Breast Lift Risks and Complications – Is Mastopexy Surgery Safe?

What Could Go Wrong with a Breast Lift?

Like any other surgery, getting a breast lift comes with its own set of possible issues. Even though these aren’t common, it’s important to know about them so you can make an informed decision. Here’s a list of some things that could go wrong:

1. Infection: Any time you have surgery, there’s a chance of getting an infection. It’s not common, but it’s a possibility you should be aware of.
2. Scarring Issues: You might end up with scars that don’t heal well or look worse than you expected. This could require more treatment down the line.
3. Fluid Build-Up: Sometimes after surgery, fluid can accumulate in the breast area. This is called seroma and might need to be drained.
4. Implant Problems: If you also get breast implants as part of your lift, those can come with their own issues like wrinkles, leaks, or even ruptures. Sometimes the implant can also get hard, a condition known as capsular contracture.
5. Uneven Breasts: After the surgery, you might notice that your breasts aren’t perfectly symmetrical. This could be a size difference or even a difference in shape.
6. Sagging Returns: If your skin doesn’t react well to the implants, you might find your breasts start to sag again sooner than you’d like.
7. Skin Condition Matters: The quality of your skin can seriously affect how well you heal and how good the results are. If your skin is very loose, it might not hold the new shape well, even if your nipples have been lifted.
8. Implant and Lift Combo Risks: If you’re getting both an implant and a lift (known as a mastopexy), your skin might not react well to both procedures at the same time. This could affect how happy you are with the results.

It’s crucial to chat with your surgeon about all of these risks so you can decide if a breast lift is the right choice for you.

RELATED: How to Fix Saggy Breasts

Potential Side Effects, Complications, and Risks Following a Breast Lift Surgery

When you’re considering breast lift surgery (also known as mastopexy), it’s essential to be aware of the possible side effects and complications that could arise. These can range from mild to severe, and their duration can vary significantly from one patient to another.

Common Side Effects:

1. Discomfort: It’s normal to feel some level of discomfort or pain post-surgery. The extent of this discomfort can differ based on individual pain thresholds and the surgical techniques used.
2. Sensation Changes: You might notice that the sensitivity in your breast area changes, either becoming more sensitive or less so. These changes can be temporary or, in rare cases, more long-lasting.
3. Bruising: Bruising is commonly seen after any surgical procedure. The severity and duration of the bruising can depend on multiple factors such as your body’s healing ability and how the surgery was performed.
4. Swelling: You will likely experience some level of swelling post-surgery, but the swelling generally decreases gradually over time.

Duration of Side Effects:

The duration of side effects like swelling, bruising, and discomfort can vary widely from one person to the next. While some patients may recover quite swiftly, others may take a more extended period, especially if they encounter complications.

Managing Side Effects:

Your surgical team will typically be well-equipped to manage these side effects. Treatments may include medication for pain relief, guidelines for care at home, and follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery.

Preoperative Preparation:

Before you decide to go ahead with the surgery, make sure you fully understand the risks involved, including those associated with anaesthesia. It’s imperative to provide informed consent before the procedure starts.

Open Communication:

To ensure the best outcome, don’t hesitate to ask your surgeon any questions you may have. Medical teams value patient education and will often have best-practice protocols for healing and recovery, including treatments for scar minimisation.

RELATED: Conquering Apprehension: Addressing Common Concerns about Cosmetic Surgery

Adhering to Your Plastic Surgeon’s Guidelines is Crucial

It’s absolutely essential to follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions meticulously before and after your breast lift surgery. Failing to do so can significantly increase the risk of complications, particularly concerning wound healing and overall recovery.

Smoking is a No-Go:

It’s strongly advised that you avoid smoking both before and after your surgery. Smoking can severely hamper the body’s ability to heal, leading to an increased risk of complications such as infection and poor scarring.

Most Side Effects are Temporary:

While every patient’s experience is different, the majority of side effects and complications associated with breast lift surgery usually subside within a few weeks or months. However, it’s crucial to remember that this isn’t the case for everyone, and some might experience lingering issues.

Educate Yourself:

Before consenting to surgery, make sure you fully understand all the aspects involved. During your confidential consultation, your surgeon will provide you with materials that detail what you can expect during and after the procedure. Read these carefully and don’t hesitate to ask questions if anything is unclear.

Knowledge is Power:

The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be for the surgery and the recovery process. Make sure to ask your surgeon for all the details, including potential risks and what to expect during recovery. The materials provided to you are designed to give you a comprehensive understanding, so take the time to read through them.

By taking these steps, you’ll be much better prepared for your surgery and will reduce the likelihood of encountering complications during your recovery.

RELATED: Post-Surgery Top Tips – Recovery After Cosmetic Procedures

Understanding the Risks and Complications of a Breast Lift Procedure

General Anaesthesia:

While general anaesthesia is typically safe for healthy patients, risks still exist. To alleviate any concerns, you’ll be introduced to your anaesthetist ahead of your surgery to discuss specific issues.

