Can you die from a breast reduction surgery?

Question

I want to get the breast reduction surgery due to constant embarrassment of myself and unable to wear clothes I like. I cant even swim. And I have back pains. I've always had big breasts.

Steve Merten, FRACS - Account Suspended · Answer

All surgeries carry risks, but in health patients having elective surgery like breast reduction, the risk of death is extremely low, and relates to very rare anaesthetic problems, such as severe allergies. This is around 1 in 60 000.If you have major symptoms related to your heavy breast, in the long term this is going to be more damaging to your health than the likelihood of death during anaesthetics.Regards, Dr Steve Merten, Sydney

Damien Grinsell MBBS, FRACS (Plast) · Answer

hi. If you are fit and well the risk of dying is about 1 in 100 000. This is less likely than dying on the roads when you travel. It is extremely rare and should not put you off having surgery. CheersDamien

Richard Zinn, MBChB, MMED, FRACS · Answer

Hi there.
Thank you for the question.  As with all plastic surgery procedures, there is a very small risk of death following breast reduction surgery (probably 1 in 35.000).  This relates to anaesthetic complications as well as mainly DVT/Pulmonary embolism.

There are other surgical complications to beware of. Early complications include:
Pain, bleeding, infection, wound breakdown, return to theatre and nipple loss

Later complications include:
scarring, asymmetry, loss of nipple sensation, inability to breastfeed, not small enough, aesthetic dissatisfaction, recurrence of large breasts, incidental finding of a tumour.

Other general complications may include nausea and vomiting, anaemia, DVT and pulmonary embolism.

I always tell my patients surgery is serious (it's not a haircut!) but we do this all day and we have become very good at reducing compilation and optimizing patient satisfaction.  Infact, breast reductions are probably my most satisfied group of patients.

All the best.
Richard

Susan Buenaventura, MD, FACS · Answer

Death is a possible risk with any surgery and anesthesia, but surgeons and anesthesiologists work together to be sure you are a healthy candidate for surgery.   Your primary care doctor will also be involved in this process.  You don't give your age or health conditions but these are important.   Breast reduction surgery is wonderful and changes women's lives!   Go and see an ASPS plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns and get information in person.    I have done breast reductions from age 16 to 75!    If you are overweight, start exercising and eating healthy, if you smoke, quit.  Get in to see your primary care doctor to see if they have any concerns with you undergoing general anesthesia (would be about 5 hours).  Good luck to you.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Based on your description of breast size, you will likely be an excellent candidate for breast reduction surgery; this operation tends to be one of the most patient using operations we perform. Of course, every operation carries risks that you should be aware of and should consider carefully as you make your decisions, whether or not to proceed.

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 vast 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.

Specifically to your questions, the majority of patients who undergo breast reduction surgery will be able to breast-feed and will have sensation afterwards.

Based on your description, I think that it is very likely that you will undergo breast reduction surgery at some point; timing of the surgery will likely be one of the main factors in your decision making.  When the time is right, select your plastic surgeon carefully and communicate goals carefully as well.

Most patients wish to achieve enough of a reduction to help with their symptoms while remaining proportionate with the remainder of their torso.  With the goal of improving communication with my patients I find the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) very helpful.  For example, I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or “B or C cup” means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful. Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate.

Best wishes.

Jorge Jiménez Toribio, MD · Answer

Hi dear.. Thank you for your question!These types of risks are present at any surgery if the work is not properly done. This is why it is necessary to have previous guidelines and protocols to follow before and after performing any procedure in a patient. I'd suggest consulting a board certified plastic surgeon to ensure your safety and to get a close assessment of your case in order to avoid further complications and get excellent results.Good luck and hope this helps!Dr. Jiménez Toribio Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.

Jeffrey C. Hamm, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
The risk of death during or after breast reduction surgery is extremely small. I have never seen nor have heard of a death resulting from the procedure, although I am sure that there are rare cases.
There are complications of which to be aware: bleeding, infection, abnormal scarring, inability to breast feed, breast asymmetry, loss of tissue / skin, risk of anesthesia, pulmonary embolism, etc., but the risk of serious complication is less than the risk of driving in your car!
Discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon.
Best wishes...

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