Breast Reduction Surgery Risks and Complications FAQs

Will I Still Be Able to Breastfeed After a Breast Reduction?

As your surgeon is likely to remove some milk glands and ducts during a breast reduction, this can affect your ability to breastfeed postoperatively.

Many women can still breastfeed after surgery, but this depends heavily on the tissue removal technique that your surgeon uses. Certain surgical techniques will have more of an effect on your ability to breastfeed than others. For this reason, it is very important to notify your surgeon if you are planning to breastfeed in the future.

Will Breasts Grow Again if I Gain Weight After Breast Reduction Surgery?

Yes, there is a chance your breasts will grow larger if you gain weight after surgery. Losing weight can also make your breast smaller. In both of these cases, the look of your breasts after breast reduction are likely to change as your weight fluctuates. This is why surgeons recommend breast reduction patients be at a stable weight before having surgery. Ensuring you’re at a stable weight for your body will ensure your breast reduction results last for as long as possible.

How Can I Minimise the Risk of Breast Reduction Complications?

A breast reduction is a complicated procedure. You should therefore make sure you choose a highly-experienced BAAPS or BAPRAS surgeon to perform your operation.

You can also minimise the risk of breast reduction complications by, reducing your alcohol intake, maintaining an approved BMI and most importantly, you are advised to stop smoking. Patients are recommended to follow their personalised advice from their surgeon who will tell you prior to surgery if you need to stop taking any medications or lose weight. Furthermore, you should be sure to attend all of your post-operative appointments to check you're healing properly and that you're not overexerting yourself in recovery, which could have a negative effect on your results. Following this advice can help you minimise the risk of breast reduction complications.

What Effect Do Smoking, Alcohol and Drugs have on Breast Reduction Surgery?

Smoking, drinking large amounts of alcohol and taking recreational drugs can all increase the risk of complications occurring during and after your breast reduction surgery. Alcohol can react badly with any pain medication you may be prescribed and it can negatively impact the healing process. Smoking in particular can increase the risk of developing infections and can also delay wound healing. You must therefore stop smoking or using any nicotine products at least 6 weeks before and after your procedure.