Breast reduction cosmetic surgery is one of the safer cosmetic surgery procedures, but it is still important for a patient to be aware of the potential risks and complications. Adverse reaction to anesthesia, infection risks, asymmetry, and irregular nipple height are some of the typical risks in this surgery. But the potential benefits will usually outweigh the risks of breast reduction in most cases.
The breast surgeon will educate the patient about the risks and safety profile of breast reduction surgery at the time of pre-op consultation. The first goal of a responsible surgeon will be to help the patient make a well-considered decision. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Bram Kaufman provides breast reduction to patients in Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and surrounding communities.
Asymmetrical Breasts
Following breast reduction cosmetic surgery, in a few cases, the breast may appear asymmetrical. This risk can be minimized when the patient chooses a fully trained and experienced breast surgeon. The condition of asymmetrical breasts can be corrected by way of revision surgery at a later stage. Patients should be aware that natural breasts are not completely symmetrical. Minor differences in the appearance of breasts are normal, and should not necessitate a revision surgery.
Irregular Nipple Height
Size and shape of the breasts will be altered and some of the breast skin will be shifted during breast reduction. Therefore, the position of the nipples is likely to be changed after the reduction. In a few cases, nipples may first be detached and then grafted in the new location. Even when the nipples remain attached, the breast skin will be altered to fit the new, smaller size of breasts. In both cases, there is a risk of nipple height become uneven.
Altered Sensation
Reduction mammaplasty may lead to temporary sensation loss in the incision areas. This risk increases when the nipple has been removed and then grafted in a new place. In non-grafting breast reduction, the risk of altered sensation is much reduced and is mostly temporary. In any case, nipple grafting should only be performed by a highly skilled and experienced surgeon for best outcomes.
Breastfeeding Issues
Breastfeeding may not be possible once the woman has undergone breast reduction surgery. The degree of risk will vary according to the type of surgical technique used. In anchor pattern breast reduction, the risk of impairment of breastfeeding ability increases. A number of milk ducts will be removed in this type of reduction, making it difficult to breastfeed in the future.
Vertical incision breast reduction technique will reduce the risk of breastfeeding impairment. At least a part of the nipple remains connected to the milk ducts in this procedure. If the patient has more of fatty tissue and less glandular tissue, the procedure can be performed using liposuction, and the risk of breastfeeding impairment will be minimized.
Infection and poor reaction to anesthesia are risks that are common to most surgical procedures. Patients in Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and nearby areas have an opportunity to receive breast reduction from sterling plastic surgeon Dr. Kaufman.
To learn more about cosmetic treatment and procedures or to schedule a consultation by Cleveland Ohio area plastic surgeon, Dr. Bram Kaufman, please contact us at 1-216-778-2245 or click here.