What risks and complications could I be facing from having breast reduction surgery?

#BreastReduction is performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient operation. The vast majority of our patients tell us that there was far less discomfort in the early recovery period than was anticipated. 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. If you have redness, swelling, drainage or odor, it is important to call the office and speak with the doctor or medical staff. You may need to be seen in the office and evaluated. If the wound becomes separated or you develop a small opening, this again should be evaluated so that appropriate steps can be taken as soon as possible.

Thank you for your question. It is important to familiarize yourself prior to surgery with the potential risk's and complications of breast reduction surgery and the board certified plastic surgeon should review these with you in detail.  Possible risk's and complications may include but are not limited to hematoma, asymmetry, change in nipple sensation, nipple necrosis, unpleasing scar formation, wound breakdown, need for revision surgery, the loss for the ability to breast feed and general surgery complications like a DVT,PE and associated risk's with general anesthesia. It is important to seek out a board certified provider with great experience in breast surgery.Best wishes,Franziska Huettner

Thank you for your question. Scaring is a normal side effect of breast reduction surgery. These scars will fade over time but will never completely disappear. However, your doctor may have scar screams as an option. They can be made worse if you lift heavy objects too soon after surgery. In rare cases, some people have certain complications, such as problems in healing of the nipple area. You also have the risks of infection if you do not keep incisions clean. Just be sure to follow all of your surgeons post care instructions. Best of luck!Dhaval M. Patel Double board certifiedPlastic surgeonHoffman EstatesBarringtonOakbrookChicago

Risks associated with breast reduction:infectionanesthesia riskshematoma/seromablood clotsasymmetrynipple sensation changes (numbness or increase in sensation)wound separationnecrosis

         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. This procedure results in alleviation of symptoms
and an improved quality of life.

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.

There are multiple possible complications to a breast reduction.  Fortunately, most patients have a very pleasant experience and are very happy with their results.  However, the possible complications include:  Nipple/areolar and skin sensation changes, asymmetry, scars, keloids, infection, fat necrosis, and others.

Breast reduction carries the usual surgical risks of infection, bleeding, and complications of anesthesia. On rare occasions, there may be a slight difference in size from one breast to the other, or the nipple-areola complex will have some differences. For most breast reduction procedures, there will be incision scars around the nipple-areola complex down to the base of the breast, and along the bottom crease of the breast. Occasionally, sensation in the nipple and breast area is reduced. The feeling may not return for up to six months. Most women having breast reductions are unable to successfully breastfeed although there are exceptions.  However, going to a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who uses an accredited surgery center or hospital, the risk of these complications is minimized.

First, there are the complications after any surgery: bleeding, infection, unsatisfactory scars, skin sensation or color change, dimples, ridges, irregularities, subcutaneous firmness, asymmetry, need for re-operation, or more serious complications including, but not limited to, heart attack, stroke, blod clot, or even death. After telling patients this "heavy" list, I usually pause, take a breath, and add "You could also be hit by a bus before having your surgery and then you won't look good at the funeral home." A little lightening to a serious topic.

Specifically to breast reduction, I add the potential for skin loss or nipple/areola loss requiring prolonged bandages, skin graft, or additional revisional surgery, but this occurs mostly (but not always) in smokers. Do NOT have breast reduction, breast lift, facelift, or abdominoplasty (to name a few) if you continue to smoke, use tobacco in any form, or even use nicotine patches, spray, gum, or have exposure to second-hand smoke. This can cause irreversible loss of circulation in the healing skin, and the most sensitive areas can die, requiring the above list of re-dos. Also, there is about 15% chance of losing nipple/areola sensation, which is not a failing of the surgeon or technique, but related to the patient's anatomy. This must be understood and accepted prior to agreeing to this surgery.

All this being said, breast reduction surgery is excellent in the hands of a well-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in this procedure. Many of my happiest patients are breast reduction patients!

Here are some of the potential risks that come with breast reduction surgery: unfavorable scarring, infection, changes in nipple or breast sensation, which may be temporary or permanent, risk related to anesthesia, bleeding (hematoma), blood clots, poor wound healing, breast contour and shape irregularities, skin discoloration, permanent pigmentation changes, swelling and bruising , damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and lungs can occur and may be temporary or permanent, breast asymmetry, fluid accumulation, excessive firmness of the breast, potential inability to breastfeed, potential loss of skin/tissue of breast where incisions meet each other, potential partial or total loss of nipple and areola, deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications, pain, which may persist , allergies to tape, suture materials and glues, blood products, topical preparations or injectable agents, fatty tissue deep in the skin could die (fat necrosis), possibility of revisional surgery