A breast reduction operation is classed as major surgery and, as with any other procedure involving a general anaesthetic, there are some risks involved.
During breast reduction surgery bleeding or an adverse reaction to the anaesthetic can cause problems. During the first few days, infection of the wounds can cause complications and there is a slight chance of developing deep vein thrombosis. It is important to bear in mind that these complications are relatively rare, but breast reduction information from the surgeon will explain all the risks in detail.
As well as the potential risks breast reduction surgery also has some side effects, most of which are short-lived. Many people feel sick and dizzy for a few hours after waking up from the anaesthetic. Breasts may feel sore and painful for a few days but good pain relief can help prevent this. If the nipples are repositioned during breast reduction, discomfort can take a little longer to ease. Women need to rest and avoid strenuous activity (including vacuuming and ironing!) for at least two weeks after the breast reduction surgery to allow themselves time to recover.
More long-term side effects should also be considered when taking the decision to have a breast reduction operation. Permanent loss of sensitivity around the nipple and areola can be experienced after nipple repositioning, and there may be significant loss of milk ducts. Pre-surgery breast reduction information will stress to women planning to have children in the future, the extent to which this might affect their ability to breast feed.
In some women with very large breasts a breast reduction operation can produce an asymmetry that may need to be corrected in a subsequent procedure.
The scars will heal and fade within a year to eighteen months after the breast reduction operation, but some small scarring will remain permanently visible.
