Breast Reduction - How Secure Is It?

While the complaint of being born flat chested is faced by a number of women, there are a few women who have very heavy breasts. Over time, large breasts have been linked with a number of health problems such as backaches, neck pain, numbness in the fingers and shortness of breath. Thus, it is not only for cosmetic reasons that many women choose to undergo breast reduction surgery. This involves the removal of tissues and skin from the breasts to reduce the size of the breasts and reshape them. Breast reduction is a very safe procedure, however, just like any other surgery, there is always a risk and hence the question arises, 'How safe is breast reduction surgery'.

Since the procedure involves making incisions in the skin and removing tissues, most women feel pain in the breasts for the first few days post-surgery. This later transforms into a mild discomfort before which completely goes away after a few days. Pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs can help ease the pain. Swelling and bruising in the area is also a common effect of the surgery and may last for about a month or two. The patients are usually advised to wear a surgical bra all the time as it helps in giving proper support which in turn helps ease the pain and reduce swelling.

Scarring is one of the most common risks associated with this surgery. To remove the tissue, a surgeon has to make an incision under the breast. This incision is usually positioned in line with the natural curves and creases of a woman's body in order to conceal them. However, it always leaves behind a scar. Scarring varies from person to person and also depends on the type of incision made. Typically, scars fade over time but for some women, they may remain noticeable for many years.

Fortunately, in most cases, the incisions can be restricted to areas covered by a bra or bikini. Some women complain loss of sensation in the breasts or nipples after such a procedure but mainly this is a temporary side effect and resolves within a few months of the surgery. Depending on the type of procedure, some women may also find it difficult to breastfeed after the surgery.

On its own, breast reduction surgery is a fairly safe procedure as long as it is performed by a certified plastic surgeon on a healthy patient. Therefore, it is important to do plenty of research and go for the best possible surgeon. So, do not let your fear of surgery keep you from making life more comfortable for yourself!