Breast Reduction Complications

Abstract

Background: Breast reduction surgery is increasing in popularity, with so many techniques all around the world, and the community’s knowledge of the details of this procedure increases thanks to the Internet and easy access to information, which increases breast reduction reviews for plastic surgery clinics. Reduction mammaplasty is an established and effective technique to treat symptomatic macromastia. Variable rates of complications have been reported, and there is a continued need for better outcome assessment studies. Aim: The purpose of this study was to identify the complications occurred during the first year of breast reduction surgery. Materials and Methods: A prospective study over a 1-year period from October 2018 to October 2019, that included 32 patients who underwent breast reduction surgery using the same technique (inferior pedicle and inverted T scar) in the Department of Plastic Surgery at Al-Mouassat University Hospital, Damascus, Syria. Patients were followed through a whole year after surgery and complications that occurred were recorded. Results: Complications that occurred in 14 patients (43%), and, and were more common in patients with larger breasts and worse symptoms before surgery. The most common complication was delayed wound healing, and it was associated with breast volume before surgery and with smoking. In general, the most relevant factor influencing the incidence of complications was the weight of the resected breast tissue, which is mainly related to the size of the breast before surgery. Conclusion: The weight of the resected breast tissue was the most important factor influencing the occurrence of complications after breast reduction surgery. The most prevalent complication was delayed wound healing and it was associated with the weight of the removed tissue.