Risk Of Death During Breast Reduction

Risks are related to your health, the surgical facility, the surgeon performing the procedure, and the procedure you’re undergoing. If you’re healthy, your risks of surgery should be low.

If you undergo surgery in a certified facility, then again, your risks should be low. Provided you’re having your surgery performed by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, again, your risks should be low. Lastly, the risks of breast reduction are mostly appearance and healing related.

The overall risk of death from a breast reduction is low for the general population.

My best recommendation to help you assess your individual risks from surgery would be to schedule a consultation with a few plastic surgeons in your area.

How Patients Can Minimize Their Risks

An excellent place to start your search is the American Board of Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and last but not least, your local/regional plastic surgery societies (the Utah Plastic Surgery Society is my local society, for example). (Brian K. Brzowski, MD, FACS, Ogden Plastic Surgeon)

Low risk of death with breast reduction

In general, the risk of death with a breast reduction is extremely low. Factors that could affect your risk include extreme obesity, significant heart disease, and several others. I advise my patients that the risk of death with surgery is lower than the risk of death driving home from the consultation.

You should certainly discuss your health status with your surgeon. If there are concerns, an evaluation by your internist or regular doctor may help to put you at ease and maximize the chances for a smooth recovery. (Andres Taleisnik, MD, Orange County Plastic Surgeon)

What You Need To Know If You Considering Breast Reduction

Very low risk

While no medical procedure is risk free, the likelihood that you would die from a breast reduction is very low. I have been doing breast reductions for 26 years and do 50 to 70 of them a year and have not had a single patient with a serious medical issue afterward.

More common are healing issues, especially along the inframammary fold. (Scott Tucker, MD, Winston Salem Plastic Surgeon)

Death during breast reduction

While there is a risk of death, the risk is small in comparison to auto accidents. Moreover, you would have a dramatically smaller risk if you have the surgery at a center that is nationally accredited. (Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS, West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon)

With Any Surgery, There Is Inherent Risk To Going Under Anesthesia

Death is on the list, but very much at the bottom. If you are healthy and you primary doctor clear you for surgery you should do well (Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS, Nashville Plastic Surgeon)

Yes, of course there is a risk. But put it in perspective. IF you are healthy with no surgical risk factors, you are about 50 times more likely to die in an auto accident than in surgery. (Ronald V. DeMars, MD, Portland Plastic Surgeon)
Provided you are healthy, your plastic surgeon is board certified and has experience performing the surgery, the anesthesia provider is reputable, and the facility is properly equipped for the surgery you should do just fine! (Kathy Rumer, DO, Philadelphia Plastic Surgeon)

Assuming you are healthy and have surgery in a proper facility, the risk of a seroius complication after breast reduction is rare, death is extremely rare. (Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS, Chicago Plastic Surgeon)