Breast Reduction Q&A
95%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
450 Reviews
Breast Reductionbefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Breast Reduction Cost: $4,675

Learn about Breast Reduction

1,809 people and 560 doctors are talking about Breast Reduction

Get Free Email Updates

What are the Risks in Having a Second Breast Reduction?

asked 1 year ago by anon9450 in England.
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 301 times
Tags: areola, nipples, complication, necrosis, revision, risk, shape

I'm from UK. First Breast reduction (in 2000) used the Superior Pedicle technique according to the surgeon. I would appreciate any advice or tips. I have seen a local Plastic Surgeon who is happy to perform a second reduction and to improve the aerolas which are slightly mishapen.

He has explained to me the complications of doing a re-do reduction of which I think he said he's had to do a half dozen to a dozen in his career:- nipple necrosis etc.

7 answers to What are the Risks in Having a Second Breast Reduction?

+3

The Risks of Having a Second Breast Reduction

It seems like you are already aware of the issue regarding what type of breast reduction surgery was originally performed.  This has to do with your current surgeon knowing what blood supply was preserved the first time.  In general, it's a good idea to have the original surgeon do the subsequent procedure, but understanding that that is not always possible, it helps to at least have the original operative report.  If this procedure is more of a touch up, to improve areola... more
Douglas J. Mackenzie, MD

Santa Barbara Plastic Surgeon

www.pacificplasticsurgery.com

+2

Breast reduction second time around

You are quite correct in that breast reduction the second time does have a greater risk of sensory loss in the nipple, or worse, nipple loss. The superior pedicle does make reduction a bit safer the second time and you are smart to stay with an experienced surgeon. Chances are you will do well but risk is greater. Best of luck, peterejohnson
Peter E. Johnson, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+2

What are the Risks in Having a Second Breast Reduction?

Sounds like your PS has done a great informed consent for you. Secondary FULL reduction have higher risks and if you are aware of them you have done your homework. 
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+2

Breast reduction

A second breast reduction can have additional risks because of the blook supply to the nipple. Knowing the type of breast reduction that was performed is helpful in minimizing risks.  
David L. Abramson, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+2

Risks of second breast reduction

HI, As long as your plastic surgeon knows the exact technique used in the previous surgery, then he can take into account the altered blood supply to the nipple. So, for instance, you state that you had a previous superior pedicle technique. It is important that he use the same techniques to preserve the nipple blood supply . To just alter the shape of the areola is not very risky since it only involves removal of skin and resuturing. You might also want to ask him about... more
Daniel A. Medalie, MD

Cleveland Plastic Surgeon
+1

Second Breast Reduction

Thank you for the question. It sounds like you are aware of the potential conflict of supply when a redo breast reduction is performed. The concern is related to blood flow to the remaining breast tissue; is important to perform the operation in such a fashion that the blood flow to the nipple/areola/breast tissue is not compromised. The part of the tissue that is left in place after breast reduction surgery is called the “pedicle"; this segment of... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Risks associated with a second breast reduction

The biggest risks from performing a second breast reduction is loss of the nipple-areola complex and or of a significant amount of breast tissue due to interruption of blood supply. Given that you already know which technique was employed, your risks for these will be decreased as long as your plastic surgeon is experienced and takes this into account when performing the reduction. It would not even be unreasonable to seek out the plastic surgeon who performed your original surgery. more
Steven Turkeltaub, MD

Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon

www.turkeltaub.com

Ask a question