Common Problems Experienced After Breast Reduction Surgery

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Both men and women elect to have breast reduction surgery. A condition called gynecomastia causes men to develop breasts that resemble a woman’s. Women may choose to have breast reduction surgery to alleviate discomfort and back injuries caused by the excess weight carried or to create a breast size proportionate to their body.

Breast reduction surgery is complex, even more so than breast augmentation. Unlike it’s outpatient care counterpart, breast reduction surgery usually means an overnight stay in the hospital and will require general anesthesia. The complexities of breast reduction stem from the required three incisions: one around the areola, a second vertical line extending down from the areola and the third along the lower contour of the breast. It takes an experienced surgeon to perform a breast reduction.

The surgeon will remove breast tissue, fat and skin, and will reposition the areola. In most cases, the surgeon will try to keep the nipple attached, especially if, as a female, you have not yet finished having babies. In some cases, the nipple will have to be detached in order to put it in the desired location. This is why it takes a skilled breast reduction surgeon with deft hands to perform. The process is mathematical as much as it is artistic.

Common Problems After Breast Reduction

The most common problems patients experience after a breast reduction surgery are the potential side effects resulting from the trauma of the surgery on the body:

  • Infection – fever and other signs of infection are representative of your body’s inability to respond to the trauma that was caused.
  • Scarring – usually denoted by painful red areas that subside and fade over time.
  • Breastfeeding issues – if the breast reduction is performed while you are pregnant, then complications with breastfeeding may arise. This is why it’s recommended to wait until the child is born.
  • Loss of shape – preserving the curve underneath the breast and maintaining its shape creates a good aesthetic. Loss of shape may happen if a surgeon is not careful enough.
  • Loss of sensation in the nipples – there’s always a chance that loss of sensation in the nipples will occur, but is only temporary.

Careful choice in selecting the best surgeon for your needs will set yourself up for the best possible outcome for the surgery: a board-certified plastic surgeon is a good starting point. With that in mind and implemented into the surgical plan, the external surgical risks are lessened and the post-op results are up to your mind and body. Believing in the power of your body to heal is more than half the battle.

Can You Remove Saline From Breast Implants to Reduce Size?

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Many women undergo breast augmentation surgery because they want breasts that are more aesthetically pleasing by adding more volume and symmetry. It is not uncommon for a woman to receive a set of breast implants and then realize they actually want larger breasts, prompting them to seek out their plastic surgeon. Adding saline to breast implants is very possible, but can you remove saline from a breast implant if you decide the breasts you wanted are too large for your preferences?

Yes, Plastic Surgeons Can Remove Saline From Breast Implants

Reducing the size of breast implants by removing saline is also possible. However, it is not a desirable option depending on how long it has been since your operation.

Dr. Golshani, a Los Angeles breast revision surgeon, responded to a concerned user on RealSelf.com who had an operation performed 6 months ago from the time she asked her question of removing saline from an implant. Her concern was that one of her implants had appeared larger than the other, prompting her to seek treatment.

Dr. Golshani’s response: “Six months is the usual minimum waiting period required before going back for a revision. Although this must be assessed based on the patient’s physical examination. Removing saline from an implant may damage the port at the time of tubing insertion into the hub, but this is a rare event. Nevertheless, it should be discussed before surgery. Also, under-filling and over-filling of an implant beyond required volumes must be considered and discussed. under-filling increases leak rate later on and can also present with rippling on later physical examination. Overfilling can also increase leak rate and an unnatural look.”

The Best Answers Are Given In-Person

Seeking answers online can be one way to gain insight into your problem, but ultimately questions of this matter should be expressed in person to a board certified surgeon who can evaluate your breast implants without having to take guesses from what can be seen in pictures. It is too hard to receive trustworthy advice online or from friends and family who are not professionals.

Dr. Golshani loves to answer his patients’ concerns, whether in person or online at realself.com, but ultimately knows that the best advice he can give is to make an appointment with the plastic surgeon who performed the surgery and consult with them on what steps should be taken next.

Asymmetrical Breasts: Should I Get Breast Reduction or Breast Lift?

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Don’t wait around to make a decision. Seek advice from a professional!

Breast asymmetry, or uneven breasts, is a legitimate concern that many women have. Truth is: many women have asymmetrical breasts and its all a matter of how much difference there really is. Women will analyze their breast shape in the mirror only to find that one breast hangs, or droops, further than the other. The main question patients are confused on is whether or not they should receive a breast reduction or breast lift in attempting to fix uneven breasts?

Board Certified Breast Reduction Surgeon Responds

Breast reduction surgery can alter the way your breasts look, having them appear even and symmetrical, but Dr. Golshani specifically mentions “it is generally a belief that severe breast asymmetry does not completely disappear after breast reduction, for example in cases where breast differences are partly due to underlying rib shape differences”.

Other patients believe that breast reduction is what caused their breasts to appear asymmetrical. While it is possible this could occur, it’s also very common for many breast reduction patients to panic after only a few weeks when they begin scrutinizing their breasts in the mirror. Dr. Golshani advises “two weeks after breast reduction surgery is too early to make a judgment on the final result. Make sure your surgeon is aware of your concern and get examined to express your concern.”

The main takeaway here is that it takes several weeks for a full recovery and you shouldn’t jump to conclusions until the full recovery period has elapsed. Your surgeon will be able to give you a rough estimate on when you will begin to see results.

Analyze Your Options

Depending on your specific case (all women have different proportions, breast shapes, and bodies), you will have plenty of options to choose from. Some women may be recommended only to undergo breast reduction; while others may be recommended both a breast reduction and breast lift procedure for the perfect balance.

