Potential Risks of Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction is a surgery that is performed to permanently reduce the size of a woman's breast. It is also called reduction mammoplasty. This procedure excises the fat, skin, and glandular tissue of the breast with the intention to reduce breast size.

Why would a woman want breast reduction? Overly large breasts can have many adverse effects on a woman, including but not limited to: chronic neck and back pain, emotional trauma, and physical limitations from participating in certain activities such as sports. However, the surgery does not come without some form of risk. This article will discuss a few of them.

Fat necrosis is more common in larger breast reduction procedures, but the risk is always present. It is described as the death of fat cells and can cause a lump or visible bump within the skin.

Permanent numbness is also a real risk when a woman undergoes breast reduction surgery.

Although it is a rare problem, it can occur in a small area of a single breast due to nerves being severed during the procedure.

Loss of blood supply to a nipple can cause its cells to die and the nipple will have to be removed. Although a rare problem, it is something that must be considered before a woman undergoes breast reduction surgery. Because of the risk of losing a nipple, most doctors highly recommend you undergo breast reduction only after you are done having children.

If a patient tries to return to work too early or perhaps engages in activity that wasn't recommended, such as exercise or heavy lifting, there is a chance of wound separation. If the incisions do pull apart, surgery is not required to repair them, although healing time is greatly increased.

Another rare possibility is a negative reaction to the anesthesia.

You can be tested prior to surgery to find out if you will have a negative reaction to the anesthesia. Speak with your doctor to learn more.

Some degree of permanent scarring is unavoidable. To minimize the risk of scarring, it is best to follow the surgeon's recommendations post surgery. Optimal healing conditions will minimize scarring. This will include plenty of water consumption and abstaining from smoking for at least several months after surgery.

The intention of this article is not to provide medical advice. Should you have questions regarding your health or questions about a potential plastic surgery procedure, you need to contact a board certified, licensed surgeon and schedule a consultation.

All About Breast Cancer

Breast cancer today, is one of the most deadly diseases among women all over the world. As per the statistics, one out of nine women suffer from breast cancer. Though the cause and treatment of it has not been detected yet but if diagnosed in an early stage it can indeed be treated by conservative surgery and radio therapy thereafter. Discussed under are all the facts and details related to breast cancer. Take a look:

Breast Cancer Diagnosis

There are a couple of tests that can be done for diagnosing breast cancer. They are mentioned as under:

a) Clinical Examination for Breast Cancer

Every female between the age group of 20-40 should make a it a part of their routine check up every three years. Seek a physician or gynecologist and get yourself examined for breast cancer. Women older than 40 years need to get it examined at least once a year.

b) Mammography

Mammography refers to the radiological examination of breasts using minimum amount of x-ray doses.

Since mostly the breast cancer cases are found to be amongst women above 40, it is important for ladies in and above this age group that they go for mammography every year. This becomes all the more important in case one suspects some kind of abnormalities in breasts or has a family history of breast cancer.

c) Breast Self Examination

Breast self examination or BSE is the easiest way to detect the signs of breast cancer by oneself. Perform this self test every month after 10 days of your mensuration to keep a track of possible breast cancer symptoms. How to do breast self examination can be learnt from various informative sites on internet.

Breast Cancer Causes

The major factors that generally lead to breast cancer are:

Gender- Being a female, you automatically fall in the risk category of breast cancer.

Family History- One is more susceptible to this particular cancer if there is a hereditary of it in previous family generations.

Smoking- Smoking is one of the leading causes of breast cancer.

Alcohol Consumption- Too much of alcohol can also lead to breast cancer.

Early Radiological Examinations- Radiological examinations (for the treatment of another cancer) increases the risk of breast cancer.

Other Causes- other possible causes include obesity, age, early mensuration, dense breast tissues etc.

Breast Cancer Symptoms

Mentioned under are the abnormalities in breast anatomy that are suggestive breast cancer symptoms:

-Abnormal swelling in a specific part or of the entire breast.

-Continuous pain in breast.

-Abnormal secreation (other than breast milk) from nipple.

-Puckering, dimpling or rashes in breast skin.

-Unusual lump in the underarm area.

On experiencing any of the above mentioned abnormalities or symptoms in breast, it is must to see a specializing doctor.

For detailed information regarding the above subject, check out breast cancer symptoms.