COMPLICATIONS OF BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY

Posted On: October 20, 2013 Author: The Office of Dr. Stuart Linder Posted In: Breast Reduction, Breast topics

HEMATOMA

Hematoma is a one to two percent incident status post all major surgeries under general anesthesia. Drainage tubes are placed postoperatively for a minimum of 24 hours in our practice which may help to evacuate the fluid. However, drains have not been found to prevent hematomas. Patients should refrain from aspirin, Advil, Motrin, Excedrin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for 10 to 14 days prior to surgery to reduce incidents of hematoma formation.

AVASCULAR NECROSIS OR SKIN LOSS

Avascular necrosis or skin loss can occur in patients who have breast reduction surgeries, especially if the blood supply is poor and flaps are thinned out too much.

DEHISCENCE OR WOUND SEPARATION

Dehiscence or wound separation can occur in patients when the tension is too tight and the incisions are closed with undue tension. Loss of the nipple areolar complex due to ischemia or avascular necrosis can occur if the blood supply is sacrificed and the pedicle is not thick enough with enough blood supply to maintain it.

ERYTHEMA AND CELLULITIS

Erythema and cellulitis are skin infections superficial to the skin, which must be treated aggressively with either oral or IV antibiotics.

OTHER COMPLICATIONS

Later complications can include breast asymmetry, scarring which can include keloids, hypertrophic scarring, wide-spread scarring, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, fat necrosis, skin contour irregularities, mal-shaping of the breast, asymmetry of the nipple areolar complexes, over-removal or under-removal of breast tissue.