Breast Reduction Surgery Has Higher Complications

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Breast Reduction surgery also knows as reduction mammaplasty is among the most commonly performed breast plastic surgery procedures. It helps in relieving symptoms related to overlarge breast, such as back, shoulder and neck pain, posture problems and bra strap compression.
The increased complications rate in older women likely reflects age-related changes in hormone levels. Researches studied 1,192 women undergoing breast reduction surgery from 1999 to 2009. The researchers assessed rate and types of complications in three different age groups: under 40, 40 to 50, and over 50. The results showed that women over the age of 50 have a higher rate of wound healing issues, leading to a higher rate of repeat surgery to remove problem areas.
Women between the ages of 40 to 50 also showed a non-significant trend toward an increased risk of infection. Further studies have shown that several risk factors for complication after breast reduction surgery include obesity, extensive breast reduction and smoking. The increased risk is more than likely related to age-related declines in hormone levels. Also, infections are less common in women who were using hormone replacement therapy.
However, the infection rate appeared higher in women who had undergone hysterectomy or oophorectomy, which lead to sharp drops in hormone levels. Researchers suggest that cosmetic surgeons should alway ask women considering breast reduction about any factors potentially related to hormonal deficiency. They may even suggest that “hormone replacement therapy may be worth considering in this age group of patients.”
Mark A Bishara, M.D., P.A. Medical Director
This Information is Brought to you courtesy of Dr. Mark Bishara and The Paragon Plastic Surgery and Med Spa in Mansfield and Southlake.
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