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Side-effects, complications and follow-up after Breast Reduction
Although serious complications are rare, breast reduction surgery like any other surgical procedure, has the potential for many side-effects.
You are at increased risk of complications if you have diabetes, poor circulation, heart, lung or liver disease, if you smoke, have a family history of blood clots. A person should therefore discuss her medical history thoroughly with the physician before undergoing surgery.
Some common side-effects, complications:
- Bleeding: all surgery carries a risk of bleeding. If severe, a blood transfusion may be needed which itself is a risky process.
- Infection: Further surgery may be needed if infection becomes beyond control through antibiotics.
- Bruising: A small amount of bruising is normal, but if there is increased bleeding the bruises may extend on to the abdomen.
- Scar: Traditional breast surgery produce a scar which is long, thick and quite visible. Breast surgery scars are typically larger and less smooth. Any internal bleeding or excessive bruising may also lead to increased scar size.
- Hematoma: Collection of blood beneath the skin is called hematoma. This may also cause increased scarring within the breast as well as the risk of infection.
- Seroma: Collection of fluid under the skin which may need surgical drainage.
- Breast Asymmetry: Not only the breasts but even the nipples may be positioned asymmetrically post surgery which will require additional surgery to correct it.
- Loss of breast and nipple sensation: Surgery may increase the possibility of reduced blood supply or nerve damage to the breast or the nipple. If this occurs, sensation can be temporarily or permanently lost in either the breast or the nipple or both.
- Reduced possibility of breast feeding: Since the traditional method involves cutting of skin, nerves and blood vessels, a number of mammary ducts can also get cut. So, there is reduced possibility of breast feeding.
- Swelling: the breasts will be swollen for several weeks after surgery and the final result cannot be seen for at least a month or two.
- Poor Healing: healing may be delayed in many patients for several reasons such as smoking, diabetes, heart and lung disease. Sometimes the wound may open which may require further surgery.
- Hardening of the breast (fat necrosis): At times inadequate blood supply to the breast may cause some cells to die and release particles of fat. These drain to the surface and the remaining tissue may become hard or calcified. Fortunately, fat necrosis is uncommon but possible. The larger the breast the more likelihood there is that fat necrosis will develop.
- Straining, bending and lifting must be avoided, because these activities might cause increased swelling or even bleeding.
- Sleep on your back to avoid pressure on your breasts.
- Avoid sexual activity for a week or two.
Side effects, complications specific to breast reduction surgery:-
Precautions and follow-up:
Any surgical drains will be removed a day or two after surgery. Wear a support bra for a few weeks, until the swelling and discolouration of breasts diminishes.
Food for thought: Can you bear this cost of breast reduction?