Are Breast Lifts Dangerous?

Posted December 04, 2024 in Breast Lift

A breast lift is a popular cosmetic breast surgery designed to lift and shape the breasts for more attractive upper body contours. Many people who want to restore their youthful breast appearance worry about the safety and risks of breast lift surgery or mastopexy. If you’re thinking about undergoing a breast lift, it’s important to understand both the benefits and risks so you can make an informed decision. This guide will explore these risks and the advantages of breast lift surgery to help you understand more about the procedure.

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How Does Breast Lift Surgery Work?

Mastopexy doesn’t add volume like augmentation, but it can make your breasts firmer and younger-looking by removing loose, excess skin, tightening the underlying tissues, and repositioning the nipples and areolas. Breast lift surgery is often sought by those who have experienced a significant change in breast shape due to aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, or genetics.

5 Steps Involved in Breast Lift Surgery:

Although cosmetic breast surgeries, including mastopexy, are customizable procedures, you can generally expect your surgeon to follow these basic steps:

1. Anesthesia: General anesthesia prevents you from feeling any pain during the procedure.
2. Incisions: Breast lift incisions are typically made around the areola, down to the bottom of the breast, and sometimes extending along the crease to form a lollipop or anchor shape. The incision pattern depends on the amount of lift needed.
3. Reshaping and Lifting: Once the incisions are made, the surgeon will lift and reshape the tissue, removing excess skin for tighter, perkier breasts.
4. Repositioning the Nipples: In most cases, the nipples are raised to a more youthful and natural appearance.
5. Closing Incisions: The incisions are closed with suture, the area is bandaged, and a compression garment is placed around the area.

A breast lift takes around two to three hours, depending on the amount of correction needed.

What Is Breast Lift Recovery Like?

Recovery from breast lift surgery varies for each person, but patients can generally expect the following:

• Week 1: Patients can expect to experience some swelling, bruising, and soreness during the first week of recovery. However, patients generally report that the benefits outweigh this temporary discomfort. Medication is typically prescribed, and cold compresses can also help you manage pain.
• Weeks 2–4: Swelling has subsided significantly, and most patients have returned to work or light activities by week two. Follow your surgeon’s instructions, wear your compression garment or supportive bra as directed, and don’t lift heavy objects.
• Months 1–3: Only residual swelling is present, and you’ll start to see the final results of your breast lift. Incisions continue to heal, and scars will fade over time.

To lower your risk of complications, don’t smoke or use nicotine products, eat nutritious meals, drink plenty of water, rest, and avoid strenuous activity until cleared by your surgeon. Use a scar cream or silicone strips to minimize scarring.

Breast Lift Surgery Risks

Like any surgery, a breast lift comes with some risks, but serious complications are rare when patients follow the surgeon’s post-operative instructions.

Some common complications include:

• Scarring: Scarring is a part of any surgery that involves incisions, and breast lifts are no exception. Scars will be present, but experienced surgeons are skilled in making incisions in less noticeable areas and will give you aftercare advice to promote healing. Scars will fade over time.
• Changes in Sensation: Some patients may experience changes in nipple and breast sensation after surgery. This is usually temporary but can be permanent. The extent of sensation changes depends on the technique used and individual anatomy.
• Asymmetry: Minor asymmetry is common, as natural breasts are not usually perfectly symmetrical. A qualified surgeon will plan the procedure to achieve balanced and natural results.
• Breastfeeding Difficulties: A breast lift may affect breastfeeding, especially if extensive tissue manipulation or nipple repositioning is involved. It is often recommended that women wait until they have finished bearing children before having a breast lift to ensure a long-lasting outcome. However, many women can still breastfeed after the procedure. If future breastfeeding is a priority for you, discuss this during your consultation.

Rare but serious risks include:

• Infection: Infection is a risk after any surgery. A qualified surgeon will take all necessary precautions to prevent infection and provide you with pre-operative and post-operative care instructions. Most infections can be treated with antibiotics if they do occur.
• Bleeding and Hematoma: Bleeding can occur within the breast tissue and form a collection of blood called a hematoma. Hematomas may require drainage to prevent additional complications, but this is rare with qualified surgical teams. Tobacco use increases this risk.
• Adverse Reaction to Anesthesia: General anesthesia is used in breast lift surgery, and while these complications are rare, some people can have an adverse reaction. Pre-operative screenings will help identify any allergies or potential problems with anesthesia.

How Can You Minimize Your Breast Lift Surgery Risks?

The two best ways you can ensure a successful breast lift outcome include:

1. Choosing a Board-certified Plastic Surgeon: One of the most effective ways to minimize the risks of a breast lift is by choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. Surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or your country’s equivalent will have extensive training, a good reputation, and a proven track record performing successful breast lift surgeries.
2. Following Your Surgeon’s Post-operative Instructions: Quality recovery and productive healing are essential for a positive breast lift experience. By following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully, you can minimize your complication risks and scarring while helping to ensure the best results possible.

What Are the Benefits of Breast Lift Surgery?

When performed by a qualified, board-certified surgeon, a breast lift offers several benefits:

• Younger-looking Breasts: A breast lift enhances body contours and creates a more appealing silhouette by restoring the natural position of the breasts and giving them a firm, youthful look. This procedure can enhance self-esteem and increase confidence by helping women feel more comfortable and satisfied with their bodies.
• Improved Breast Contours: In addition to repositioning the breasts, a breast lift can reshape asymmetrical or misshapen breasts and give them a rounder, fuller look. The size of your areolas can also be reduced if desired.
• Long-lasting Results: Mastopexy cannot prevent aging or weight fluctuations from affecting your breast appearance, but it does offer long-lasting results. Many patients enjoy their results for 10 years or more with proper care and lifestyle habits.
• Versatility: A breast lift can be tailored to meet your individual needs and cosmetic goals and can be combined with other procedures like breast augmentation or reduction for customized results.

Houston, TX, Breast Lift Surgery With an Award-Winning Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Patronella is a board-certified Houston plastic surgeon and the creator of “True Form Aesthetic Breast Surgery®.” His techniques provide superior breast lift results, alone or when combined with other procedures, like breast reduction or augmentation. Call 713-799-9999 today to schedule your Houston, Texas, breast lift consultation.