What is a Breast Lift Surgery?

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure to reshape the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to raise the breasts and give them a firmer, more youthful appearance. During the surgery, your plastic surgeon will make small incisions around the areola or near a natural breast crease to remove excess skin and reposition the nipple and areola. The size of your breasts may also be reduced if desired.

The risks associated with breast lift surgery include loss of sensation in the nipples, blood clots in deep veins (deep vein thrombosis), infection, unevenness of the breasts, blood vessel damage due to poor healing and changes in breast sensation. It is important to discuss your medical history with your doctor before undergoing any major surgery like this one as it can affect your outcome. Women who have had a history of breast cancer should not have this procedure done. Those who have had previous breast reductions or implants may also experience asymmetry due to weight loss or gain after surgery.

Potential Risks of Breast Lift Surgery

Breast lift surgery can be a great way to restore your breasts to their natural shape and appearance, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks involved. While the procedure is generally safe, there are potential complications that may occur. These include infection, loss of sensation in the nipples, unevenness of the breasts, blood clotting in deep veins (deep vein thrombosis), changes in breast sensation and blood vessel damage due to poor healing. Additionally, if you have had a history of breast cancer or previous breast implants or reductions, you may experience asymmetry due to weight gain or loss after surgery.

It is essential that you discuss your medical history with your plastic surgeon before undergoing any major surgery like this one as it can affect your outcome. Your doctor will also assess your current breast size and shape in order to determine if you need a breast augmentation along with the lift for the best results. Ultimately, understanding the risks associated with a breast lift will help you make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you.

Types of Risks

Breast lift surgery is a safe and effective way to restore your breasts to their natural shape and appearance, but as with any major surgery, there are risks associated with the procedure. Some of these risks include infection, loss of sensation in the nipples, unevenness of the breasts, deep vein thrombosis (blood clotting), changes in breast sensation and blood vessel damage due to poor healing. Other potential risks depend on your individual medical history, including prior breast cancer or implants or reductions that may cause asymmetry after weight gain or loss. The best way to reduce your risk of complications is by talking to your plastic surgeon about all aspects of the surgery before committing. Your doctor will discuss any potential risks based on your unique case and help you make an informed decision about whether the procedure is right for you.

Excess Skin Removal

Excess skin removal is an important part of a breast lift procedure that helps give the breasts a more youthful, lifted appearance. During the surgery, excess skin is removed from around the areola and from beneath the breasts. This helps reduce sagging, allowing for a higher, more aesthetically pleasing position on the chest. The amount of excess skin to be removed will depend on your individual anatomy and aesthetic goals. Your plastic surgeon can help you determine the best amount of skin to be removed in order to achieve your desired results. Additionally, any potential risks or complications associated with removing excess skin will also be discussed prior to surgery.

Blood Clot Formation

Blood clot formation is a potential complication of breast lift surgery and should be taken seriously. During the surgical procedure, blood flow to the breasts can be affected as certain blood vessels may be cut or disturbed. This disruption can lead to a decrease in oxygen-rich blood supply to the area, making it more susceptible to clotting. Although rare, if a blood clot does form, it can cause serious side effects such as deep vein thrombosis or even death. To reduce your risk for this complication, make sure you discuss your medical history with your doctor prior to surgery and follow all post-operative instructions closely.

Loss of Nipple Sensation

Nipple sensation is an important factor to consider when undergoing breast lift surgery. The goal of the procedure is to reshape and reposition the breasts, but some patients may experience a decrease in sensitivity or a complete loss of sensation. This can be caused by cutting or manipulating the nerves that supply sensation to the nipples during the procedure. While it’s impossible to guarantee that this won’t happen, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk. Make sure you choose a highly qualified and experienced plastic surgeon who has extensive experience with breast lift surgery and discuss any concerns with him or her prior to your procedure. In addition, pay close attention to post-operative instructions and follow them carefully to ensure proper healing.

Poor Healing and Scarring

Poor healing and scarring can be a major concern for anyone considering breast lift surgery. While the goal of this procedure is to reshape and reposition the breasts, if healing doesn’t occur properly, it can lead to an unsatisfactory outcome. There are a few factors that can contribute to poor healing, including smoking, obesity, diabetes and other medical conditions that may affect blood circulation. In addition, the quality of your skin—especially its elasticity—can play a role in how well your incisions heal. To reduce your risk of issues with poor healing, make sure you select an experienced plastic surgeon who has extensive experience with this type of surgery and follow all post-operative instructions carefully. Additionally, you may want to consider using silicone gel sheets on your scars after the procedure as these can help minimize their appearance over time.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious complication that can occur following any type of major surgery, including breast lift surgery. This condition occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins of your body, typically in the leg or thigh. Symptoms of DVT include pain, swelling and redness in the affected area. If left untreated, this condition can be life-threatening as it increases your risk for pulmonary embolism, which is a blockage in the lung caused by a blood clot.

It’s important to note that there are certain risk factors that increase your chances of developing DVT after breast lift surgery. These include obesity, smoking, history of blood clots and certain medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes. Additionally, if you are taking certain medications like oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy prior to surgery, this may also contribute to an increased risk for DVT.

