Risks with Breast Reduction Surgery

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

Risks with Breast Reduction Surgery

Question:

Are there any risks to having a breast reduction when you're young?

Answer

There are risks to any surgery. Occasionally, anesthesia can trigger an allergic reaction. And during and after surgery, there is a small risk for a heart attack or a blood clot in the leg. There is a chance that the wound could become infected. This could lead to more obvious scarring after the surgery.

For breast reduction surgery, there are several complications to consider. Although most women who have breast reduction can breastfeed later, the amount of milk produced will be less after breast reduction surgery. It might not be enough to support a baby's nutrition without also using milk formula.

It is common to have some scarring in the breast after surgery. The scars don't increase the risk of breast cancer. But when you begin having mammograms, the scars will show up on the x-rays and sometimes it can be difficult to be sure that the spots are just scars and nothing more serious.

Breast reduction surgery should be delayed until after the breasts have fully developed for the best long-term cosmetic results.

Mary Pickett, M.D., is a lecturer for Harvard Medical School and an assistant professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR. At OHSU, she practices general internal medicine and teaches medical residents and students.

Last updated:	July 20, 2009