How Many Deaths from Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery is a cosmetic operation that reduces a woman’s breast size in order to enhance her quality of life. Although it is often regarded as safe, there are dangers, just as with any operation. Death is one of the possible side effects of breast reduction surgery, however, it seldom happens.
Breast reduction surgery is usually regarded as safe and successful for the majority of women, notwithstanding any possible concerns. Actually, a lot of women who have breast reduction surgery say it has significantly improved their mental and physical health, including relief from back and neck problems, better posture, and higher self-esteem.
Although breast reduction surgery has a small chance of mortality, it does happen sometimes. The dangers connected with breast reduction surgery can be reduced by choosing a skilled surgeon and anesthesiologist, thoroughly evaluating patients, and adopting the proper pre- and post-operative measures. Overall, breast reduction surgery can be a secure and efficient option for women to boost their general wellbeing and quality of life.

How many deaths from breast reduction surgery
It is challenging to pinpoint the precise number of breast reduction surgery deaths since it fluctuates based on a variety of variables such the surgeon’s expertise, the patient’s health, and the type of anesthetic utilized. The mortality rate for breast reduction surgery, however, is about 0.08% (8 in 10,000 cases), according to a research that was published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal.
It’s important to note that problems from anesthesia account for most fatalities that come from breast reduction surgery. Allergies, respiratory problems, and heart failure are a few of the possible side effects of anesthesia. However, by choosing a skilled anesthesiologist and making sure the patient is carefully evaluated for any underlying medical issues, these risks can be reduced.
The breast reduction procedure also carries the risk of bleeding, infection, scarring, asymmetry, loss of nipple sensitivity, and trouble nursing. However, by choosing a skilled surgeon, attentively adhering to pre- and post-operative instructions, and ensuring that the patient is in excellent general health before undergoing surgery, these risks may also be reduced.
Breast Reduction Techniques and Trends
Breast reduction surgery techniques vary widely among surgeons. According to recent studies, the following statistics were noted:
66.4% of surgeons utilized more than one technique for breast reduction.
Annual Case Loads and Tissue Removal
Admission Patterns and Anesthesia Use
Complication Rates in Breast Reduction Surgery
The report highlighted various complications observed during breast reduction surgeries:
- 77 surgeons estimated complication rates to be less than 5%.
- 41 surgeons reported rates between 5% and 10%.
- 13 surgeons indicated rates greater than 10%.
Reported Complications
Complication Type | Percentage |
---|---|
Wound dehiscence | 42.0% |
Delayed healing | 27.0% |
Scar | 5.7% |
Seroma | 2.1% |
Stitch abscess/infection | 6.4% |
Ischemic necrosis | 7.1% |
Deaths Associated with Breast Reduction Surgery
Regarding mortality rates, the following statistics are crucial:
- Only 3 surgeons (2.1%) reported any deaths as a complication of breast reduction surgery.
- The average number of reported pulmonary embolism cases was 19 surgeons (13.6%).
- Blood transfusions were required by 16 surgeons (11.4%).
Cost Analysis of Breast Reduction Surgery in USA
Complication Type | Total (n=140) | Inverted T Scar (n=98) | Short Scar (n=42) |
---|---|---|---|
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) | 44 (20.0%) | 34 (35.0%) | 10 (23.8%) |
Pulmonary Embolism (PE) | 23 (13.6%) | 17 (17.0%) | 6 (14.3%) |
Blood Transfusions | 29 (11.4%) | 24 (24.0%) | 2 (4.8%) |
Deaths | 3 (2.1%) | 2 (2.0%) | 1 (2.4%) |
Wound Dehiscence | 59 (42.0%) | 45 (46.0%) | 14 (33.3%) |
Delayed Healing | 38 (27.0%) | 25 (26.0%) | 13 (31.0%) |
Scar | 8 (5.7%) | 7 (7.1%) | 1 (2.4%) |
Seroma | 3 (2.1%) | 0 (0%) | 3 (7.1%) |
Stitch Abscess/Infection | 9 (6.4%) | 5 (5.1%) | 4 (9.5%) |
Nipple Inversion | 1 (0.7%) | 0 (0%) | 1 (2.4%) |
Other | 7 (5.0%) | 5 (5.1%) | 2 (4.8%) |
Ischemic Necrosis | 10 (7.1%) | 9 (9.2%) | 4 (9.5%) |
Not Specified | 6 (4.3%) | 2 (2.0%) | 0 (0%) |

