Breast Reduction Risk Profile
Breast Reduction Risk Profile
Breast reduction surgery (reduction mammoplasty) removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to relieve physical symptoms such as neck, shoulder, and back pain while improving breast size and shape. It involves significant tissue removal and carries important risks and potential complications.
This page provides general and specific information only. Individual risks vary depending on your age, general health, breast size and degree of ptosis, smoking status, diabetes, BMI, and the surgical technique used. A detailed, personalised risk assessment will be provided during your consultation with Dr Kelly Thornbury in Sydney.
Important AHPRA note: All cosmetic surgery carries risks and requires a recovery period. Results vary from patient to patient and cannot be guaranteed. A mandatory cooling-off period applies before proceeding.
General Risks of Plastic Surgery
Refer to our General Risks of Plastic Surgery in Sydney page for full details on anaesthesia-related complications (including heart attack, stroke, chest infection, death, DVT/PE, sore throat/breathing difficulty, nausea), wound infection (higher in smokers and diabetics), heavy bleeding, poor or delayed wound healing, skin necrosis, wound dehiscence, bruising and swelling, haematoma/seroma/oedema, pain and discomfort, allergic reactions, altered sensation, adverse scarring, need for revision surgery, and psychological impact.
Specific Risks of Breast Reduction
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation (temporary or permanent numbness, hypersensitivity, or complete loss of feeling)
- Partial or complete loss of the nipple-areola complex (NAC necrosis) — rare but serious
- Inability or significantly reduced ability to breastfeed in the future (lactation potential may be affected)
- Asymmetry in breast size, shape, or nipple position
- Fat necrosis (death of fatty tissue that may present as a lump)
- Over-reduction or under-reduction of breast volume
- Loss of upper pole fullness or further breast sagging (ptosis) over time, including dynamic changes with future weight and hormonal fluctuations
- Extensive or unfavourable scarring
- Wound healing complications, wound breakdown, delayed healing, or skin necrosis (particularly at the T-junction)
- Contour irregularities
- Nipple-areola malposition
- Haematoma or seroma formation
- Bleeding requiring return to theatre
- Infection
- Pneumothorax (rare, if liposuction is used as an adjunct)
- Persistent pain or discomfort
- Need for revision or return to surgery to improve symmetry, scars, volume, or overall cosmetic result
- Dissatisfaction with cosmetic outcome (unhappy with results)
Factors that significantly increase risks Smoking is associated with markedly higher complication rates, particularly wound healing problems, skin necrosis, and infection. Other important risk factors include diabetes, obesity, and very large breasts (which require greater tissue removal and increase tension on wounds). I will thoroughly assess these during your consultation and may recommend optimisation or advise against surgery if risks are considered too high.
Recovery Considerations Significant swelling, bruising, and tightness are expected for several weeks. You will need to wear a supportive surgical bra, limit physical activity and attend regular follow-up in our Sydney or Wollongong clinics or via Telehealth. Signs of complications (increasing redness, pain, fever, wound discharge, or shortness of breath) should be reported immediately.
Next Steps Consult our FRACS Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Sydney for a full assessment, including the most appropriate technique for your breast size, symptoms, and risk profile.
This information is educational and based on current Australian medical standards and AHPRA/Medical Board guidelines for advertising cosmetic surgery. Last reviewed April 2026.