Women with overly large breasts often have difficulty shopping for clothes, bras, and bathing suits. In some cases, large breasts can cause neck, back, and shoulder pain, as well as difficulty breathing, due to their weight. For those women with overly large breasts, the prospect of breast reduction may be appealing. It is not unusual for such women to contact Dr. Paul Pin's office for an initial consultation appointment to discuss the possibility of a breast reduction procedure. As part of this initial consultation, Dr. Pin will discuss patient goals, expected side effects, procedure steps, and healing timeline. He will also discuss the potential risks of a breast reduction procedure.
Excessive Scarring
This is perhaps the most common risk from breast reduction. Given the incision patterns, there will inevitably be some noticeable scarring, even under the best of circumstances. Tobacco use in particular can result in poor wound healing and excessive scarring. Dr. Pin recommends that patients take their upcoming breast reduction procedure as an excellent time to quit smoking altogether, starting at least two to three weeks prior to surgery.
Once the incisions are fully healed over, patients can apply silicone sheeting, which will help flatten out the scars to make them less noticeable. Vitamin E oil can also be applied over the fully healed incisions to help reduce the appearance of the scars.
Excessive Bleeding
Although more rare than scarring, excessive bleeding can cause complications both during and after surgery. It may cause delays in wound healing and increase chances of infection. Regular alcohol use and blood thinning medications (such as aspirin, Coumadin, and Plavix) can result in excessive bleeding. Dr. Pin recommends that patients stop alcohol consumption starting two to three weeks prior to surgery. Patients who are taking blood thinners should discuss their upcoming breast reduction procedure with their regular doctor, who may have advice on when it is best to stop use prior to surgery, as well as when it is safe to resume.
Infection
Although this is probably one of the least common risks, it is actually one of the easier ones to avoid. At the final consultation visit before surgery, Dr. Pin will provide patients with a prescription for antibiotics. This should be filled *before* surgery, as patients will not be in shape to fill it immediately after surgery. Careful incision care for the initial healing period will also go a long way toward preventing infection. The incisions should be kept as clean and dry as possible until they have fully healed over. Do not touch any open incisions directly. Wash hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap before changing any dressings.
Other Risks
Other possible risks of breast reduction surgery include:
- Allergic reaction to anesthesia
- Asymmetry of the nipples, areolas, or breasts
- Loss of nipple sensation
- Blood clots
- Hematoma
- Fluid accumulation or seroma
A successful breast reduction procedure can dramatically change a woman's life for the better. Reducing the risks associated with the surgery will go a long way toward ensuring the procedure's success.