I'm 18, Getting a Breast Reduction, but I Stopped Breathing, Should I Be Concerned?

I am getting a breast reduction next Wednesday, but this morning I stopped breathing in my sleep. It was a very strange experience, because I was dreaming and was congested, not being able to breathe out of my nose- only in the dream, though. Is it possible that my brain may have registered this as me being ACTUALLY congested therefore not allowing me to breathe? It lasted for only a few seconds, then I woke up gasping for air. I'm worried now, because of anesthesia, but no breathing problems.

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7 Doctor Answers | Asked by Lashay7607

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Apnea prior to cosmetic surgery procedure

Hello and thank you for the question. Given your described history, I highly recommend you seek a full medical evaluation prior to proceeding with an elective cosmetic procedure. Best, Glenn Vallecillos, MD, FACS

Breast Reduction Pre-op Work Up?

Thank you for the question and congratulations on your decision to proceed with breast reduction surgery. It is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform. It is unclear to me exactly what occurred while you were sleeping. It will likely be in your best interest to be seen by your primary care physician for evaluation prior to surgery. You should also discuss the occurrence with your plastic surgeon and anesthesiologist. Once this preoperative workup is completed... more

Sleep apnea?

Do you experience sleep apnea? This should be investigated before having sugery. It is kind of a strange story but should be looked into.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Sleep apnea episode in woman about to undergo a breast reduction

As noted previously, this episode that you describe is called sleep apnea. It is not very common in someone your age unless there is a significant weight problem. That is, your weight far exceeds the ideal for your height which is quantitated as your body mass index or BMI. What happens is that there is a temporary blockage caused by lax tissue in the back of your throat which doesnt' allow air to flow through freely. Make sure that your plastic surgeon is aware of the experience... more

Breast Reduction and Not Breathing

Dear Lashay7607, You should, of course, speak with your own surgeon and doctors about this, just to be sure. Even though it seemed like you stopped breathing, it's not clear that you really did. As you say, it was while you were asleep and it was during a dream. Most likely, then, is that you just (ie, only) had a dream that involved your being congested and having some trouble breathing. Sleep apnea is a different situation: patients actually do stop... more

Breast Reduction Breathing Problem

What you may have experienced is called apnea, the technical term for the failure to breathe properly. Although this may be your only experience, you should have this checked out prior to any major surgery, including breast reduction. This problem is usually related to the structures in the back of your throat, and can lead to apnea while sleeping (obstructive sleep apnea). Contact your primary physician, and of course inform your plastic surgeon as well.

Is this Sleep Apnea?

While somewhat unusual sleep apnea can be a problem in young patients. What is your BMI? Do you snore or have other trouble sleeping? Breast reduction is a big operation. I think this needs more evaluation before several hours of general anesthesia. I would definitely run this by your plastic surgeon and anesthesiologist.