Risks of Breast Lift Surgery

Like other types of surgeries, breast lift surgery carries the potential risk of undesirable results. We have provided information about some of the most common risks of breast lift surgery and breast lift with augmentation so that you can decide if the procedure is right for you.

Potential Breast Lift Risks

Although it is a relatively safe procedure that can improve the look of droopy breasts, there are certain risks associated with breast lift surgery. When an augmentation is included in the breast lift procedure, the implants create additional risks. It is important to take into consideration these risks of breast lift surgery and other potential breast lift complications when deciding whether or not to undergo the surgery.

Asymmetry

Because each patient heals differently, some women will experience small differences in the size or shape of breasts after breast lift surgery. Asymmetrical nipple placement may also be apparent after surgery. Breast asymmetry is one of the most common risks of breast lift surgery and in most cases, is minor. However, if the asymmetry is extreme, it can be revised through an additional surgery.

Altered Sensation

Loss of sensitivity in the breast or areola (area around the nipple) is normal following surgery and is usually temporary. In some cases, women may experience extra sensitivity, which is also typically a temporary risk of breast lift surgery. During surgery, the nerves that bring sensation to breast are severed and it may take several months for these nerves to regenerate and for sensation to return.

Change in nipple sensation is one of the normal risks of breast lift surgery. However, in rare cases, sensation loss can be permanent. There is a higher risk of permanent sensation loss when significant repositioning of the nipple is necessary.

Interference with Breastfeeding

An interference with breastfeeding has long been thought to be one of the risks of breast lift surgery. However, because the milk glands are not separated from the nipple during the procedure, breastfeeding is typically not affected. Great care is taken to preserve the milk ducts during nipple repositioning and only in rare cases are the ducts affected.

Breast Lift with Augmentation

In addition to the common risks of breast lift surgery, patients who also undergo breast augmentation should be aware of the risks that are associated with breast implants. Implants can move or ripple, causing undesirable results, or become hard, a condition known as capsular contracture. Ruptured breast implants may cause some health problems and mammography results may be affected by implants, especially when they are placed above the muscle. Some women who have breast implants report difficulty breastfeeding.

Learn more about other implant complications and health risks of breast implants that should be taken into consideration before you decide to include augmentation with your breast lift procedure.

Locate a Cosmetic Surgeon in Your Area

To reduce the risks of breast lift surgery, it is important to choose a skilled and qualified cosmetic surgeon to perform your breast lift. We provide a directory of surgeons throughout the United States who are highly trained and experienced in the breast lift procedure. Visit DocShop’s online directory to find a cosmetic surgeon in your area.