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How Safe is Breast Reduction?

asked 2 years ago by shagi in boston
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 1,342 times
Tags: breasts, female, complication, safety

I would like to get breast reduction but im so nervous about the whole surgery because there has been so many deaths or complications during or after the procedure. I'm also afraid of going under general anesthesia, but I need that surgery so bad. How safe is this procedure, and how can I make sure I won't get all those complications?

12 answers to How Safe is Breast Reduction?

Having a safe breast reduction

Breast reduction surgery should be safe and routine IF: 1. You are physically and psychologically healthy and don't smoke and are not overweight 2. You go to a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, not a cosmetic surgeon. Believe it or not, even oral surgeons are doing breast reductions! 3. The surgeon has extensine experience in breast reduction and you like him or her and like their photos and results 4. The surgery must be performed in an accredited facility 5. Anesthesia should be... more

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction and Safety?

Thank you for the question. Assuming you're in good health and are under the care of a board-certified plastic surgeon and board-certified anesthesiologist, breast reduction surgery is very safe and one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform. Best wishes.

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction surgery

Breast reduction surgery is a pretty safe procedure that is most commonly performed as an outpatient. Patients recover at home and usually do very well.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction extremely safe.

Hi. You need a board certified plastic surgeon, a board certified anesthesiologist, and an accredited operating room and recovery room. If you have those things, breast reduction is one of the safest operations. I would encourage you to do it. Women are so happy.

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Is breast reduction safe?

All surgeries have risks. Breast reduction is a very common operation and is safe and reliable. General anesthesia is also very low risk when done properly. You have probably heard of the plastic surgery disasters like the death of Donda West, but should know that these cases, while tragic are fortunately few and far between. Breast reduction can make you so much more comfortable. The best way to stay safe is to choose your surgeon wisely. Be sure that he or she is certified by the... more

Elizabeth Lee, MD
Bay Area Plastic Surgeon

artfulsurgery.com

Breast reduction is very safe in the right hands

Breast reduction surgery itself is very safe when performed by a well trained, board certified plastic surgeon, on a healthy patient, and in a safe, clean and certified surgical facility. Today, anesthesia is extremely safe when performed by anesthesia professionals in a facility that has all the necessary safety measures in place. If you truly are in need of breast reduction, try to not let your fear stand in the way between you and an excellent result.

Kevin Brenner, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Safety in breast reduction surgery

Relax.......... You have already stated how bad your situation is, so you have to either decide to have an operation, or live with your current situation. While all surgery carries some risks, the most important part of getting a good result is the surgeon that you choose. This is one area in life where it pays to pay retail and I perform this operation as an outpatient in a private accredited surgical facility. It's cleaner than a hospital and we are able to hand pick the best nurses and ane more

Darrick E. Antell, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction safety and complication risks

Breast Reduction surgery is EXTREMELY safe when performed by a REAL Plastic Surgeon (a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, www.PlasticSurgery.org), when done on a healthy patient, who then follows her surgeon's instruction. Complications, by definition, are unwanted adverse events that CANNOT be avoided even when the best care is given. Among them are infection, bleeding, unacceptable scarring, fat necrosis, etc. The likelihood of such events is VERY SMALL but cannot be... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Surgical safety

A big question, to which I can't give a blanket answer. With ANY invasive surgical procedure, there is risk. The best way to protect yourself is to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon who is professionally bound to engage only in techniques that have been deemed safe--after rigorous testing. The good news is that this procedure can be performed under local anesthesia and twilight sedation instead of general anesthesia, but some doctors still use a general anesthetic. You also want... more

Michelle Copeland, MD, DMD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Risks of breast reduction

When you say "I need the surgery so bad" I can reasonably assume from that you are probably at more risk NOT having surgery than if you had a reduction mammoplasty. I don't know your age but when I see a patient who says"bad" they have chronic back and neck pain , shoulder scarring from their bra ,and chronic irritation under their breast. These are problems that will get worse and will impact you forever if not dealt with. See my web site for previous answers and... more

Barry H. Dolich, MD
Bronx Plastic Surgeon

Safety of breast reduction

Breast reduction surgery tends to be very safe because the breast is basically a structure of skin and fat. No muscle is operated on and no body cavities are entered. The safety of an operation depends on several factors: 1. The health of the patient 2. The competence of the health care personnel including the doctors 3. The procedure being done If each of these categories can me maximized to the best the risks should be minimal.

John P. Stratis, MD
Harrisburg Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction Safety

All surgery has risks. If you have a reduction performed by a Board-certified Plastic Surgeon, the risks are low (Check www.surgery.org or www.plasticsurgery.org for surgeons in your area). Smoking is one thing under your control that can increase risks. Virtually all the patients I have performed reductions on during over 20 years would choose to undergo the surgery again when given a choice.