Complications following breast reduction surgery–particularly infections–are more common in women older than 50, reports a study in the December issue of the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

The increased complication rate in older women likely reflects age-related changes in hormone levels, according to the new research by  Michele A. Shermak, MD, and colleagues of The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore.

The researchers evaluated 1,192 women undergoing breast reduction surgery from 1999 to 2009. The researchers assessed rates and types of complications in three different age groups: under 40, 40 to 50, and over 50.

Breast reduction surgery–also called reduction mammaplasty–is among the most commonly performed breast plastic surgery procedures. It is highly effective in relieving symptoms related to overlarge breasts, such as back, shoulder and neck pain, posture problems and bra strap compression.

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[Source: ASPS/Marketwatch]