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Breast Reduction -
Potential Complications
This is a routine operation that is a great success for the vast majority of woman. However, it is very important you understand what can go wrong as well as right with an operation. With breast reduction the potential problems are listed.
Nipple loss: This is very uncommon (<0.5%) and occurs from the blood supply to the nipple being stopped in the ‘tongue’ of tissue normally keeping it alive. If occurs the nipple will be lost and be replaced by a scar. Although rare in any patient the risks are increased by smoking, obesity, old age and surgery for massive breasts. If you fit into this category Mr. McCulley will discuss potential alternative surgical techniques to avoid it.
Loss or altered nipple sensation: About 20% chance. Could happen one side and not the other. The risk increases in surgery for very large breasts.
Remaining asymmetry: Most women have different sized breasts and the chances are surgery will improve symmetry. However, it is possible one breast or nipple is marginally different to the other side after surgery.
Scars: Patients vary in the quality of scars they produce.
Wound breakdown: Breast reduction can have problems with wound healing, especially in the area of the breast crease. This occurs in about 4% patients and takes a number of weeks to heal in.
Bleeding: A blood clot can collect in the breast needing you to go back to theatre for its removal. If to occur this will be within the first 24 hours. Occurs in approximately 1%.
Breast feeding: About 50% women are still able to breast feed after breast reduction
Infection: Quite uncommon but if occurs you will need a course of antibiotics.
General operation risks: Chest infections, Blood clots in the leg or lung (DVT or PE)
