I am curious about breast reduction surgery. Are there any side effects?

Question

I am a 34D or 34DD and my breasts are too large for my petite frame (I am 5'2"). I realize they are not super huge but they are very uncomfortable for me and pull rolls down the sides of my body. I am worried about that if fat is removed from the breast, will it come back? I have read a lot here on Real Self about liposuction and how fat comes back and it goes to other areas and I wouldn't want that to happen. Also what are the chances I would lose sensitivity in my nipples if I had this done?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the questions.
Based on your description and pictures I think you may be an excellent candidate for breast reduction surgery; it tends to be one of the most patient pleasing operations we  perform.
By removing “excess” breast tissue, adipose tissue, and breast skin  this operation reduces and lifts the breasts to a higher position on the chest wall. By doing so, patients often find improvement in neck, back, and shoulder discomfort and find it easier to form their activities of daily living and exercise.
Some of the risks/potential complications associated with breast reduction surgery include:  infection, bleeding, seroma, hematoma, wound healing problems, abnormal scarring ( hypertrophic or keloid),  loss of sensation, inability to breast-feed, breast asymmetry, necrosis of tissue or skin,  unsatisfactory cosmetic results, unpredictability of exact cup size postoperatively,  recurrence of the breast hypertrophy, and the potential for further surgery.  Other (possible, but rare) risks related to surgery in general include deep venous thrombosis (clots),  pulmonary embolism, pneumonia  and even death.
Fortunately, the majority of patients who undergo this procedure by well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons and board certified anesthesiologists do very well and complications tend  to be relatively minor and treatable. The severe complications are rare. I hope this, and the attached link, helps.

Lewis Ladocsi, MD, FACS · Answer

HI solii.  A qualified plastic surgeon can perform a breast reduction on a suitable patient with a very low risk of complications.  In the right patient, the benefits far outweigh the risks.  The risk of lost nipple sensation is low, but depends on the technique used by the surgeon.  I suggest you see a plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns. and learn more about the surgery.

Mary Lee Peters, MD (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question. What you describe is a common set of issues for women with large breasts. First, I'd like to address the difference between a breast reduction and liposuction. Liposuction is used for contouring areas of the body by removing some of the fat in a specific location. This is sometimes done in the breasts but not very often. This is done using small incisions and a thin suction device. A breast reduction is a removal of extra skin and breast tissue, using the remaining tissue to recreate shape of the breast. As with any surgery, there are risks associated with breast reduction. There is a low possibility of infection, scaring, diminished nipple sensation, bleeding, or cosmetic dissatisfaction. Complications are infrequent and in most of my patients' opinions the benefits of this procedure far outweigh those risks. I am a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon located in Seattle and I would be happy to have a chance to meet with you.

Joseph Rucker, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

There is a risk of some minor side effects after breast reduction surgery but they are relatively so small when compared to the benefits.  When you choose a well qualified Plastic Surgeon (Board Certified) you can significantly reduce the chance of complications because of the overall experience of the surgeon.  The potential risks are:decreased nipple sensitivityinfectionexcessive scarringtissue lossAfter performing approximately 2,000 breast reduction surgeries I have seen a recurrence of breast enlargement in only 2 patients.  As far a diminished sensitivity: we do not detach the nipple areolar complex in an effort to preserve sensation and to allow for future breast feeding.  This procedure has been by far the most appreciated one that I perform. It gives produces a reduction in weight and also gives a secondary lift. Its really a win win.  Good Luck

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

Great question. If, when you gain weight it goes mostly to your breasts, then after a reduction and you gain weight it would have to go at least partly somewhere else. Of course the trick is to maintain weight control. Loss of nipple sensitivity and the ability to breast feed are risks, but most patients don't suffer them. Best to get a formal consultation because there are many other factors to consider and your surgeon will go over all of them with you.

I am curious about breast reduction surgery. Are there any side effects?

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Answer: I am curious about breast reduction surgery. Are there any side effects?

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I am curious about breast reduction surgery. Are there any side effects?

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Answer: What are the side effects after breast Reduction Surgery?

Answer: I am curious about breast reduction surgery. Are there any side effects?

Answer: I am curious about breast reduction surgery. Are there any side effects?

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