due to poor blood flow, infection, and tightness in the stitches. You make sure to follow up on appointments so the doctor can check how your wounds are healing.

⦿ Infection

Infections are rare but can happen, causing redness that feels warm, severe pain, and bad-smelling fluid from the wound. If you notice these signs, you should immediately talk to your doctor.

⦿ Blood Clot Under the Skin (Hematoma)

A hematoma is a collection of blood under your skin that can make the breast feel tight and painful. If you notice any swelling, pain, or changes, you must inform your surgeon.

⦿ Dead Fat Tissue (Fat Necrosis)

Fat necrosis occurs when some fatty tissue in your breast dies due to poor blood supply. It can feel like a lump, but it is usually harmless. But, still, if you notice any new lumps, let your doctor know.

How to Reduce the Risk of Breast Reduction Surgery Complications?

Breast reduction surgery can have many benefits. But, like any surgery, there are also some risks. The good news is that you can take steps to lower these risks and help your body heal well.

• Choose the right surgeon.

Make sure your surgeon is board-certified and has experience in doing breast-reduction surgeries. You should also check their background and reviews, and book a consultation to ask questions and understand the process.

• Share your health information.

You must tell your surgeon about your full medical history including any health problems you have, medicines you take, and any supplements. This helps the surgeon know if the surgery is safe for you or not.

• Follow pre-surgery instructions

Your surgeon will give you some suggestions before the surgery, like stopping certain medicines, avoiding smoking and alcohol, eating healthy, and staying active. Following these instructions can help your recovery.

• Take care during recovery.

After the surgery, it is very important to follow your surgeon’s advice, which includes taking your medicines on time, wearing a special support bra, avoiding heavy lifting, and doing tough exercises for a few weeks.

• Attend follow-up appointments

These check-ups help your surgeon see how you are healing, and if there are any small problems, they can be treated early.

Lifestyle Changes Recommended After Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery can bring many positive changes in a woman’s life, both physically and emotionally. To heal well and recover fast, you should follow a few simple lifestyle changes:

• Exercise Carefully

Exercise is good for your overall health and helps you stay fit after surgery. But right after the surgery, you should avoid heavy workouts and lifting anything heavy for a few weeks. Let your body rest and heal. You can start with light walking because it helps with blood circulation and lowers the chance of blood clots.

• Maintain Good Posture

Good posture is very important after breast reduction. Sitting and standing straight helps reduce pressure on your back, neck, and shoulders. Avoid bending because it can put pressure on the stitches and affect the healing.

• Wear a Supportive Bra

After surgery, wear a surgical and compression bra for a few weeks because it helps reduce discomfort and supports proper healing.

• Stop Smoking

If you smoke, it is best to quit before and after surgery because smoking slows down the healing process and increases the risk of complications. Also, avoid tobacco products for several weeks to help your body recover properly.

• Take Care of Your Mental Health

Breast reduction can also improve your emotional well-being. Many women feel more confident and comfortable after surgery. But still, it is normal to feel emotional during recovery.

Does Breast Reduction Surgery Leave Scars?

Yes, breast reduction surgery leaves scars, yet the incisions are crucially placed, which helps to minimize visibility, and over time, the scars fade and become less visible.

According to the available data, 90,000 breast reduction surgeries are performed a year in the United States. In India, over 15,000 women have undergone breast reduction surgeries .
However, most patients are satisfied with the results; even those who have experienced minor complications such as infections and prolonged bleeding claim to have no regrets. Yet, like any other surgery, breast reduction surgery also has some risks, but with an experienced team of professionals, the surgery goes smoothly.

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