If you’re considering breast lift surgery, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your medical history and any potential risks associated with the procedure before scheduling your appointment. Your doctor will work with you to minimize these risks and ensure that you have a safe and successful outcome from your procedure.

Managing Risks Before Surgery

When it comes to any sort of cosmetic surgery, such as a breast lift, it’s important to be aware of the risks and take steps to mitigate them before you even make an appointment. The most common risk associated with a breast lift is deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is when a blood clot forms in one of your body’s deep veins — typically in your leg or thigh. Symptoms include pain, swelling and redness in the affected area and can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk for DVT before having surgery. Make sure to let your doctor know about any medical conditions or medications that could increase your chances for developing DVT — such as obesity, smoking, heart disease or diabetes — as well as any history of blood clots. Additionally, if you’re considering losing weight prior to having the procedure done, do so gradually over time instead of drastically reducing caloric intake right before surgery. This will help ensure that you stay healthy and have a successful outcome from your breast lift procedure.

Consultation with Plastic Surgeon

When considering a breast lift procedure, it’s important to meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon. During the consultation, your doctor will take a comprehensive medical history to ensure that you’re healthy enough for surgery and discuss any potential risks or complications associated with the procedure.

Your plastic surgeon will also assess your overall body composition, including evaluating the size and shape of your breasts, your degree of breast sagging, how much excess skin needs to be removed and the position of your breast crease. Depending on how much skin needs to be removed, your plastic surgeon may recommend combining a breast lift with other procedures such as a breast augmentation or reduction.

To ensure that you get the desired results from your surgery, it’s important to be honest about any changes in medication or health conditions since your initial consultation. Additionally, if you’ve lost or gained weight since then, let your doctor know so they can plan accordingly for the procedure. Ultimately, taking time to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon is essential for reducing risk and achieving optimal outcomes from breast lift surgery.

Comprehensive Medical History Reviewed

When considering breast lift surgery, it’s important for your doctor to review your comprehensive medical history. During the consultation, your plastic surgeon will need to assess the size and shape of your breasts, how much excess skin needs to be removed and the position of your breast crease. Additionally, they’ll review any medications or health conditions you may have that could increase the risk of complications during or after the procedure.

It’s also important to alert them if you’ve lost or gained weight since your initial consultation so they can plan accordingly for surgery. Taking time to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon is essential for reducing risk and achieving optimal outcomes from breast lift surgery. By ensuring that all potential risks are taken into consideration, you can rest assured knowing that you’re going through a safe and effective procedure under the care of a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Discussing Any Pre-Existing Conditions

When you’re considering breast lift surgery, it’s important to discuss any pre-existing conditions with your doctor. This includes any medications you are on, history of breast cancer, or other health issues that could increase the risk of complications during or after the procedure. It is also important to let them know if you have had any previous cosmetic surgeries such as breast reductions or augmentation, as this can affect the outcome of a breast lift. Additionally, if you have experienced significant weight loss or gain since your initial consultation, be sure to inform them so they can plan accordingly for surgery. Taking time to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon and discuss all potential risks is essential for reducing risk and achieving optimal outcomes from breast lift surgery.

Weight Loss Before Surgery

Weight loss before surgery can be beneficial in certain situations. If you are considering a breast lift or augmentation, it is important to note that significant weight loss may affect the outcome of your procedure. For those who plan to lose more than 10-20 pounds before surgery, it is important to speak with your plastic surgeon to determine if this would be safe and effective for your desired results. Weight loss could potentially reduce excess skin around the breasts and create better contouring after surgery, however, it could also cause reduced breast size and decreased blood supply to the area. Additionally, rapid weight loss can lead to poor healing and increased risks of infection or delayed wound healing post-surgery. It is always best to discuss any plans for weight loss with your medical provider prior to undergoing any type of cosmetic procedure.

Disadvantages of breast lift surgery

Although breast lift surgery can provide many benefits for those looking to improve the size and shape of their breasts, there are some potential disadvantages that must be taken into consideration. It is important to understand that all surgeries come with risks, and it is possible for complications to occur during or after the procedure. Common risks associated with breast lift surgery include minor scarring, asymmetry of the breasts, blood clotting, loss of sensation in the nipples and breasts, infection, changes in breast size and shape, blood vessel or nerve damage, and deep vein thrombosis. In some cases, additional surgery may be necessary to correct any imperfections that may arise after the initial procedure. Additionally, if a breast implant is placed during the lift procedure it will be at risk for leakage or rupture as with any implant surgery. It is important to speak with your plastic surgeon prior to undergoing the procedure, and ensure that they are aware of all potential risks associated with the surgery.

Conclusion

Overall, breast lift surgery can be a safe and effective option for those looking to improve the shape and contour of their breasts. However, as with any major surgery, there are potential risks and complications that should be discussed with your doctor prior to undergoing the procedure. It is important to ensure that you have realistic expectations prior to undergoing the surgery and understand any potential risks associated with it. Additionally, it is important to discuss any medical history or recent weight loss plans with your surgeon in order to reduce any potential risks associated with the surgery. Ultimately, understanding all aspects of the procedure is key in ensuring a successful outcome.