Does Breast Reduction Mammoplasty Have Serious Side Effects?

Like any surgical procedure, breast reduction surgery or reduction mammoplasty carries certain risks. These risks can vary depending on the patient's overall health, age, and the specific technique used during the surgery. 

Discussing these risks and any concerns with a qualified plastic surgeon before deciding to undergo breast reduction surgery is essential. The surgeon will evaluate the individual's situation and provide personalized advice regarding the risks involved.

What are the Risks of Breast Reduction Surgery?

Scarring is an expected complication of breast reduction surgery that will fade over time but never disappear completely. These scars can worsen if patients lift heavy objects soon after the surgery. 

Read more: Breast Reduction Scars: Are Mammoplasty Scars Permanent?

Other potential risks of breast reduction surgery may include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Changes in nipple sensation
• Uneven breasts or asymmetry
• Difficulty breastfeeding
• Delayed wound healing
• Anesthesia risks
• Blood clots
• Hematoma
• Dissatisfaction with results

Infection

Although rare, there is a risk of developing an infection at the surgical site after breast reduction surgery, which may require antibiotics or further treatment. Signs and symptoms of an infection after breast reduction surgery may include increased pain, redness and warmth, drainage (Pus or fluid may drain from the incisions), and fever.

Bleeding

Excessive bleeding during or after the breast reduction surgery is possible, which may necessitate further intervention, such as draining excess blood or performing additional surgery to control bleeding. To minimize the risk of excessive bleeding, patients must follow all pre-operative instructions provided by their surgeon, such as avoiding certain medications that can increase bleeding risk.

Changes in nipple sensation

Temporary or permanent changes in nipple sensation, including numbness or increased sensitivity, may occur after breast reduction surgery. The cause of this complication is that the surgery involves repositioning or resizing the nipples, which can affect the nerves in the area.

Uneven breasts or asymmetry

Despite efforts to achieve symmetry, there is a possibility of unevenness between the breasts in size, shape, or position. In some cases, revision surgery may be recommended to adjust further the breasts' size, shape, or position. However, it is important to have realistic expectations and understand that achieving perfect symmetry may not always be possible.

Difficulty breastfeeding

Breast reduction surgery may sometimes affect milk production and breastfeeding ability as the surgery may involve removing or repositioning the milk ducts and glands. Therefore, patients who intend to get pregnant in the future must discuss this concern with the surgeon beforehand.

Delayed wound healing

Sometimes, delayed wound healing or poor wound closure may occur after breast reduction surgery, leading to complications such as infection or increased scarring. Treatment options for delayed wound healing can vary depending on the severity and cause of the problem. They may include wound care techniques such as regular cleaning and dressing changes, antibiotic therapy for infection, and, in some cases, surgical intervention to remove necrotic tissue or close the wounds.

Anesthesia risks

General anesthesia carries risks, including allergic reactions, breathing difficulties, or adverse reactions to used medications during the procedure.

Blood clots

Like all surgical procedures, there is a small risk of developing blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism) after breast reduction surgery. Patients who take oral contraceptive pills or hormone replacement therapy and smoke are at a higher risk of blood clots.

Hematoma

Hematoma is a potential complication that can occur after breast reduction surgery. It refers to the accumulation of blood outside blood vessels, typically in a pocket or cavity formed by the surgical procedure. Hematoma is a potential complication that can occur after breast reduction surgery. It refers to the accumulation of blood outside blood vessels, typically in a pocket or cavity formed by the surgical procedure. Hematomas can vary in size and severity, ranging from small and inconsequential to more extensive and problematic.

Signs and symptoms of a hematoma after breast reduction surgery may include swelling, bruising, discoloration, tenderness, and palpable mass.

Dissatisfaction with results

While breast reduction surgery aims to improve body image and alleviate physical discomfort, there is a possibility that a patient may not be satisfied with the aesthetic outcome or experience unexpected changes.

The bottom line

Breast reduction surgery is a relatively safe procedure for reducing the size of breasts or chest tissue. However, like most surgical procedures, there are potential risks and side effects.

If you're considering breast reduction surgery, contact our team at Raadina Health to set up an online consultation now! We guarantee that you will have a completely safe reduction mammoplasty in Iran.

Breast reduction in Iran