Breast Reduction Side Effects and Warnings

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have a breast reduction, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

• Infection

• Bleeding and bruising

• Possible loss of sensation to the breast, nipple, and/or areola

• Possible loss of ability to breast feed

• Asymmetry between breasts

• Limited arm and/or shoulder movement

• Delayed wound healing

• Scarring

• Fluid or blood-filled cysts may develop in the healing breast tissue

• Loss of nipple, areola, skin, or breast tissue due to change in blood supply

Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

• Obesity

• Smoking, alcohol abuse , or drug use

• Diabetes

• Prior radiation to the breast area

• Poor nutrition

Call Your Doctor

After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills

• Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or any discharge from the incision site in the operated breasts

• Nausea and/or vomiting that you cannot control with the medicines you were given after surgery, or which persist for more than two days after discharge from the hospital

• Pain that you cannot control with the medicines you have been given

• Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain

• Pain or swelling in your calves, legs, or feet

• You have concerns about the size and/or shape of your breasts

• Fluid or blood collecting in either breast

• Any pain or stiffness when moving your arm

In case of an emergency, call 911.