No matter what your recommendation is, it all begins with a thorough evaluation and consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast reduction and breast lift surgery. Dr. Golshani has been practicing breast revision for over a decade and is dedicated to his passion for cosmetic surgery.

Cosmetic Surgical Procedures Correct Breast Asymmetry

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Do you have uneven breasts? Is one breast bigger or droopier than the other? Is your left breast a B-cup and your right breast a D-cup? Having this difference in breast size or shape is actually an extremely common condition for many women. Medically called breast asymmetry, unbalanced breasts are non-threatening to your health but often lead to embarrassment affecting your self-esteem, confidence and ultimately, the quality of your day-to-day life. Even simple tasks, such as finding a bra that fits, can become a chore. Unfortunately, most women with significant asymmetry never discuss their situation or seek help from their doctor and continue to quietly suffer from uneven, lopsided breasts.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and a study conducted by the Federal University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, breast surgery of disproportionate breasts can elevate a woman’s quality of life and self-esteem. Breast augmentation, breast reduction and/or a breast lift are common surgeries that can correct breast asymmetry by creating balance and evenness between mismatched breasts. In the study, 35 patients were evaluated six months after undergoing surgery to measure the breast procedure’s impact on their life. All patients were found to have “progressive improvement” in quality of life and a “statistically significant improvement in vitality, mental health and self-esteem.” These results parallel exactly the feelings expressed by Dr. Golshani’s patients who believe that breast surgery changes their lives forever helping them feel much happier and significantly more attractive.

Source: Garcia, Elvio MD, PhD; Neto, Miguel Sabino; Lemos, Ana Lucia Alves; Freire, Marcia; Ferreira, Lydia Masako. (2006) Quality of Life and Self-Esteem after Breast Asymmetry Surgery. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: Journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 118(4), 144.

Ariel Winter on Breast Reduction: “I’ve Been Struggling for Many Years”

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Ariel Winter, a popular young actress known for her role on Modern Family highlights the emotional pain that many other women feel as a result of their large breasts. And the worst part is it’s something they initially had zero control over. She opened up about her surgery on a blog featured on Glamour News.

“I remember being in my sister’s wedding and being so flat and thinking, ‘I just wish I would grow boobs!’ and then overnight I did. But then they kept growing and growing and growing and it didn’t seem like they were going to stop. It’s hard enough being a teenager in life, but being on one of the most popular and critically acclaimed sitcoms drew heightened interest. I was 15 years old with [size] F [breasts],”

Reason for Breast Reduction: Physically & Emotionally Draining

Large breasts can take a monumental toll on one’s self-confidence and esteem. This is not uncommon for women who bear large breasts. Ariel mentions the difficulty of finding bras and clothes that she felt comfortable in. She also noted that her breasts would cause her enough pain to the point where she would have to stay hunched over on set just to cope.

She couldn’t take it anymore.

She underwent breast reduction surgery on June 4th, 2015 from a size 32F to a size 34D. She acknowledges the physical differences that the media will publicize, but it’s the emotional aspect that she was most concerned of. She truly feels like a new person as a result of the procedure.

Large breasts are commonly known for:

  • Back, neck, and shoulder pains that range in severity
  • Poor posture
  • Cuts and rashes around the breasts
  • Deep grooves in the shoulders
  • Shortness of breath issues
  • Emotional pain from a variety of sources (i.e. unwanted stares)
  • Interfere with physical activities and/or sports

Breast reduction is the answer.

The full question & answer interview can be featured here.

beverly hills breast reduction Dr. Golshani is a board-certified breast reduction surgeon in Beverly Hills. He has performed many procedures that have resulted in life-changing results. He is known for his precise attention to detail and expert techniques that result in minimal scarring and reduced recovery times. View his breast reduction before and after photos.

Breastfeeding After Breast Reduction

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Your ability to produce sufficient milk following breast reduction surgery depends on a few factors including:

  • The type of surgery – implants or reduction
  • Technique used in surgery – location of incision
  • Damage to nerve ducts and pathways
  • Duration of time since surgery occurred

Understanding How Milk is Created in the Breasts

Milk is produced in the alveoli, or little sacs contained in the breast. When your baby is sucking, nerve endings in the nipple are stimulated, activating the release of two hormones prolactin and oxytocin: the first facilitates milk production, and the second causes your muscles to squeeze milk out of the breast (letdown). The milk then flows through the ducts, and when your baby is properly latched on the breast, he/she is able to compress it out of the ducts.

Breastfeeding After Breast Reduction Overview

In general, breast reduction impairs a woman’s ability to nurse. The biggest impact on a woman’s milk supply occurs when the areola and nipple are severed. However, this does not necessarily mean that moving the areola and nipple, or scarring the outside of the areola, will sever the ducts and nerve pathways.

Breast surgery, in general, also impacts the amount of breast tissue and nerve supply to the breast, both of which are essential for producing and releasing milk. Fortunately, research shows that breast tissue can re-grow, connecting the severed milk ducts. The regeneration of damaged nerves and ducts depends on how much time has passed since the surgery; thus, the longer a woman waits to breastfeed after breast reduction, and the longer she nurses, the more likely she will be able to produce more milk, especially with subsequent children. Actually, research shows that a woman has better milk supply when the surgery occurred more than five years before her pregnancy.

Will you be able to breastfeed?

The least harmful breast reduction procedure is the inferior pedicle, since the areola and nipple are repositioned while remaining attached to the pedicle – a mound of tissue that contains connected milk ducts and nerves. But if the nipple had to be removed and placed on a reconstructed breast, the damage to breast tissue, nerves, and milk ducts may limit sensation in the nipples and reduce milk flow.

It is difficult to know the full impact of breast reduction until you start nursing your baby, and will probably need to seek guidance and support from a lactation expert or your breast reduction surgeon.