Whilst it is true that when a Breast reduction is performed by a qualified breast plastic surgeon the risks are small, nonetheless, specific complications with this procedure can and do occur. As in any procedure the risk of significant infection is always possible. This is minimised by careful surgical technique and the preventative administration of antibiotics both at the time of surgery and after. Risks such as leg and lung blood clots are rare. Early mobilisation by moving around as soon after the cosmetic surgeryas possible reduces this considerably. Mr. Solomos regularly deploys anti-clotting measures such as special stockings (TEDS) and compression devices (Flowtron) during cosmetic surgery to minimise this. As mentioned earlier, swelling should be expected after this operation. When mild or moderate swelling is present, the body rapidly reabsorbs this. Very occasionally, increased bleeding can lead to more significant swelling and the development of a haematoma (a collection of blood under the skin)-less than 1% incidence. If this were to happen, surgical drainage to evacuate this would be required. Ultimately however this should not affect the final outcome. As mentioned, during the operation, the nipples are preserved on a stalk of breast tissue and repositioned. In the vast majority of patients they remain natural, with normal contraction and some sensitivity. Very rarely however the stalk of the breast tissue develops inadequate blood supply to maintain nipple viability and some sloughing of part, or even more rarely, the entire nipple can occur. This complication will mean that prolonged dressing will be required over the nipple area until natural healing occurs. It is then possible to reconstruct the nipple as a secondary procedure, should this be required. Thankfully with modern techniques this complication is quite remote (less than 1/1000). During the first 2 -3 weeks after cosmetic surgery, some patients may experience a minor loss of wound adhesion or even chafing of the skin at any point of the incision sites. One of the most common sites is the point where the vertical scar meets the nipple and or the under-breast crease. This is a temporary complication, which will require regular dressing changes initially. Eventually a scab develops over this, which subsequently separates after 3-4 weeks. A padded dressing for a period of a few weeks decreases the likelihood of this occurring. However some distortion of the skin around the scar may ensue. Further reconstructive breast surgery may occasionally be required if necessary.