How Safe is Breast Reduction?

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.

In the United States, breast reduction is a very safe procedure. While complications are possible, they are rare. There are steps you can take to improve your safety. First, your overall health matters. You should be in fairly good shape, not significantly overweight, and in generally good physical health. This reduces the risk of certain complications developing during or after your surgery. You should also choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who has demonstrated competence with breast reduction. Also, I strongly recommend that anesthesia be administered (or supervised by) a board-certified anesthesiologist.  I am firmly opposed to allowing nurse anesthetists care for my patients without supervision by a physician anesthesiologist.  Look at before-and-after photos, read patient reviews online, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. 

Thank you for your question. Fortunately, significant complications from breast reduction are infrequent. Every year thousands of women undergo successful breast reduction surgery, experience no major problems and are pleased with the results. Anyone considering surgery, however, should be aware of both the benefits and the risks.I understand that every surgical procedure has risks, but how will I learn more so that I can make an informed decision?The risks and complications are carefully explained either by the doctor or one of the nurses in the office during your initial consultation or at your preoperative appointment.Some of the potential complications that may be discussed with you include bleeding, infection and reactions to anesthesia.Following reduction, sometimes the breasts may not be perfectly symmetrical or the nipple height may be slightly varied. If desired, minor adjustments can be made at a later time. Permanent loss of sensation in the nipples or breasts may rarely occur. Revisionary surgery is sometimes helpful in certain instances where incisions may have healed poorly. In the unlikely event of injury to or loss of the nipple and areola, they usually can be satisfactorily reconstructed using skin grafts.You can help to lessen certain risks by following the advice and instructions given to you both before and after surgery. Best of luck!Dhaval M. Patel Double board certified Plastic surgeonHoffman EstatesBarringtonOakbrookChicago

Although breast reduction surgery is generally
considered a safe operative procedure, complications can occasionally
occur.The vast majority of
complications are the result of wound healing problems and can usually be managed
without further surgical intervention.Areas
of concern include bleeding, infection, anesthesia problems, seromas, pain,
scarring, asymmetry, fat necrosis, decreased sensation and wound separation.Complications
can be minimized by consulting a board certified plastic surgeon with
experience performing this procedure.In
addition, the procedure should be performed in an accredited facility with a
board certified anesthesiologist in attendance.When these steps are taken the procedure has a low complication
rate.Patients are noted to have
excellent clinical results and high levels of patient satisfaction.

Breast Reduction is a safe and common procedure for the vast majority of patients and so is general anesthesia if you are otherwise in good health and not a smoker.The specific risks and suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are rare. In general there are comlications that apply to surgery just about anywhere such as : excessive bleeding, unsightly scars, pain, fluid collection (seroma) beneath the skin, wound separation, infection,etc.Then there are complications specific to the breast reduction such as: nipple sensation change/loss, fat necrosis (hardening of breast tissue), breast asymmetry, all of which may require revisional surgery.

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 American Board of Plastic Surgery. Ask to speak to a previous patient who has had breast reduction with this doctor. Make sure that the operating room in which you will have the surgery is fully certified and that your anesthesiologist is board certified too. Don't be too scared to look into breast reduction surgery, just be informed about the qualifications of the MDs taking care of you.