A breast lift, medically known as mastopexy, is a procedure designed to reshape the breast by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to achieve a more elevated contour. Like any surgical intervention, mastopexy carries inherent risks, but when performed by a qualified medical professional, it is generally considered a safe aesthetic procedure. Understanding the specific nature of potential complications is important for anyone considering this surgery.
Immediate Surgical Risks and Complications
The most serious dangers associated with the procedure itself are those common to any surgery requiring general anesthesia. Adverse reactions to anesthesia, while rare, can include allergic responses or unexpected fluctuations in blood pressure, which are continuously monitored by the anesthesiologist during the operation.
Excessive bleeding, known as a hematoma, is an immediate concern where blood pools beneath the skin and may require an urgent return to the operating room for drainage. While small hematomas often resolve naturally, larger ones must be addressed to prevent issues like infection or damage to the breast tissue. Infection can occur at the incision sites, presenting with symptoms such as warmth, spreading redness, and persistent pain.
More severe, systemic risks involve the formation of blood clots, specifically deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the legs. If one of these clots breaks free and travels to the lungs, it becomes a pulmonary embolism (PE), a life-threatening event. Early ambulation after surgery and pre-operative assessment are standard practices to help mitigate the risk of these thromboembolic complications. Patients with underlying health issues or those undergoing longer procedures may have a slightly increased risk profile.
Concerns Related to Aesthetic Outcome and Sensation
Beyond the immediate medical risks, significant potential complications affect the appearance and function of the breast. Scarring is an unavoidable aspect of mastopexy, as the procedure requires incisions, but in some cases, scars can become thick, raised, and discolored, known as hypertrophic scarring or keloids. Poor wound healing, often exacerbated by factors like smoking, can also lead to widened scars or areas of skin necrosis where tissue dies due to insufficient blood supply.
Another concern is the possibility of breast asymmetry or contour irregularities. Differences in post-operative swelling or the healing process can cause the breasts to appear uneven in size or shape. Changes in sensation are also common, ranging from temporary tingling to a partial or complete loss of feeling in the nipple or areola area. This nerve alteration is due to the manipulation and repositioning of the breast tissue during the lift. While sensation often returns within a few months, the change can occasionally be permanent.
Factors That Influence Safety and Risk Level
The probability of experiencing a complication is highly dependent on both the patient’s health profile and the choices made regarding their care provider. Selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in mastopexy is important, as their experience correlates with safer outcomes. The accreditation status of the surgical facility is equally important, ensuring high standards of sterile technique and proper emergency response protocols.
Patient health factors significantly influence the level of risk. Smoking is one of the most detrimental factors, as nicotine constricts blood vessels, severely impairing blood flow to the surgical site and increasing the risk of poor wound healing and tissue death. Pre-existing conditions such as a high body mass index (BMI) or diabetes can also impede circulation and the body’s ability to fight infection, making a thorough pre-operative medical clearance necessary. Following all pre-surgery instructions, such as discontinuing certain medications or supplements that increase bleeding risk, is a proactive step the patient must take to maximize safety.
Managing Post-Operative Safety
The recovery period requires careful management, as many secondary complications may first appear during this time. Patients must adhere to restrictions on physical activity, typically avoiding heavy lifting greater than five to ten pounds and strenuous exercise for several weeks to prevent excessive swelling or bleeding. Early, light ambulation, such as short walks, is encouraged soon after surgery to promote circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots.
Safe recovery involves meticulous incision care, managing surgical drains if they were placed, and continuously wearing the prescribed supportive surgical bra. Patients are typically provided with pain medication, but driving is prohibited while taking prescription narcotics due to impaired reflexes. It is important to watch for specific warning signs that necessitate immediate contact with the surgeon:
- A fever over 101°F.
- Sudden and excessive swelling in one breast.
- Severe pain that is not relieved by medication.
- Persistent bleeding or foul-smelling discharge from the incision sites.
- Sudden shortness of breath.