Serious breast reduction complications are rare, and most women are very satisfied with the results of surgery. However, there are complications besides those usually associated with surgery – infection, bleeding, reaction to anesthesia – of which women considering breast reduction surgery should be aware.

Cosmetically, the most common breast reduction complications are loss of shape, asymmetry and scarring. No matter what you do to it or put in it, your breast will change shape over the years. Chances are it will lose shape again naturally, but it may become misshapen due to the surgery. One thing to look out for in this regard is “bottoming out.” Bottoming out occurs when the supportive tissue in the bottom of the breast weakens and gives out, causing the breast fold to fall. When this happens, the breast will appear attached to the chest wall, the same way an earlobe can be attached to a head. Sometimes, the natural and usually subtle asymmetry of the breasts will be exacerbated by breast reduction surgery, and the procedure almost always causes visible scarring.

Physiologically, the most common breast reduction complications are nerve and tissue damage and hardening of the breasts. Nerve and tissue damage occurs with most types of breast reduction surgery because the surgeon must cut around the nipples to remove fat and glandular tissue. This usually results in a decreased nipple sensitivity, though it is possible to lose feeling in the entire breast. As well, because glands have been cut or removed, most women cannot breastfeed after undergoing breast reduction surgery. Necrosis is a severe form of tissue damage resulting in dead tissue that needs to be surgically removed. However, necrosis is usually caused by infection following surgery, not the procedure itself. Like with breast augmentation, hardening of the breasts is usually caused by excessive scar tissue, but it may also be caused by fat necrosis.

Re-growth or additional growth of breast tissue is a complication that usually occurs in young women who undergo breast reduction surgery. Unless there are other serious medical issues, young women are usually advised to wait until their mid-twenties when breasts stop developing (barring pregnancy) before surgically altering the size of their breasts. This is as true for young women who want to augment their breasts as it is for those who want to reduce them.

Despite complications, most women who have breast reduction surgery are happier and healthier after the procedure. If you are considering breast reduction surgery, bear in mind that severe complications are rare and it may be worth it to save the pain and strain in your back, shoulders and neck.

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