Bleeding (Haematoma):

If you experience excessive bleeding post-surgery, you may have to return to the operating room to remove a blood clot.

Infection:

To mitigate infection risks, you’ll be prescribed antibiotics and monitored through regular follow-up appointments at our clinic.

Scarring:

From approximately 8 weeks post-surgery, we may recommend laser treatments or skin needling to improve the appearance of scars. Follow your surgeon’s recommendations for the best results.

Delayed Wound Healing:

This is more common in overweight individuals, smokers, or those with an infection. Our clinical nurse and your surgeon will manage your healing process carefully.

Nipple Sensitivity:

Temporary loss of nipple sensation is common, but permanent loss is rare. As nerve endings reconnect, sensations usually return.

Nipple Loss/Necrosis:

This is a very rare but serious complication, most frequently occurring among smokers, where all or part of the nipple is lost.

Breast Asymmetry:

Natural breast asymmetry is common and will likely still be present to some degree post-surgery. The skill of your surgeon can minimize but not eliminate this.

Breastfeeding:

Your ability to breastfeed might be impacted by the surgery. Discuss this with your surgeon if you plan on breastfeeding in the future.

Allergies:

Reactions to tape, sutures, glues, or topical applications are possible but rare.

Realistic Expectations:

Good surgical outcomes are the result of realistic expectations and a clear understanding of potential risks and complications.

How Our Surgeons Manage Risks and Ensure Excellence in Breast Lift Procedures

Commitment to Advanced Surgical Standards:

At Centre for Surgery, our surgeons are deeply committed to elevating the standards of surgical care. One way we accomplish this is by utilising state-of-the-art equipment and techniques, such as the Keller Funnel insertion device, particularly when a breast lift is combined with breast implant surgery to enhance breast volume post-nipple uplift.

Specialised Implant Options:

When opting for a breast lift coupled with augmentation, we use top-of-the-line implants like Mentor or Motiva. This combination procedure is often referred to as mastopexy-augmentation or breast lift with implants.

Exemplary Patient Care:

Our team holds the highest standards for patient care and meticulous surgical planning. We believe in going beyond just the standard best-care practices. Consequently, we take additional measures to optimize patient well-being throughout the pre-surgery phase, the actual operation, and the entire healing and recovery period.

Following Protocols is Crucial:

Your plastic surgeon will provide specific pre-surgery and post-operative care instructions, along with recommendations for post-op garments. Strictly adhering to these guidelines can significantly reduce your risk of complications and accelerate your healing process.

Managing Complications:

In the unlikely event that complications do arise, rest assured that our skilled team will be on hand to manage and address any side effects or issues effectively. While some complications might necessitate further surgery or extended healing times, our primary goal is always your well-being and satisfaction.

Understanding Risks:

While most patients experience smooth recoveries, it’s essential to remember that some risks are inherent in any surgical procedure. Some complications may be minor, but others could be severe or even life-threatening. However, the expertise of a highly-skilled and safety-conscious surgeon substantially minimises these risks.

Understanding the Long-Term Implications and Emotional Aspects of Breast Lift Surgery

Change is Inevitable:

When considering a breast lift, it’s crucial to remember that your breasts will naturally change over time due to aging, weight fluctuations, and life events like pregnancy or illness. These changes can affect the long-lasting results of your surgery.

Immediate vs. Long-Term Results:

While you may be excited to see immediate results, keep in mind that swelling can impact the initial appearance of your breasts. Also, it may take several months for the final shape to settle in.

Importance of Skin Quality:

If your skin lacks elasticity, there is a chance that you might experience further sagging or ‘bottoming out‘—particularly if you opt for larger implants. That’s why choosing a moderate implant size is crucial.

Comparing With and Without Implants:

Breast lifts without implants generally have a lower rate of corrective surgery compared to augmentation procedures. However, satisfaction rates depend on multiple factors, including your expectations and the skill of your surgeon.

Emotional Readiness:

It’s essential to approach this surgery with a healthy mindset. Understand the emotional implications of undergoing such a procedure and the patience required during the recovery phase.

Clear Communication:

Always discuss your preferences regarding the size and shape of your nipples with your surgeon to ensure that your expectations align with the surgical plan.

Make an Informed Decision:

A common regret post-surgery arises from not thoroughly understanding the procedure, its risks, and what it entails. Weight changes post-surgery can also impact your satisfaction levels. Always educate yourself adequately and make sure you’re doing this for yourself, not to please someone else or save a relationship.

No Guarantees:

Lastly, while a skilled surgeon can minimise many risks, it’s crucial to understand that not all complications can be predicted or mitigated.

For the best outcomes, it’s vital to choose a qualified and experienced surgeon who can guide you through this process both physically and emotionally. At Centre for Surgery, we prioritise patient education and comprehensive care to ensure you’re in the best hands.