How Common Are Complications From Shoulder Narrowing Surgery?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have been looking around and I am interested in undergoing shoulder reduction surgery. I would like to know more about this procedure including complications, price and duration.

A:Thank you for sending your pictures. Shoulder reduction surgery is most effective in the leaner patient with a body type like yours. I have tried to do some predictive imaging to show you the potential results from such surgery but your pictures have issues when it relates to imaging. From the front view the picture is taken too close so there is no room between the edge of the shoulders and the side of the picture to do preditive alterations. The back view picture is a bit better but taken against the side of the door there is going to be image distortions in it.

In my extensive experience with shoulder reduction surgery there have been very few complications. While potential complications always exist the biggest consideration in shoulder narrowing surgery in my opinion is the recovery. One has to be properly educated on the recovery since it involves both shoulders and arms and that poses some postoperative limitations that is very different from clavicle fracture repair surgery.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon