Every plastic, cosmetic, and reconstructive surgical procedure carries inherent risks and possible complications. It is vital to comprehend and minimise these risks in order to achieve a successful surgery. While every effort is made to mitigate these risks, some risks are unavoidable.
The information provided on this page is of a general nature. Your Specialist Plastic Surgeon will thoroughly discuss the particular risks and complications that are relevant to your specific surgical procedure during your consultation. General risks for surgery are listed here.
Breast lift surgery, in particular, has its own set of specific risks, including but not limited to:
- Fluid accumulation: After the surgery, there is a possibility of fluid accumulating around the breast. This condition, known as seroma, may require additional procedures to drain the fluid. To prevent any fluid or blood accumulation, thin tubes called a drains may be temporarily placed under the skin while you’re in hospital.
- Fat necrosis: This is a rare complication that can occur when fatty tissue dies. It can cause hard lumps under the skin, but it is usually not a serious problem.
- Changes in breast and nipple sensation: Breast lift surgery may lead to temporary or permanent changes in breast and nipple sensation. Some individuals may experience increased sensitivity, while others may notice reduced sensation.
- Asymmetry (unevenness) of the breasts: This is a rare complication of breast lift surgery. It can be caused by a number of factors, including differences in the size or shape of the breasts before surgery, or problems with healing.
- Excessive firmness of the breast: This is a rare complication of breast lift surgery that can be caused by the formation of scar tissue.
- Potential partial or total loss of the nipple and areola: This is a very rare complication of breast lift surgery. It is usually caused by damage to the blood supply to the nipple and areola.
- Requirement for further surgery to address complications: This is a rare complication of breast lift surgery. It may be necessary to correct problems such as asymmetry, excessive firmness, or loss of the nipple and areola.