What to Expect after Breast Reduction Surgery: Possible Side Effects By Patricia Berbari on December 29, 2016

At the plastic surgery practice of Dr. Patricia Berbari, it is very important to us that patients know exactly what to expect from a procedure before they commit to undergoing surgery. Even an extremely safe procedure that offers an extraordinary number of benefits such as breast reduction surgery has side effects associated with it. This is true of any surgical procedure, no matter how minimally invasive or time tested. For this reason, Dr. Berbari takes the time to sit down with each patient and discuss breast reduction side effects in detail during consultations at her Gatineau, QC plastic surgery practice.

Ultimately, most patients who are good candidates for breast reduction find that the benefits far outweigh the side effects, especially since the risk of serious complications is extremely small. For patients with disproportionately large and heavy breasts, breast reduction can be a truly life-changing event, helping to resolve back, neck, and shoulder pain while restoring their self-image and self-confidence. However, the decision to undergo breast lift is a highly personal one, and only you can decide for yourself whether it is the right decision once you have been provided with all the facts.

And the best way to get those facts is to meet with Dr. Berbari for a one-on-one, confidential consultation at her state-of-the-art plastic surgery facility at your earliest convenience. We invite you to schedule your consultation today.

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Breast Reduction Surgery?

As stated above, serious complications from breast reduction surgery are extremely rare. Some side effects, however, are inevitable with any surgery, including breast reduction. When breast lift is performed by a skilled, experienced plastic surgeon such as Dr. Berbari, these side effects are generally mild and, for the most part, temporary. As a patient, you can help to minimize side effects by following Dr. Berbari’s post-surgical instructions to the letter.

Common breast reduction side effects include:

Discomfort: You will almost certainly feel some discomfort after breast reduction, most likely in the form of soreness at the incision sites. Dr. Berbari will prescribe pain medication to help manage discomfort. Dosage levels can be adjusted if necessary.
Numbness at the incision sites: Loss of sensation at the incisions sites is a common side effect, but this usually subsides over time. In a small percentage of patients, however, some degree of sensation loss is permanent.
Swelling, itching, tenderness, and bruising at the incision sites: Again, these side effects are common, but temporary. Dr. Berbari will provide instructions on how to limit these side effects.
Visible scarring: Although Dr. Berbari will do her best to minimize visible scarring, and scars will fade over time, some degree of permanent visible scarring is inevitable with any surgery. Patients must be able to accept this fact before they will be considered good candidates for breast reduction surgery.