Is fat necrosis after breast reduction common?

Necrosis of the breast tissue, breast envelope and/or incision line is very rare.  Some of the studies report 2.5%.  A history of smoking, circulation problems, diabetes, and compromised wound healing abilities increase these risks.Based upon your age, the fact that you do not smoke, and have no health issues, you have no reason to be concerned about this issue.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

As noted below, fat necrosis is fairly uncommon after breast reduction in an otherwise healthy non smoking person. Obviously as a patient increases their risk factors the chance of complications increases. If concerned then please discuss with your chosen board certified plastic surgeon.

Fat necrosis after breast reduction is infrequent and is associated with a very large breast size, the technique, and certain risk factors such as smoking and diabetes. It presents itself as a firm lump in the breast which otherwise heals without issue. The area can be removed if troublesome or tender. We do not see this issue with younger and healthier individuals and not with the vertical or short scar reduction which might be suitable for your breast size and goal.

Hello and thank you for your excellent question. Fat necrosis after a breast reduction can happen, but it is infrequent provided that proper technique is utilized. In addition, a patient can minimize her risk of developing fat necrosis by maintaining good health, and avoiding adverse behaviors such as smoking after surgery. Of course, you will need an in-person consultation to
evaluate you for this procedure. Preoperative visualization and surgical
simulation with the Crisalix system may help with your decision. I suggest that
you find a board-certified plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be
sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with
your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of patients who have had
similar procedures. Good luck!
Best,
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS
Harvard educated plastic surgeon
Texas “Top Doc