American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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Reanna
5 years ago
Answered

Questions

Hi Surgeons , I Was Interested In Getting A Breast Reduction Like I Am Really Scared Of Getting Put To Sleep Like What Are The Risks Of A Breast Reduction ? What Are The Death Rate Of A Breast Reduction Surgery ? How Long Will I Be Asleep For The Surgery ? How Long Would I Have To Be On Bedrest After I Leave The Hospital ?

Procedure: Breast Reduction
Location: Dayton, OH

Replies 7

Steven Wallach
ASPS Surgeon
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A breast reduction is a very common procedure that in my hands usually takes between 2-3 hrs to perform. Patients usually go home the same day. The risks of complications are pretty low for healthy low BMI patients. Good luck

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Shashidhar Kusuma
ASPS Surgeon

It is a common source of anxiety for many patients. Breast reduction is one of the more common operations performed. The general satisfaction rate is very high. The general risks of such a surgery are typical as with other operations and can include incision or scar separation during the healing process (which heals well), possibility of a hematoma (bleeding under the breast, but very uncommon), possible infection (very uncommon), asymmetry, nipple sensation changes etc.

The risks of anesthesia are as with other operations and can be explained by the anesthesiologists. Typically a breast reduction can take anywhere from 2 to 4hrs. It is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day of the surgery. WE encourage patients to walk and move around the same day and continue to move about actively. No reason for bedrest, but light activity is best. Patients can go back to work in about 2 weeks or less and most are back to full activity by 6weeks

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Debra Johnson
ASPS Surgeon

Reanna, Deciding to undergo any surgical procedure is scary, but breast reduction fortunately is a very safe surgery. It is performed on an outpatient basis, so after the surgery is over, you go home. Most patients are surprised that the post-operative discomfort is very manageable. Some women don't take any pain medication other than Tylenol. Recuperation is usually 10-14 days before you feel back to normal. This surgery is safely performed under general anesthesia, and the complications from either the surgery or the anesthetic are very low. Meet with an ASPS-member surgeon to get a more thorough discussion and to decide if you are a good candidate for this surgery. Use the Find-a-Surgeon link on this website to locate a board-certified plastic surgeon near you.

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Sutton Graham
ASPS Surgeon
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Dear Reanna: Breast reduction is one of the most common breast procedures in plastic surgery in the USA. Member surgeons performed approximately 100,000 in 2017. In our practice it is the most common non-cosmetic operation. The ASPS website Find A Surgeon can help you locate an experienced plastic surgeon in your area.

Your concerns are valid and shared by many prospective patients. They are discussed as part of a consultation, taking into consideration your health and any risk factors. General anesthesia is almost always needed. All surgery has potential risks and most will resolve with additional care and time. Death would be rare. Reduction is usually less than a 3 hour long outpatient procedure, with minimal activity restrictions, and return to office type work in 1-2 weeks. Symptom improvement begins right after surgery.

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Jon Ver Halen

Dear Reanna,

Hello and thank you for your excellent question. A breast reduction is a very common procedure, and takes about 4 hours to perform. It is an outpatient procedure. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!

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Trent Douglas
ASPS Surgeon
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Thank you for your question and for doing your homework with ASPS member surgeons. Breast reduction surgery is very safe and has one of the highest patient satisfaction rankings among plastic surgery procedures. Depending on the extent of the reduction, most surgeons take 2-3 hours to perform breast reduction. The surgery is done under general anesthesia and is an outpatient procedure so you will be able to go home the same day. It is important to follow your surgeon's postoperative instructions and to have regular follow up appointments as your surgeon guides you through the recovery process. Most people return to their usual activities in two weeks but may take a bit longer to resume more strenuous activities. Patient safety is paramount to all ASPS members and we only operate in fully accredited facilities to optimize your care and safety. Best wishes on a great result and speedy recovery!

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S. Daniel Huang
ASPS Surgeon

Hi Reanna,

As the previous responders stated that the procedure is very safe, I affirm that with qualified practitioners. The risks are low, but are real. As a resident, I reduced breasts over 1 kg per side at King's County hospital and had patient traveled by subway to have their dressing change that night on call because they did not like the way there was some staining of the dressing. Before I trained in the 2001, there was some consideration for blood transfusion, but now, transfusion is not considered seriously, Once you found a plastic surgeon that you have confidence in with clear defined goals, breast reduction is a safe procedure. Thanks you for your question and best wishes.

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