Breast reduction surgery is a surgical procedure in which the breasts are made smaller. MayoClinic.com reports that the surgery involves removing excess fat, glandular tissue and skin from the breasts. Breast reduction surgery may be done for a number of reasons including cosmetic improvements, poor posture and chronic back, neck or shoulder pain. The surgery requires general anesthesia and most patients stay one night in the hospital. Full recovery from breast reduction surgery may take up to 8 weeks. As with most surgeries, some complications may occur.
Asymmetry
MayoClinic.com reports that after breast reduction surgery, patients may experience asymmetry in size, shape or position of the breast. Also, nipple positioning may be asymmetrical. Asymmetry is more likely in cases where a large amount of breast tissue is removed because the surgeon must position the nipples and size and shape the breasts while the patient is in a lying position. The larger the amount of breast tissue removed, the more skilled the surgeon must be in sizing and shaping the breast and nipple.
Loss of Sensation
Breast reduction surgery may lead to a loss of sensation in the nipple or breast. This is because during the surgery, damage may occur to nerves in the breast. YourPlasticSurgeryGuide.com adds that permanent loss of sensation is more likely in larger breasts, because it may not be possible to move the nipple without separating it from nerves and blood vessels. Since more breast tissue must be removed in such surgeries, the nipple and the areola, the darkened area surrounding the nipple, may need to be completely removed and then reattached at a new location on the breast.
Scarring
Breast reduction surgery also leaves permanent scars on the breasts. A vertical scar is visible down the front of the breast and a horizontal scar is visible underneath the breast. YourPlasticSurgeryGuide.com reports that scars are more prominent in women who smoke as smoking impairs the amount of oxygen the wound receive during the healing process. Patients should discuss the appearance of scars from breast reduction surgery prior to the operation.
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