All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk

Breast reduction is not a simple operation, but it's normally safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. Nevertheless, as with any surgery, there is always a possibility of complications, including bleeding, infection, or reaction to the anaesthesia. An "invisible mending technique" using dissolving stitches is used to close the breast skin - occasionally one or two of the buried knots may irritate or inflame the overlying skin but can be easily trimmed by the Breast Nurse or treated with antibiotic cream. The great advantage of this stitching technique is that you do not have to suffer the pain and discomfort of suture removal. The scars that result are of very high quality. You can reduce your risks of developing complications by closely following my advice both before and after surgery.

The procedure does leave permanent scars, although they'll be covered by your bra or bathing suit. (Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers). The procedure can also leave you with slightly mismatched breasts or unevenly positioned nipples. Future breast-feeding may be possible and is encouraged. Surgery removes some of the milk ducts leading to the nipples so milk production may be reduced and supplementation with formula milk may be necessary.

Some patients may experience a permanent loss of feeling in their nipples or breasts. Rarely, the nipple and areola may lose their blood supply and the tissue will die. (The nipple and areola can usually be rebuilt, however, using skin grafts from elsewhere on the body).