What is the chance of dying during breast reduction surgery?

As we consider breast reduction a safe surgery, there is always a risk of complications with any procedure including simple ones such as wisdom tooth removal. However, losing a patient is an extremely small chance. With that said, your mother has chronic ilnesses such as asthma and hypertension. Therefore, all clear from her doctor is a must before any plastic surgery. Best of luck.

The risk of death from this procedure is so low that it is difficult to quantify. If her problems are well managed and she does not have any restrictions on activities of daily living, she is likely a candidate if cleared by the pulmonologist. I would ask them to clarify moderate risk vs low risk. Typically even people with well managed disease will be low risk, so if there are additional precautions that need to be taken she should have her pulmonologist specify this.

Thanks for your question! As long as all of her testing and clearances come back okay, then she should be fine. There is risk with any surgery, but as long as necessary precautions are being taken, I'm sure she will be fine. Good luck!

Hello,

Thank you for the question.

Based on your mother's current Weight, her BMI is probably over 40.

Ideally, in order to undergo elective surgery, your BMI should be closer to 35 in order minimize the risk of post-operative complications.

It is safest to lose additional weight prior to surgery, as it will also give her a better cosmetic result and minimize the risk of wound healing complications. The risk of dying during breast reduction surgery is very low.

I would encourage for you to have an in-person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to further discuss your options and concerns.

I hope this helps.
Best regards, Dr. Karanetz

Dr. Irena Karanetz
Breat Fellowship-Trained
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Even with the medical issues you provide the risk of death from breast reduction is extremely low. Modern anesthesia and surgery are extremely safe. However weight loss and preoperative control of hypertension are very important

Your mother needs to be cleared medically. She will need to be cleared by her cardiologist as well as her pulmonologist. Certainly, at 120 kgs she is at an increased risks for complications which can include death. She needs to get her weight under control prior to surgery.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Breast reduction operations are usually beneficial for the patient's lung health since the extra pressure causes stress in the area would be relieved as a result of such an operation. These types of operations are usually not deathly if they are performed in a well equipped hospital under the right conditions.

The risks of death from a breast reduction is very low. Her biggest risk might be pulmonary. If her pulmonologist clears her for surgery and she is scheduled for an overnight stay to watch for any breathing issues like asthma, she should do well. She might be a candidate for liposuction just to make her smaller, but no lift is done. Liposuction is less invasive and a shorter procedure.

The risk of dying from a breast reduction is very low. The surgeon and anesthesiologist will review each patient's medical history to determine if they are a good candidate for surgery. Being at or close to your ideal weight, in general good health with any medical conditions being well controlled is best. I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your mom and if she is agreeable, with her surgeon.

Breast reduction surgery is quite safe in healthy people. Your mom is not! ASA 3 should be done in the hospital.

The likelihood is that she will be fine.