What Are The Risks Of Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast reduction surgery or reduction mammaplasty is used for removing excess tissue, skin, and fat from the breasts. You may want to have a reduction surgery for easing discomfort and achieving proportionately sized breasts. Breast reduction procedure can help in improving the patient’s self-image and their ability to participate in sports and physical activities.  Vinings Surgery Center, led by dependable board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Colgrove, provides breast reduction surgery to patients in Atlanta, Marietta, Georgia, and surrounding communities. 

Potential Risks in Breast Reduction Procedure

The plastic surgeon will explain all risks and complications associated with the procedure during the initial consultation. You will be asked to sign consent forms as well to ensure that you have complete understanding of the procedure and inherent risks.  Possible risks include:

• Bleeding (hematoma)
• Blood clots
• Breast asymmetry
• Adverse reaction to anesthesia
• Irregularities in breast shape and contour
• Change in breast or nipple sensation (temporary or permanent)
• Damage to blood vessels, nerves, lungs, and muscles among other deeper structures
• Excessive firmness of the breast
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Fat necrosis
• Fluid accumulation
• Poor wound healing
• Possibility of revisional surgery
• Infection
• Persistent pain
• Potential inability to breastfeed
• Permanent pigmentation changes, skin discoloration, swelling, and bruising
• Unfavorable scarring
• Loss of nipple and areola
• Loss of breast tissue or skin where the incisions meet

Other Complications to be Aware of

You should know that a breast reduction cosmetic surgery procedure can interfere with other diagnostic procedures. You are at a higher risk of infection if you have breast or nipple piercings. In addition, the ability to breastfeed is limited following a reduction mammaplasty. You should speak with your surgeon if you are planning on nursing a baby.  While the reduction procedure can be performed at any age, it is recommended that it be done only when the breasts have fully developed. Pregnancy results in significant weight fluctuations and changes during pregnancy may alter the result of a breast reduction surgery. 

After the Breast Reduction Surgery

You should seek medical attention immediately if you experience chest pains, shortness of breath and unusual heartbeats following the breast reduction plastic surgery procedure. You may require additional treatment or hospitalization if any of these complications occur.  It is important to understand that every surgical procedure carries risk because the practice of surgery and medicine is not yet an exact science. There is no guarantee towards results. Stemming from this, you can improve the likelihood of attaining desirable results if you work with an experienced surgeon. 

Follow Surgeon Instructions to Prevent Complications

The key to a successful surgery is following the physician’s instructions completely. This includes not smoking and drinking for a few days before the surgery or using blooding thinning medications. You should take care of the incision site following the surgery. It should not be subject to excessive force, motion or abrasion.  Your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions on taking care of yourself and minimizing surgery risk. Highly respectable cosmetic surgeon Dr. Robert Colgrove receives patients from Atlanta, Marietta, Georgia, and nearby area for breast reduction surgery.

Contact Atlanta Plastic Surgeon Dr. Colgrove to Schedule a Consultation

For more information about treatments and procedures by Board Certified Atlanta Plastic Surgeon, Robert A. Colgrove, Jr., M.D. at Vinings Surgery Center please visit us at www.colgrove.com

Vinings Surgery Center is taking patients from Greater Atlanta Georgia, Buckhead, Marietta, Roswell, Dunwoody and surrounding areas.

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