common problems after breast reduction surgery

Common Problems after breast reduction surgery include swelling, mild to moderate pain, itching. Uncommon problems include asymmetry, scarring and changes in nipple sensation.

Are you thinking about breast reduction but worried about the outcomes or side effects? This article is ready to guide you on the common problems after breast reduction surgery.

Common Problems after Breast Reduction Surgery

After breast reduction, you may expect swelling, bruising and itching. Uncommon side effects include nipple numbness, delayed healing and fluid buildup.

Rarely, a few women experienced infections, tissue loss, and difficulty breastfeeding. It is important to note that most of these problems are temporary and resolve within 2 - 4 weeks.

Swelling & Bruising
Pain & Discomfort
Numbness & Sensation changes
Itching
Fatigue
Constipation
Scarring
Asymmetry
Seroma
Hematoma
Infection
Nipple skin loss
Difficulty breastfeeding

Swelling & Bruising

Almost all medical procedures are followed by swelling and bruising. Following the doctors’ orders like sleeping on your back or wearing the compression corset are crucial to get the results you desire.

Pain & Discomfort

Pain after breast reduction is completely normal and it’ll fade away in a couple of weeks. You may feel soreness, tightness, tingling or burning sensations.

Numbness & Sensation Changes

Another very common side effect is a temporary tingling and sensational changes. It is a normal process of healing after the surgery and it takes some time for the nerves in your body to heal properly.

Itching

Itching is part of the normal healing process as skin cells in the incision lines heal. It is crucial to avoid scratching the incisions as you’ll expose them to more risks like inflammation or bleeding.

Fatigue

Being tired and weak after the surgery means that your body is healing on its own, so give it some time and rest, eat healthy food and drink water, and stick to the doctor's orders and you’ll be better in no time.

Constipation

Although it is a less common problem after breast reduction surgery, constipation may occur, especially in the first few weeks following the procedure as a result of taking the prescribed pain medications.

Note: Discuss your issues with the doctor and stay in touch in order to have a relaxing recovery.

Scarring

Scars are expected after any surgery, but they can be managed with constant care like moisturizing with prescribed creams and lotions. However, unusual scars formation need medical attention as soon as possible.

Asymmetry

After breast reduction, your breasts may heal differently or have slight size or shape differences. This issue happens sometimes, depending on your body’s healing pattern and it is temporary most of the time.

Seroma

Or fluid accumulation under the skin, it is a pocket of clear fluid beneath the skin where tissues were removed from your breasts. Small seromas resolve on their own, whereas larger ones require drainage at the doctor’s clinic.

Hematoma

Or blood collection due to a broken vessel under the skin. This case usually appears after 2 - 3 days post-surgery and you may notice sudden swelling and firmness. Small hematomas resolve naturally but larger ones require medical attention.

Infection

Infections generally happen after any surgery as a result of poor wound care. Common symptoms include fever, swelling, warmth in the incision site, redness and pain and it can be managed by taking oral antibiotics after medical consultation.

Nipple Skin Loss

Or Tissue Necrosis is a rare but serious complication, it happens as a result of poor blood supply to the nipple-areola complex or surrounding skin. Smoking is a great factor that contributes to tissue necrosis.

Difficulty Breastfeeding

An unprofessional breast reduction can affect milk ducts, glands and nerves involved in breastfeeding, therefore leading to reduced milk production or inability to breastfeed after surgery.

Signs of Common Problems after Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgeries are performed widely across the world with success rates over 95%! Most ladies recover smoothly without any permanent damage or side effects.

However, if you notice an unusual or excessive swelling or fluid buildup, then you should contact the doctor. This sign indicates a seroma, especially if it is present on one side.

Sudden breast enlargement, firmness or deep bruising are also unusual signs. These symptoms are generally accompanied by increasing pain or pressure or even a change in the breast shape or color.

An infection can also happen 1 - 2 weeks after the surgery and it includes swelling, warmth around the surgery area, fever and chills. It is important to address these symptoms and get urgent medical care.

And if you happen to notice any discoloration in the nipple area or it turns pale, purple or blackened, it can be an early sign of tissue necrosis and it also requires medical attention. But if you feel a persistent numbness, then it is a sign of nerve damage.

In general, any abnormal signs including pain, high fever, wound opening or sudden shortness of breath require an urgent visit to your doctor to check up on your recovery.

How to Avoid Common Problems after Breast Reduction Surgery?

Whatever the problem is, no need to worry! Almost every side effect can be managed easily as long as you stick to the doctor's orders and take care of yourself and your incisions. Here are key steps that can help you get the ideal results without any complications:

Follow your doctor’s instructions, take your medication on time and take care of your wound.
Take the activity restrictions seriously, avoid strenuous sports which can harm your new breasts.
Wear the recommended surgical bra that supports your breasts, reduces the swelling and boosts recovery.
Keep your incisions clean and dry, hygiene keeps you away from infections.
Attend all the follow-up sessions to keep track of the results and avoid any unpleasant side effects
Eat a healthy balanced diet rich in vitamins and proteins to support natural tissue formation.
Stop smoking during the whole process as nicotine reduces blood flow and increases the risk of delayed wound healing
Watch out for any early signs of complications or side effects and keep track of your results and body.

Choose Turkey Luxury Clinics for Breast Reduction

Choosing professional doctors and surgeons to perform breast reduction is the golden key that gets you the results you aim for without causing too much pain and side effects, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at Turkey Luxury Clinics!

Trusted by thousands, we are proudly the number #1 clinic across Turkey to provide highly specialized cosmetic procedures, performed using next-level technology and premium materials to keep you safe and happy!

You can say goodbye to neck and shoulder pain with the safest and most effective breast reduction surgery at Turkey Luxury Clinics! Let’s get your body reshaped! Contact us and get your free online consultation right away.

Resources

FAQs

What are the risks of breast reduction surgery?

Common risks include swelling, infection, scarring, delayed wound healing, changes in nipple sensation, asymmetry, and, rarely, loss of nipple blood supply.