The possible complications of any operation include an unexpected reaction to the anaesthetic, excessive bleeding or developing a blood clot. Complications specific to breast reduction surgery are described below.
Scarring
The main disadvantage of having breast reduction surgery is that you will be left with permanent scarring. The operation, when done using the anchor technique, leaves three scars:
- one around the nipple (areola)
- one from the nipple to the crease below the breast (this is the worst scar as it takes the most tension)
- one from the breast bone to the armpit along the crease below the breast
The severity of scarring largely depends on the individual. Some women are left with red and raised scars but most scars fade over time and should be invisible under normal clothing and most bras or bikini tops.
Uneven shape
Your breasts will change shape after reduction surgery. There is a chance that they may end up slightly lopsided, lumpy or with uneven nipples.
Wound healing problems
Wound healing problems after breast reduction surgery are common, particularly after the anchor scar procedure where the vertical and horizontal scars meet.
Most wound problems are minor and can be simply managed and treated. More severe wound complications, such as infection, skin loss and wound separation may take longer to heal.
Occasionally, some fat in the breasts dies off, leaving them red and lumpy. This is called fat necrosis and can take some time to settle. There can also be some excess skin left around the scars and, if this does not settle after a few months, it may need to be surgically removed.
If you smoke or have diabetes, you may have poor circulation which will affect how quickly your wounds heal.
Loss of nipple sensation
Some women lose sensation in their nipples after a breast reduction, including their ability to become erect. This is because the nerve supply to the nipple can be damaged during surgery.
Very rarely, a disrupted blood supply may cause your nipple to die and fall off. This is more likely if you are a heavy smoker or you have poor circulation.
Depending on the type of breast reduction you have, if your nipples have been separated from the milk ducts during the operation, you may be unable to breastfeed after the operation.
Infection
Any kind of surgical procedure carries a potential risk of infection. This can be treated with antibiotics and sometimes further surgery. If you do get an infection after your surgery, this will delay the healing process.
Haematoma
Occasionally bleeding occurs inside the breast tissue makign it swollen and painful. This is called a haematoma and generally occurs within the first 24 hours after the operation. If this happens, you may need to have another operation to drain the blood and stop the bleeding.
