The Risks of Breast Lift Surgery: Realistic Expectations
Dr. Constance Barone is proud to help patients in and around San Antonio look their best and feel their best. She achieves this through advanced aesthetic care that emphasizes optimal results and total wellness. It's also important for patients to know all of the risks and benefits that they may face during surgery.
With this in mind, let's consider the various risks and complications of breast lift surgery (mastopexy) and what can be done to minimize these risks.
Infection After Surgery
Infection is a risk following any kind of surgery, and breast lift is no exception. Thankfully the risk of infection is much lower today than it was in the past thanks to modern technology and sterilization techniques.
Issues with Breast and Nipple Sensation
Since incisions are made along and on the breasts, it's not uncommon for patients to experience issues with breast sensitivity or sensation. This includes hypersensitivity of the nipples or incision sites, numbness of the breasts, or tingling. This is generally normal, though major issues with sensation can occur in rare instances, lasting for months.
Problems with Scarring and Incision Sites
In addition to issues with sensation and numbness, unsightly or poor scarring is also a potential risk following breast lift surgery. This is especially important to consider when a patient's previous surgical history has shown issues with keloid scars, upraised scars, or poorly colored scars. These matters are carefully considered during the consultation process so complications can be avoided.
Poor/Prolonged Healing Time
It can sometimes take longer than usual for patients to heal, meaning prolonged discomfort, pain, discoloration, and swelling. These issues can heighten the risk of infection and other serious complications.
Problems with Nursing/Breastfeeding
In rare instances, the incisions around the nipples can do damage to the milk ducts. This could mean problems with breastfeeding in some cases. All precautions are taken to help ensure that there is minimal affect on a woman's ability to breastfeed
Poor Aesthetic Results Requiring Revision
One unfortunate risk is that the overall results of the breast lift procedure look unnatural or unappealing. This may be the result of post-surgical scarring, though it could also be the result of poor breast lift techniques, making the breasts appear too perky, awkwardly shaped, or unnatural. In these cases, the ideal treatment option will typically be a revision procedure of some form.
How to Avoid Post-Surgical Complications
The best way that these kinds of serious complications can be avoided is for patients to do their research when it comes to breast lift. They should find a surgeon whom they can trust to perform the procedure who has a strong reputation for excellence.
In addition, patients should follow all of their pre-op and post-op instructions to the letter. By following these instructions, major problems with side effects can be prevented and potential complications can avoided. These instructions are ultimately in place to help eliminate risks.
Schedule a Consultation for Breast Lift Surgery
For more information about breast lift surgery and how it can help you achieve a trimmer, slimmer, and more appealing frame, it's important that you contact our cosmetic plastic surgery center today. Dr. Barone and the entire team here looks forward to your visit and helping you achieve the best aesthetic results possible.
