The decision to have breast lift surgery is an exceptionally personal one, and you will have to decide if the surgery will achieve your goals and expectations. Risks and potential complications are possible and it is advised that you discuss these in detail with you breast lift surgeon.
Breast lift procedures are commonly performed and generally safe. However, in order to make an informed decision and give your consent, you need to be aware of the possible side effects and the risk of complications.
Breast lift side effects
These are the unwanted, but mostly temporary, effects of a successful treatment, for example, feeling sick as a result of the general anaesthetic.
For a few weeks after surgery, your breasts will feel sore, swollen and hard, and you will feel a burning sensation in your nipples. Using extra pillows when sleeping can help reduce the swelling around your breasts.
You will have scars, they will be pink and noticeable at first, but they should fade gradually.
It’s possible that you still won’t be satisfied with your appearance after the operation.
Breast lift risks
- Unfavourable scarring.
- Bleeding (haematoma).
- Infection.
- Poor healing of incisions.
- Changes in nipples or breast sensation – may be temporary or permanent.
- Skin discoloration, pigmentation changes, swelling and bruising.
- Damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles and lungs – may be temporary or permanent.
- Breast asymmetry.
- Fluid accumulation.
- Excessive firmness of the breast.
- Potential partial or total loss of the nipple or areola.
- Blood clots.
- Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications.
- Pain.
Summing Up
Breast lift surgery is performed to restructure breasts that have lost their original shape. The procedure raises and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue.
Breast lift surgery can also be used to correct asymmetrical breast problems.
As with all breast surgery procedures, breast lift surgery carries a number of risks and side effects, including infection, possibility of damage to nerves and muscles, and asymmetry.
