Breast reduction recovery

I want to have a breast reduction surgery, but after seeing pictures of patients whose operation went very wrong, I got worried and discouraged. Why do some patients who have breast reduction surgery end up with dead tissue and really awful wounds? How can you prevent that? Is it the doctor's fault? If the operation goes great and the patient follows the post operation treatment correctly, can still this happen? If the doctor I'm seeing is a member of the ISAPS, can I be assured that he won't do anything wrong? Please, I'm really really worried.

Sort: Date | Helpful
7 answers to “Breast reduction recovery”

A: Breast reduction recovery

William  Bruno, MD

Most patients do quite well after a breast reduction procedure. The surgery involves removing breast tissue, fatty tissue and skin with no involvement of the muscle, which makes for a relatively smooth recovery. Most patients will take 3-4 days off work, during which time they will take narcotics before... more

A: breast reduction on properly selected patients not prone to disasters

W. Tracy Hankins, MD

I have found breast reduction on properly selected patients to be one of the most satisfied of all my post-operative patients.  I do not perform the operation on smokers, perform short-scar breast reduction on small to medium reductions and wise pattern or "anchor scar" for larger reductions... more

A: Management of risks and complications in breast reduction surgery

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD

With all plastic surgical procedures you will be able to find a few disasters.  No plastic surgeon wants this to happen.  We use our best efforts to select appropriate candidates for the procedure.  The ability to determine risk and avoid potential complications is what surgery is all about... more

A: Breast Reduction Benefits

John Whitt, MD

Patients who have reductions are almost universally pleased in my experience.  Smoking is one big problem with healing, otherwise most patients have minimal if any problems.  You should be more concerned with membership in ASAPS ans ASPS than ISAPS.

A: Complications occur in the best of hands with the best of surgery.

William B. Rosenblatt, MD

Just look at the statistics -- almost 90% of patients who comment here think that a reduction was worth it. In my practice it is closer to 99%. Sometimes complications can occur. You need to have an honest open conversation with your doctor and have all of your questions answered. It is terrific surgery.

A: Multiple reasons

John P. Stratis, MD

Breast reduction surgery is very common and any major complications are low. The wound problems you are seeing can be minimized decreasing the amount of breast tissue that is removed, no smoking for three months before and 1 mo after the surgery. Even under the most expert hands problems with wound healing can... more

A: Breast reduction is safe, but not perfect

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

All plastic surgeons can have a very bad result from an operation that is ordinarily safe and effective. It's part of the uncertainty of life. However, the vast majority of breast reductions patients heal uneventfully and love their results. Now, patient selection and choice of procedure is critical. Women... more

Post your question
IMPORTANT: As noted in our Terms of Service, the information found on RealSelf.com, including that provided by professionals in the Questions & Answers area, is a general educational aid. The Questions and Answers contain opinions and views created by community members. RealSelf.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any information posted by community members. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical or healthcare advice, or for diagnosis or treatment purposes.