“What are some of the possible side effects to a breast reduction surgery?”

This procedure is generally very safe and patients generally are very happy with their overall results. However, like any other procedure, this surgery is not without complications such as numbness, tissue loss, delayed healing, asymmetries, etc.

First, Breast Reduction patients are some of my happiest patients. I have never had a person regret having a breast reduction only regret waiting so long.
Risks may include: infection, bleeding, scars, sensory changes of the nipple, asymmetry, need for revision and depending how the procedure is performed might impact on the ability to breast feed (this is procedure dependent).

Studies have shown that breast reduction surgery is one of the most satisfying plastic surgery procedures performed. You may feel a great relief from your back pain. Like with any surgery, there are potential risks and complications. These can include complications with anesthesia, excessive bleeding during the procedure, infection, long term pain, loss of skin and nipple sensation, fat necrosis, skin necrosis, hematoma, large hypertrophic scars, asymmetry, and undesirable shape, difficulty with future breast feeding, continued back pain, blood clots, pulmonary embolus, etc. Some of these problems may require further treatments or surgery for corrections. It is best to seek a board certified plastic surgeon who is well versed in doing breast surgeries and performs these in certified operating rooms. This will assure you that you will be in the best care, to be safe, and to achieve the best results.

When considering breast reduction surgery, you should consider the possible side effects. When you are a smoker, these complications are more severe and frequent then with your nonsmoker colleagues. Our advice is to quit smoking 14 days before and after surgery. Possible side effects are:

*infection
*bleeding (hematoma)
*skin necrosis
*nipple necrosis
*asymmetry

Pain (usually less than 2 weeks), scarring, asymmetry, need for further surgery, rarely infection or numbness.

Thank you for your inquiry. Breast reduction is one of the most satisfying procedures for patients. Most will say they should have considered it sooner. Side effects can consist of change in sensation, poor scars, residual or recurrent hypertrophy, inability to breast feed although most will be able to, and asymmetry of the size, shape, or nipple position.

Dr. Yuan

Possible side effects include asymmetry, infection, bleeding, scarring, numbness of the breast/her nipples, or unsatisfactory results.

This is a great surgery for those that need it. Risks are minimal for someone in generally good health. The patient usually feels immediate relief from the weight and discomfort. It’s a 2-hour surgery that folks usually get back to normal daily living within a few days.

Good question. Most breast reductions go well and there is a very high patient satisfaction rate. Like with any surgery there can be bleeding, blood or body fluid collection in a pocket,infection, suture lines may open, numbness of the nipple.and or areola or large breast areas, very rarely parts of the breast tissue may necrose,fatty tissue may necrose creating hard areas within the breast,painful areas. I’ll repeat again complications are rare. Patients that are at increased risk may be diabetic, obese, hypertensive,smokers, have coagulation problems or very large breasts. You should seek the advise of a Plastic Surgeon

Thank you for this question that many women struggle with. Like other elective surgeries, there are potential complications, though rare. Bleeding, infection, scarring, nerve injury, or loss of tissue due to poor circulation can occur. Many complications are minor and can be dealt with. Others are more serious such as a blood clot in the leg or pulmonary embolism. Many of these complications can be avoided by having a proper consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon. On the positive side, my breast reduction patients are some of the most happy patients in my practice.

The decision to have breast reduction surgery is extremely personal. You will have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks of breast reduction surgery and potential complications are acceptable. Your plastic surgeon and/or plastic surgery 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. Possible breast reduction surgery 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 revision surgery

You should know that:

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

The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single breast reduction procedure and another surgery may be necessary.

The most common side effect is joy. You love not having huge breasts to carry along and put pressure on your neck and back. Like all plastic surgery, complications can occur - but usually not often. Bleeding, or a collection of blood or an infection are the most common, but rarely happen. Speak to your doctor for a full explanation of all possibilities.