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Procedures  >   Female  >   Breast Uplift (Mastopexy)  >   What are the risks?

 

Breast Uplift (Mastopexy)
What are the risks?

No surgery is risk-free. The risks of breast reshaping are similar to those described for breast reduction.

As with any major operation under general anaesthetic, there is a small risk of chest infection and thrombosis in the veins in your legs (DVT). While you may be given preventive treatment to reduce these risks, you can help reduce your risk by coming off the contraceptive pill before your operation and stopping smoking. You should not consider any non-urgent surgery if you are pregnant.

Bleeding
The breast contains many blood vessels and there may be some bruising following the procedure. Occasionally, a more significant bleed occurs and a haematoma (blood collection) develops within the breast. Should this occur, you will be taken back to the operating theatre to have the blood washed out and the bleeding vessel resealed. This would not normally delay your discharge and should not affect them longer-term outcome of the surgery.

Infection
Occasionally, an infection develops a few days after surgery. This normally results from the bacteria that are lying dormant in the ducts of the breast. It can cause part of the wound to break down which in turn prolongs the healing period and may worsen the quality of the final scars. Infections are usually treated with a short course of antibiotics.
Pregnancy
There is a risk that you may not be able to breast feed after breast reshaping surgery. If you decide to have silicone implants at the same time, you should consult our information on breast augmentation, which describes the added risk of this procedure. The risk of infection around the implant is somewhat higher when a mastopexy is combined with an implant, as opposed to using an implant alone.

Unfavourable scars
The scars following breast uplift surgery usually settle very well. In some women, however, areas of the scar may stretch, become thickened or cause itching. These may require special treatment to help them settle. Your surgeon will always try to leave you with neat scars that are as short as possible.

Effect on the nipple
As part of a breast uplift procedure, the nipple is elevated to a better position. As a result of this process, the nipple may become numb and this may be permanent. In very rare circumstances, the nipple may not survive this repositioning and can be lost. Stopping smoking is very important in minimising this risk.

 

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