Breast Reduction Complications

The best candidate for breast reduction surgery is someone who is not only mindful of the benefits reduction mammaplasty can provide, but is also aware of the limitations and inherent risks of the cosmetic surgery procedure. Patients who, in open communication with their surgeons, discuss breast reduction complications and potential problems usually experience satisfying results and have more realistic expectations for their recovery.

Potential Breast Reduction Surgery Problems

All surgical procedures, including breast reduction, pose possible health complications and post-recovery cosmetic risks. Although serious breast reduction complications are a rare occurrence, no surgeon can guarantee a breast reduction without problems. In addition to specific breast reduction risks, potential problems include poor reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, and hematoma.

Poor Reaction to Anesthesia

In most cases, breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Because of this, there is the potential for respiratory complications and other serious breast reduction problems caused by a poor reaction to anesthesia. It is important for patients to discuss the possible hazards of general anesthesia with their surgeon and anesthesiologist.

Bleeding

As with all surgeries, breast reduction complications include bleeding in and around the surgical area. Minor bleeding is a normal side effect and should not be a concern. However, there is a chance of excessive bleeding due to blood not properly clotting. During the initial consultation, the surgeon should advise the patient of steps to take to reduce possible blood-related breast reduction problems.

Infection

Common breast reduction complications involve infections and delayed healing. The risk of infections can be minimized by washing the breast area, especially the incision sites, with antibacterial soap. If an infection does develop, a patient should contact the surgeon's practice for medical advice.

Hematoma

Hematomas can be serious breast reduction problems. A collection of blood in a body cavity, a hematoma may cause pain, infections, scar tissue, or other issues. A sudden change in color or contour of your breast is a warning that you may be developing a hematoma. Patients with this possible breast reduction complication should contact their physician immediately.

Breast Reduction Scars – Are They Permanent?

The most common breast reduction complications are the scars left behind by the procedure. Depending on the method used during surgery, breast reduction scars can range from a small scar near the underarm for liposuction-only breast reduction procedures to anchor-shaped scars running from the nipple to the bottom of the breast. Healthy, non-smoking patients will usually heal faster than patients with more health complications, but breast reduction scars are more or less permanent either way. Within a year, however, most breast reduction scars will fade until they are barely noticeable, and all scars will be hidden underneath a bra or a bathing suit, even allowing patients to wear low-cut tops.

Visit the DocShop gallery to view more breast reduction before and after photos.

Photo credit: James P. Wire, MD

Learn More about Breast Reduction Complications

To gain a full understanding of potential breast reduction complications and problems, speak with a qualified plastic surgeon that can capably assess your situation. Find a qualified cosmetic surgeon today to learn more.