For millions of women, having large breasts can be a problem. Large breasts can lead to health problems, including shoulder and back issues. Women who suffer from chronic pain due to the size of their breasts are the most common recipients of breast reduction surgery. Following the surgery, not only are their breasts smaller, but their pain also can be greatly decreased.
Loss of feeling
Following breast reduction surgery, it's not uncommon for women to notice a lack of feeling or decreased sensation in the nipples and areola. Depending on the amount of tissue to be removed during the surgery, it might be necessary for the surgeon to temporarily remove the nipple and areola. In many cases, surgeons can avoid removing them completely by keeping the blood vessels intact. After the surgery, the nipples and areola are reattached. Women who must have them removed lose sensation because the blood vessels are not attached in the same manner they were originally.
Tenderness
Breast reduction surgery is an invasive procedure that can require weeks of recovery. Most women can return to work and to their normal activities within a month after the procedure, but for others, the healing process may be slower. Following the surgery, tenderness in the breast as well as the wound area is common. After a few weeks, the tenderness will decrease as the breasts heal. If the pain seems excessive, call your doctor for a followup.
Sleeplessness
Many patients who have breast reduction surgery have difficulty sleeping for the first week after the surgery. It's recommended that during recovery the patient sleeps on her back and keeps the chest area elevated. Some women find it more comfortable to sleep sitting up rather than lying down for the first few days. Pain may keep a woman recovering from the surgery from sleeping soundly. If trouble sleeping and pain persist, your physician may prescribe a pain reliever that includes a sleep aid.
Bruising
Bruising is another common problem associated with breast reduction. Women who bruise easily have an increased risk of developing bruises on their breasts due to the procedure. Over time, the bruises will change color before diminishing. The bruises might be tender to the touch, though pain is generally minimal. Excessive bruising may indicate a complication or bleeding.
When to contact your doctor
The healing time for each patient differs depending on lifestyle, how the surgery was done, and the amount of tissue removed from the breast. Following the surgery, a drainage tube will be placed in the incision area for at least the first 24-48 hours. If this area becomes infected or any abnormal swelling occurs, contact your doctor immediately. You should also contact your doctor if you have trouble urinating or defecating, or experience increased temperature, bleeding, or vomiting.
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