All surgical procedures involve some risks. Risks include negative reactions to anesthesia, blood loss, blood clots and artery blockages. These complications can, in extreme cases, result in death. It’s important to discuss these risks in detail with your surgeon. Your surgical care team will take a wide variety of steps to prevent these problems, detect them if they arise, and respond to them appropriately. They will also inform you about what you can do to minimize your risks.

Some complications are particularly associated with chest construction. Below are a list of some possible complications of this surgery. Please note – this list is not comprehensive and you should have a detailed discussion of risks with your surgeon.

Absess Formation

An abscess is a collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It can be treated with antibiotics or drained by the surgeon

Contour irregularities

When the skin tissue isn’t the expected shape. Major contour irregularities can be corrected through liposuction. This is necessary in about 5 to 25% of cases, depending on the surgeon and the technique

Decreased sensation

This is possible with the keyhole and periareolar surgeries and an expected result of double incision surgery (in which the  nipple-areola complex is removed completely and re-grafted to the chest)

Hematoma

When blood collects in the surgical site, causing pain, swelling and redness. It is the most common complication. Drains and compression bandages are used to prevent hematomas. Smaller hematomas can be sucked out, but larger ones require removal through surgery

Nipple asymmetry

When the shape or location of nipple on one side looks different from the nipple on the other side. Some asymmetry is common; very noticeable asymmetry can be corrected through a surgical revision

Nipple necrosis

When the nipple, or part of it, falls off. If this happens within hours after surgery, saving the nipple may be possible; otherwise, the nipple may need to be replaced or reconstructed. This complication is rare.

Scarring

Scarring is to be expected; the degree varies by technique. Severe scarring may require surgical revision. You can take steps to prevent severe scarring by following your surgeon’s advice about getting rest, avoiding the sun, doing massage exercises and using ointments

Seroma

when clear fluid accumulates in the surgical site. Small seromas may need to be aspirated, or sucked out, once or more by the surgeon. Big seromas may need to be removed through surgery