I Have Very Dense Fibrocystic Breasts (34E) and I Am Considering a Breast Reduction - What Are the Risks if Any?

Question

Frank Lista, MD · Answer

Every operation has risks and potential complications. Having dense breasts does not increase the risks associated with breast reduction. Risks and complications are rare with breast reduction. Most patients have no problems with breast reduction surgery. Risks include:

	
		Infection
	
		bleeding
	
		scarring
	
		asymmetry
	
		injury to the nipple
	
		inability to breast feed
	
		decreased sensation


	There are other even more rare risks but these, and all risks, are unusual. Most patients say that breast reduction is the best thing that ever happened to them.

	Good luck with your surgery.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Breast reductions can de done in fibrocystic patients and complications are the same, including hematoma, seroma, infection, scarring, asymmetry, inadequate or excessive volume removal, inadequate elevation and insifficient upper pole fullness.

	Best of Luck,

	Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Based on your description you may be a good candidate for breast reduction surgery; it tends to be one of the most patient pleasing operations we  perform.

	Some of the risks/potential complications associated with breast reduction surgery include:  infection, bleeding, seroma, hematoma, wound healing problems, abnormal scarring ( hypertrophic or keloid),  loss of sensation, inability to breast-feed, breast asymmetry, necrosis of tissue or skin,  unsatisfactory cosmetic results, unpredictability of exact cup size postoperatively,  recurrence of the breast hypertrophy, and the potential for further surgery.  other risks  related to surgery in general include deep venous thrombosis (clots),  pulmonary embolism, pneumonia  and even death.

	Fortunately, the majority of patients who undergo this procedure by well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons and board certified anesthesiologists do very well and complications tend  to be relatively minor and treatable. The severe complications are rare.

	I hope this helps.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Breast density is not a contraindication to breast reduction and does not present risks in itself.  I recommend that patents with breast density who are over 35 undergo a screening mammography prior to surgery and send all tissue excised for pathologic analysis.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Breast reduction when indicated can certainly be performed in women with dense breasts.  A proper evaluation is in order.

I Have Very Dense Fibrocystic Breasts (34E) and I Am Considering a Breast Reduction - What Are the Risks if Any?

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I Have Very Dense Fibrocystic Breasts (34E) and I Am Considering a Breast Reduction - What Are the Risks if Any?

Answers (6)

Answer: Dense breasts and reduction

Answer: Dense breasts and reduction

Answer: Breast reduction in dense breasts

Answer: Breast reduction in dense breasts

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.