What is the chance of dying while getting a breast reduction?

Question

What is the chance of dying while getting a breast reduction? Healthy 43 year old here and major anxiety about going under and I have a 1 year old. This surgery would significantly improve my day to day life.

Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHS · Answer

Safety is the number one priority! 
The chances of dying during a breast reduction surgery are very low, especially for someone who is healthy. In fact, the risk of death from surgery is far less than the risk of being involved in a car accident. While general anesthesia always carries some inherent risk, it is extremely rare for any major complications to occur, especially in healthy patients. It's important to remember that surgeons and anesthesiologists take every precaution to ensure your safety during the procedure. Typically, before any elective surgery, you'll be asked to undergo a physical examination, lab tests, and possibly an EKG to ensure you are healthy enough for the procedure. 
Breast reduction is a routine, safe procedure with very low complication rates, and the benefits such as relieving back pain, improving mobility, and boosting self-esteem can significantly improve your quality of life.
If you have anxiety, it's a good idea to discuss your concerns with both your surgeon and anesthesiologist so you feel reassured and confident going into the surgery.
Best wishes!
Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHSHarvard, Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Trained Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonNew York, New York

Michal Brichacek, MD · Answer

Very unlikely, but not zero. I always tell patients that surgery is a lot like driving a car. Every time your drive your car, you could get in a terrible car accident, but it isn't something that you worry about. You put on your seat belt, make sure your brakes are working, and drive your car. Surgery is very much the same way. We take all the precautions to keep your safe and make sure you are otherwise healthy, but every surgery carries some risk.

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

Speaking in generalities and not knowing any medical history, the risk of general anesthesia is very low. So low, in fact, that most women are at a higher risk of death from a motor vehicle collision on the way to surgery in the morning than while under general anesthesia. While having surgery is always scary, in my opinion you should not forego surgery that will greatly and positively impact your life only to avoid extremely unlikely anesthetic or surgical complications.

Tommaso Addona, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
Breast reductions are done frequently and are considered a relatively safe procedure. With any elective procedure, you will be required to acquire medical clearance from your medical doctor to ensure that your body will tolerate the procedure and anesthesia. If there is any doubt, you will likely not be cleared for the operation. With anesthesia, there is always risk; however, you will have a board certified anesthesiologist there to ensure that everything goes well. I recommend speaking to a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns.

Jeffrey Lisiecki, MD · Answer

If you are not elderly and are medically healthy otherwise, the risks of dying during an elective operation are very, very low. You probably do much riskier things (like driving a car) all the time without thinking about it. Speak to your surgeon and anesthesiologist about your individual case, of course, but yes the quality of life improvements after a breast reduction can be tremendous!

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Breast reduction surgeries take between 2 to 4 hours and they are performed under general anaesthesia. These kinds of surgeries are considered safe but just like any surgical procedure, it is not possible to foresee all complications. Every surgery even pulling a wisdom tooth has risks. It is a personal choice and you will make the final decision about risk versus gain. As doctors, we do everything we can to eliminate these risks. Thank you and have a nice day.

Christopher Pannucci, MD, MS · Answer

Hi Ddd999,
General anesthesia, when performed by a qualified provider, is safe and reliable. Your anesthesia provider could likely provide a number to answer your question, and that number will be a fraction of a fraction of a percent.
For context, I have had five people get into car accidents on the way to see me in clinic over the years, one of whom totaled her car and ended up in the ICU. There are everyday dangers that we understand and accept, even though the risk is low.
For you, the important consideration is to balance the fact that "this surgery would significantly improve my day to day life" (your words) with the (low) risk of complications (which should be discussed with your provider). 
Hope this helps!
Best,Christopher Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, WA

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I tell patients that your chances of dying when you drive a car are far greater than dying having a breast reduction. I understand the anxiety people have with surgery. I would have it too. But assuming your surgeon and anesthesiologist are good, then chance of hitting the lottery is better than you dying under anesthesia

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Ddd999,
every surgery has the potential risk of complications including death. However, that risk is very very low. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Shana Kalaria, MD · Answer

Your chances of dying during a breast reduction are lower than dying while driving a car. You are healthy and have no predictable problems with general anesthesia. Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon. Good luck!

What is the chance of dying while getting a breast reduction?

Answers (14)

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