Breast Lift Risks

Possible Complications of Breast Lift Surgery

When your operation is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, both your procedure and recovery will likely be uneventful. Even in ideal circumstances, however, complications may occur. Dr. Loftus explains these below.

Skin Death

Dead skin sounds bad, and it can be. It is due to loss of circulation, causing the skin to die. It may be very minor (most are), or it could be a large area, which is uncommon. Skin may die especially if you smoke, which is why most plastic surgeons mandate that smokers cease smoking and all nicotine aids several weeks before and after surgery. Yet, even in non-smokers, skin death may occur as a result of a hematoma, excessive tension on the skin, or for no apparent reason. If skin death occurs, you will develop an open wound, usually in a small area below the nipple. The wound will heal on its own if it is small, but it may require further surgery if it is a large area.

Nipple Problems

Loss of nipple sensation, change of nipple color, and partial nipple death may occur. The likelihood is greatest among those with severely droopy breasts or those who smoke. If numbness occurs, nipple sensation usually returns within six months.

Other

The risks of asymmetry, bleeding, infection, and general medical problems are present with this operation as they are with most other operations, but these are typically not significant problems.