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Risks
By Mayo Clinic staffA breast lift poses various risks, including:
- Scarring. While scars are permanent, they'll soften and fade within one to two years. Scars from a breast lift can usually be hidden by bras and bathing suits. Rarely, poor healing can cause scars to become thick and wide.
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation. While sensation typically returns within several weeks, some loss of feeling might be permanent. Erotic sensation typically isn't affected.
- Irregularities or asymmetry in the shape and size of the breasts. This could occur as a result of changes during the healing process. Also, surgery might not successfully correct pre-existing asymmetry.
- Partial or total loss of the nipples or areolae. Rarely, the blood supply to the nipple or areola is interrupted during a breast lift. This can damage breast tissue in the area and lead to the partial or total loss of the nipple or areola.
- Difficulty breast-feeding. While breast-feeding is usually possible after a breast lift, some women might have difficulties producing enough milk.
Like any major surgery, a breast lift poses a risk of bleeding, infection and an adverse reaction to anesthesia. It's also possible to have an allergic reaction to the surgical tape or other materials used during or after the procedure.
References
- Thorne CH, et al. Grabb and Smith's Plastic Surgery. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Wolters Kluwer Health Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2007:1.
- Disa JJ. 100 Questions & Answers About Breast Surgery. Sudbury, Mass.: Jones and Bartlett Learning; 2005:167.
- Efrain A. Understanding Cosmetic Procedures: Surgical and Nonsurgical. Clifton Park, N.Y.: Thomas Delmar Learning; 2006:159.
- Breast lift surgery. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. http://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-lift.html. Accessed May 21, 2012.
- Rinker B, et al. The effect of breastfeeding on breast aesthetics. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2008;28:534.
- Riordan J, et al. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation. 4th ed. Sudbury, Mass.: Jones & Bartlett Publishers; 2010:309.
- Jacobson SR (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 29, 2012.
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