Breast reduction cosmetic surgery is generally considered a safe and not a rigorous procedure, but patients should know about the potential risks associated with the surgery. Typical risks include the chance of infection, poor anesthesia reaction, and irregular nipple height. However, the potential benefits of breast reduction usually outweigh the risks associated with the surgery.
The breast surgeon will discuss about the potential risks and complications during the initial breast reduction consultation. The first goal of the surgeon will be to help the patient make an informed decision. Experienced plastic surgeon Dr. Bryson Richards provides breast reduction to patients in Las Vegas, NV and nearby areas.
Asymmetrical Breasts
One of the risks after breast reduction plastic surgery is that breasts may become significantly asymmetrical. However, if the procedure is performed by an experienced surgeon, this risk will be very rare. But if this condition occurs, it can be corrected by a subsequent revision surgery.
At the same time, patients should know that breasts are not entirely symmetrical. A minor difference in size and shape is natural, and should not prompt additional corrective surgery.
Irregular Nipple Height
Breast reduction involves changing the size and shape of the breasts and shifting of some skin. Therefore, there is a risk that the nipples will not be placed at the same height after reduction. In some cases, the nipple and areola will be detached and grafted back on the breast.
In other cases, the nipple will remain attached, but the breast skin will be altered to fit the smaller sized breasts. In both approaches, the risk of nipple height becoming uneven exists.
Changes in Sensation
Loss of sensation in the breast is a risk following reduction mammaplasty, particularly if the areola has been removed and then grafted. Although areola grafting is aesthetically pleasing, the detachment from the breast tissue could lead to loss of sensation in the nipples.
To some extent, even non-grafting breast reduction procedures have the risk of altered sensation in the nipples or breasts as a whole. Sometimes this change of sensation may be temporary, but in rare cases, the sensation loss can be permanent.
Breastfeeding Issues
Following breast reduction, it is possible that the woman may not be able to breastfeed. The amount of risk will depend on the type of surgical technique applied for the procedure. In case of traditional anchor pattern breast reduction, the risk affecting the ability to breastfeed increases. Several milk ducts are removed in this type of reduction, making it more difficult to breastfeed in the future.
In case of vertical incision breast reduction, the risk of not being able to breastfeed is reduced. In this case, at least a part of the nipple will remain connected to the milk ducts. Breastfeeding risks in breast reduction are usually minimal if the patient has more fatty tissue and less glandular tissue, and breast reduction is performed using liposuction.
Infection is another common risk in breast reduction, just like any other surgery. Patients in Las Vegas, NV and nearby areas have an opportunity to receive breast reduction performed by Dr. Richards.
If you would like more information on cosmetic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada plastic surgeon, Dr. Bryson Richards please contact us at 702.870.7070
Taking new patients from Las Vegas, Bullhead City, Laughlin, Pahrump, Mesquite NV and surrounding areas.