PROCEDURES: BREAST REDUCTION: SURGERY UNCERTAINTY AND RISKS

The decision to have breast reduction surgery is extremely personal and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable.

Your plastic surgeon and/or staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks or potential complications.

The risks include:

Unfavorable scarring
Infection
Changes in nipple or breast sensation, which may be temporary or permanent
Anesthesia risks
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

You should know that:

Breast reduction surgery can interfere with certain diagnostic procedures
Breast and nipple piercing can cause an infection
Your ability to breastfeed following reduction mammaplasty may be limited; talk to your doctor if you are planning to nurse a baby
The procedure can be performed at any age, but is best done when your breasts are fully developed
Changes in the breasts during pregnancy can alter the outcomes of previous breast reduction surgery, as can significant weight fluctuations