What are the risks associated with breast reduction?
Fortunately, significant complications from breast reduction surgery are rare and the satisfaction rate with these procedures is high. You should discuss the risks and potential complications with your aesthetic plastic surgeon during your consultation and after your procedure to ensure you are on the right track to recovery.
All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Some of the potential complications of all surgeries are:
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Hematoma or seroma (an accumulation of blood or fluid under the skin that may require removal)
- Infection and bleeding
- Changes in sensation
- Scarring
- Allergic reactions
- Damage to underlying structures
- Unsatisfactory results that may necessitate additional procedures
Other risks specific to a breast reduction are:
- Numbness in the nipples and areola areas, which is usually temporary but can be permanent for some
- Uneven breast shape or size if there are complications
- Damage to the nipples in the rare case that blood flow is cut off
- Difficulty breastfeeding if you have a child after your surgery
The overall complication rate is small if the operation is done by an experienced aesthetic plastic surgeon operating in an accredited facility. You can help minimize breast lift risks by following your board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeon’s advice and instructions before and after your surgery.