how long is breast reduction surgery
Large breasts can cause much more than an inconvenience. Women with large breasts can experience pain, embarrassment, and trouble doing activities they enjoy. Breast reduction surgery can remove excess volume for smaller, more lifted breasts.
Breast reduction helps women with large breasts achieve the smaller, more comfortable size they want. Large breasts contain a combination of breast tissue and fat, with fat making up most of the excess volume. A traditional breast reduction requires skin incisions around the areola and under the breast. It is used to surgically remove (excise) excess skin and breast tissue.
*Individual Results May Vary
How Does No-Scar Breast Reduction Work?
Traditional breast reduction leaves scars and requires several weeks of recovery. Dr. Langdon performs No-Scar Breast Reduction, a minimally invasive technique, to reduce your breast size significantly and with downtime of only two or three days!. He will inject a combination of saline and local anesthetic into your breasts, then perform liposuction using a micro-cannula and tiny incisions. Without the extra weight, your breasts will rebound and tighten naturally with no significant scarring.
How Long Does a Breast Reduction Surgery Take?
Dr. Langdon will perform your procedure with local anesthesia, letting you avoid the risks and costs of general anesthesia. The procedure usually takes two to three hours, although each surgery is unique. You will not feel any discomfort during No-Scar Breast Reduction, and recovery happens much more quickly than with a traditional breast reduction.
Is Breast Reduction Surgery Safe
Women who have breast reduction can experience mental and physical benefits, including:
Be More Active
Large breasts can make jogging or playing sports uncomfortable. After breast reduction, you can engage in all your favorite activities without worrying.
Feel More Confident
If you have large breasts, you may be used to feeling self-conscious. Breast reduction will make you feel like people notice you, not your breasts.
Freedom From Pain
Back, neck, and shoulder pain can be a fact of life when you have large breasts. Fortunately, a breast reduction will relieve pain and restore better balance.
What is Recovery Like From a Breast Reduction?
Recovery from No-Scar Breast Reduction takes much less time than traditional methods. You might have some minor swelling after the procedure. Most people can go back to work within two or three days. You will only have a few tiny incisions that will mostly heal in one week.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Breast Reduction?
Good candidates for breast reduction are bothered by the size of their breasts and want to see smaller, more lifted ones. Candidates should have no major health problems and reasonable expectations. Dr. Langdon will determine whether No-Scar Breast Reduction can give you the results you want.
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Common Problems After Breast Reduction Surgery
The day of your breast reduction surgery is also your first day of recovery at home, barring any extremely rare complications that could require a few more hours of supervised stay in our care. Immediately after surgery, you will remain with us for an hour or two, during which time our staff can ensure the postoperative healing process will be smooth, albeit occasionally uncomfortable. At this time, you should let the staff know of any pain or nausea.
Detailed At-Home Care Instructions
While in our care after surgery, you will be provided detailed at-home instructions on how to care for incisions, what activities should be avoided, and how frequently you will take prescription painkillers and medications. This is a great time to ask any questions or voice any concerns you might have so we can ensure all is well. When checks are done and you are ready to return home, you will be discharged and a friend or partner can drive you home.
Breast Reduction Recovery: Day One at Home
Gauze bandages will be covering the incisions and you will be wearing a padded surgical bra that provides a slight healthy compression and plenty of breast support. To help the healing process, your job is to rest for the time being. Ice packs will go a long way in reducing swelling within the first 24 hours of surgery. Apply them intermittently, for 10-15 minutes every half-hour or as frequently as you can manage.
Breast Reduction Recovery: Week One
You will be off work and postponing most engagements throughout the first week after surgery. But that “week” may last just 3 to 5 days, as many patients can comfortably return to light work or a desk job 3 to 4 days after surgery. Take it slowly and if you don’t feel fully comfortable doing something, then resting, relaxing and light exercise once daily will be your fastest path to full recovery.
Nourishing Foods, Hydration, Supplements
These first few days and the two weeks after surgery are a time to eat nourishing and antioxidant-rich foods, to stay well hydrated, and to supplement with vitamins and minerals while avoiding heavy lifting or raising your arms above your head.
Pain Management
Most patients are pleasantly surprised that the pain after breast reduction surgery is less than they anticipated. However, it will be important to get familiar with the signs your body does give if and when some activity is too strenuous, as the pain signal has been dampened or eliminated entirely with medication. Take things slowly and gradually, and stick to the schedule of your pain medications as missing a dose can bring on pain that then takes some hours to subside. If you feel ready to switch to a weaker over-the-counter pain medication, feel free to contact the office.
A few days after surgery, you will likely be well-versed in the few actions physically required to care for bandages and most of your time can be spent on light activities with a nice portion of the day spent resting and boosting your body’s ability to heal. Light daily exercise and a gradient return closer and closer to normal make up week one.
Breast Reduction Recovery: Month One
While a few patients do return to desk work within 3 to 4 days, others require 7 to 10 days. Seven to 10 days after surgery, most swelling will have subsided, pain will be greatly reduced if not gone altogether and the tightness in the breasts you felt after surgery will have waned greatly. Driving is also usually safe and comfortable within 7 to 10 days of surgery.
The Solution
Loose Clothing that Doesn’t Restrict Movement
Clothing choices will also become important during this first month. Soft undergarments and loose clothing will be more comfortable throughout the healing process and prevent undue strain from motion.

Gradient Return to Normal
By the one-month mark, incisions will also have healed and your freedom of movement will have returned. Rather than jumping fully into all of the activities you were doing prior to surgery, approach them gradually to see how your new body deals with and reacts to them, and please check with the office if you wonder if you’re ready for a particular activity, like weightlifting or a long bike ride, both of which can put strain on the related muscles. Toward month’s end, you’ll likely be ready to start low-impact exercise.

What is the success rate of breast reduction surgery
When women who had breast reduction surgery were surveyed, more than 95% said they were very satisfied with the results and the boost in their quality of life that they’d do it all over again. They were happy regardless of their body weight or the amount of breast tissue removed. The majority of women agree — the top reason they were happy with breast reduction was because it immediately relieved their physical symptoms, such as back pain.
Breast Reduction Basics
Before you make a decision about breast reduction, we’ll talk about your goals, your expected outcomes, and whether surgery is the best choice for you. When performing breast reduction surgery, I will remove excess breast fat and skin, as well as glandular tissue, to create your desired breast size and shape. The size of the areola may be reduced, while the nipple stays attached to its blood and nerve supply, then the nipple and areola are properly repositioned on each breast.
Top five reasons women are satisfied with breast reduction
Women are more than satisfied following breast reduction surgery. My patients are grateful, happy, and excited to regain a healthy and active life. Many wonder why they didn’t consider surgery sooner rather than putting up with the pain and other issues for so long.