Complications & Limitations

As with all surgical procedures, complications can occur. This happens in approximately 8-12% of patients having breast reduction, however these are usually minor and settle without surgical intervention. Smoking, medical conditions and very large breast size can increase these risks.

 

General surgical complications include:

  • Bleeding

  • Infection

  • Haematoma

  • Hypertrophic (prominent) scar

  • Slow healing and skin loss

  • Nipple loss

  • Numbness and sensory change to breasts

  • Reduced breast milk production

  • Fat necrosis (lumpiness)

It’s important to note that:

  • Asymmetry is a normal finding before surgery and will be seen post-operatively in the breast size, shape, nipple position and scar quality.

  • Breast shape will change over time, but will happen earlier with more elastic skin.

  • Weight gain can lead to recurrence of hypertrophy and droop.

  • Revision surgery occurs in 5-10% of patients to improve the overall cosmetic outcome.

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Hospital Stay & Recovery