Breast Reduction Complications Print Out

Please contact your surgeon or the on-call physician immediately if you notice any of the following side effects of breast reduction:

bleeding from your suture lines
pus or cloudy discharge from your incision areas, nipples or elsewhere
a foul odor from your incision areas, nipples or elsewhere
uncontrollable pain
blisters or rash
temperature over 100.5° F
throbbing nipple pain
inability to pass waste (both liquid and solid)
numbness of the legs (unless you had lipo as well)
uncontrollable dizziness not related to the pain relievers
deflation

Please contact your surgeon or the on-call physician and go to the emergency room as soon as possible if you notice any of the following signs of infection after breast reduction:

passing blood through urine, feces or spitting up blood
abrupt and severe swelling and discoloration (aside from normal swelling)
blackening of the skin (which is clearly NOT a bruise)
uncontrollable vomiting
loss of consciousness not related to sedatives
temperature over 105° F
convulsions
paralysis

What to do in case of a complication:

#1 STAY CALM
Have your emergency numbers handy and contact, or have your caretaker contact your surgeon or the on-call physician to let them know of your problem as soon as you can.
If you are going to the emergency room don't forget to tell your surgeon which hospital you are going to.
Bring all of your medications with you to the hospital.
It may be precautionary to pack an overnight bag ahead of time "just in case".
If you are able, keep a written journal (and if possible photos) of your symptoms and complaints.

Emergency Numbers:

Surgeon: ____________________________________

Emergency On-call Physician: __________________

Hospital: ____________________________________

Pharmacy: __________________________________

Parents: ___________________________________

Friend: ___________________________________

Other: ________________________________