Risks of Breast reduction

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The operation is a surgical procedure performed using general anaesthetic and, like all surgery, carries a degree of risk.

The main disadvantage of having a breast reduction is that you will be left with permanent scarring. The operation leaves three scars: one around the nipple, one from the nipple to the crease below the breast (this is the worst scar as it takes the most tension) and one from the breast bone to the armpit along the crease below the breast.

The severity of scarring depends on the individual and the quality of the stitching, but the scars should be invisible under normal clothing and most bras or bikini tops. Being a smoker or having diabetes will affect the healing of the breast wounds. Occasionally, there may be some excess skin left around the scars, if this does not drop off after a few months it will need to be surgically removed.

Some women may also lose a degree of sensation in the nipple, including its ability to become erect. This is because the nerve supply may have been damaged. The nipple may pale in colour and, very rarely, part of the nipple may die; this is more likely if you is a heavy smoker or have poor circulation. In addition to this, it is likely that you will be unable to breastfeed in future, because the nipple has been separated from the milk ducts during the operation.

Any kind of surgical procedure carries a risk of infection. Antibiotics are used to treat infection. However, if the infection cannot be successfully treated with antibiotics, the implant may need to be removed and replaced.

There is a chance of infection from germs in the ducts of the breasts. This can be treated with antibiotics but will delay the healing process.

There is a chance of developing a chest infection or thrombosis after the general anaesthetic, particularly if you smoke or are on the contraceptive pill or HRT. Wearing stockings on your legs will reduce the risk of blood clots.

If the drains do not remove all of the blood, it may collect under the breast and become very painful â€“ this is called a haematoma. If this happens, you may need to have another operation to drain the blood and stop the bleeding.

In three out of 100 cases, some fat in the breasts may die off. This leaves the breasts red and hot with a discharge from the scars.

In all cases, the breasts will change shape slightly after the operation; they may end up slightly lopsided, or the nipples may not be level.