Reduction Mammoplasty Complications

Breast reduction surgery is a pretty safe procedure. There are common and rare complications.

This includes, asymmetry, unfavorable scarring, hematoma, seroma formation, fat necrosis, skin flap loss, nipple loss, and need to have additional surgery to name a few.

Breast reduction complications are uncommon

Breast reduction is very safe procedure and carries relatively low risks. The usual surgical risks are present, bleeding, infection, poor scaring, however the procedure and recovery most often go very smoothly.

Over the past seven years we have performed many more short scar reduction procedures which improves the recovery.

Bad Scar Healing

Also patients do not stay over in the hospital, all go home directly, and we no longer use any drains which made the procedure unpleasant.

There are two risks which we do address concerning reduction.

One is sensation within the breast and nipple. Most patients do not lose nipple sensation though some may to a degree.

The second is breast feeding. Most patients will lactate after reduction, though breast milk us usually limited such that supplementation is required. (Peter E. Johnson, MD, Chicago Plastic Surgeon)

First, there are the complications after any surgery: bleeding, infection, unsatisfactory scars, skin sensation or color change, dimples, ridges, irregularities, subcutaneous firmness, asymmetry, need for re-operation, or more serious complications including, but not limited to, heart attack, stroke, blod clot, or even death.

After telling patients this “heavy” list, I usually pause, take a breath, and add “You could also be hit by a bus before having your surgery and then you won’t look good at the funeral home.”

Bleeding

A little lightening to a serious topic. Specifically to breast reduction, I add the potential for skin loss or nipple/areola loss requiring prolonged bandages, skin graft, or additional revisional surgery, but this occurs mostly (but not always) in smokers.

Do NOT have breast reduction, breast lift, facelift, or abdominoplasty (to name a few) if you continue to smoke, use tobacco in any form, or even use nicotine patches, spray, gum, or have exposure to second-hand smoke.

This can cause irreversible loss of circulation in the healing skin, and the most sensitive areas can die, requiring the above list of re-dos.

Also, there is about 15% chance of losing nipple/areola sensation, which is not a failing of the surgeon or technique, but related to the patient’s anatomy.

Blood Clots

This must be understood and accepted prior to agreeing to this surgery. All this being said, breast reduction surgery is excellent in the hands of a well-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in this procedure. (Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS, Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon)

Some of the risks and side effect that may result due to Breast Reduction include are:

  • Permanent loss of feeling of the nipples
  • Permanent scarring
  • Reaction to anesthesia
  • Infection
  • Delayed healing requiring dressings
  • Problems with nursing
  • Regrowth of excess breast tissue or drooping

To reduce your chances of any problems, choose a board certified plastic surgeon and be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

It is important that you are open and honest with your surgeon about any and all medical information. (Paul C. Zwiebel, MD, Denver Plastic Surgeon)

Breast Reduction Infection Image

Most serious complications with any procedure requiring general anesthesia are the risks of anesthesia and blood clots which can lead to pulmonary emboli and death. There is also risks of poor scarring, bleeding and infection which may require re operation.

Because tissue is being removed there is also risk of skin loss, open wounds and nipple loss. Ensure you go to a qualified surgeon who can handle these risks if they should arise. (Sharon Theresa McLaughlin MD, Long Island City Plastic Surgeon)

Potential Risks with Breast Reduction Surgery

Here are some of the potential risks that come with breast reduction surgery: unfavorable scarring, infection, changes in nipple or breast sensation, which may be temporary or permanent, risk related to anesthesia, 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. (Siamak Agha, MD, PhD, FACS, Orange County Plastic Surgeon)

Breast Reduction Infection Incision

Breast reduction risks

There are risks associated with every surgery. The risk to benefit ratio for breast reduction surgery, however, is quite favorable. Most patients get immediate relief of symptoms such as midscapular back pain, bra strap grooving, headache, neck ache and a recurrent rash beneath the breast.

Generally, the complications are few and require little treatment. These include infection, bleeding, poor scar formation, asymmetry, need for revision surgery, loss of sensation of the breast or nipple, nipple necrosis (death), inabliity to lactate or breast feed, and no guarantee of cup size.

The recovery has become more simple as many surgeons no longer use drains. Generally, patients are discharged the day of surgery or the following day and can return to most activity within 2-3 weeks.

Breast Reduction Surgery Infection Photos

There are many risks associated with reduction mammoplasty. Fortunately, complications of any kind are rare, and the likelihood of a significant complication is low.

However, there are risks with this, as with all, surgical procedures. (Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS, New York Plastic Surgeon)

Breast Reduction safe but has potential complications like every operation

Breast Reduction is an EXTREMELY safe operation and is done thousands upon thousands of times every day across the world.

Breast Reduction Complications Pictures:

Like EVERY operation it has potential complications most of which are seen in less than 2% of people; Among the complications are: Anesthesia complications, bleeding, infection, ugly scars, loss of nipple sensation, asymmetry, wound separation, nipple death (in very large fat necrosis, or when areas of the breast fat lose their blood supply and drain spontaneously for a few weeks), among others. (Peter A. Aldea, MD, Memphis Plastic Surgeon)