Breast Lift Risks and Complications

Reviewed by Grant Stevens, MD, FACS

Like all surgeries, breast lift (mastopexy) confers risks and complications. Breast lift risks can be minimized by carefully following your plastic surgeon's pre- and post-op instructions and taking certain precautions. Your surgeon will alert you to any red flags to watch for and will instruct you on what to do in the event that signs of trouble occur during your breast lift recovery.

In general, breast lift risks include:

  • Anesthesia complications
  • Infection
  • Hematoma (collection of blood that pools outside of the blood vessel)
  • Seroma (collection of fluid underneath the skin)
  • Skin or fat death (necrosis)
  • Bleeding or blood loss
  • Temporary or permanent loss of sensation in the nipple or areola (the pigmented area around the nipple)
  • Depression or emotional changes
  • Unfavorable scarring
  • Breast asymmetry
  • Excessive breast firmness
  • Trouble breast-feeding
  • Dissatisfaction with the cosmetic results of your breast lift
  • Pulmonary embolism (This occurs when a blood clot in your leg travels to your lungs, and can be fatal.)
  • Death

Minimizing Your Breast Lift Risks

Your breast lift risk profile is based on your personal health history, the details of your operation, your surgeon’s skill set and how well you adhere to your pre- and post-op instructions.

Many of these factors are in your control. For example, you can choose the most highly skilled surgeon you can find to perform your breast lift.

You can also help ensure a risk-free procedure by being honest about your health status. Tell your surgeon whether or not you smoke, drink alcohol or take any medications — even herbal ones — on a regular basis. Some risks, such as skin necrosis, are elevated if you smoke, and certain medications may increase your risk of bleeding.

Serious complications after breast lift surgery are rare, and many, such as pulmonary embolism, are preventable. Your surgeon will likely suggest that you get up and move about as soon as possible following surgery to boost circulation and prevent the development of a blood clot.

Steps for Preventing Infection After Breast Lift

Another breast lift risk, postsurgical infection, can be prevented by taking antibiotics as prescribed for as long as prescribed. Using an anti-bacterial soap for a few days before your surgery can also help prevent infection.

If an infection does occur, catching it early can improve your prognosis. Know what to look out for, including:

  • Redness, discharge and/or foul smell at the incision sites
  • Severe swelling
  • Severe pain that develops after your surgery and does not improve
  • Intense heat in the treated area
  • Fever higher than 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit

If any of these symptoms occur, call your surgeon immediately.

Choose a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon for Your Breast Lift

Choosing a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon will help minimize your risk of complications and maximize your satisfaction with the cosmetic results of your breast lift. At your initial consultation, be sure to ask your surgeon for a personalized risk profile and make sure you are informed about all aspects of surgery, including the breast lift cost. Start your search for a qualified surgeon now.

About the Reviewer of This Article

Grant Stevens, MD, FACS, is the Medical Director for Plastic Surgery Associates in Marina del Rey and Palos Verdes, California, and Medical Director for the Marina Outpatient Surgery Center. Dr. Stevens is an active member at Daniel Freeman Marina Hospital, where he formerly served as chairman of the Department of Surgery. He is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and actively participates in 17 local, state, national and international plastic surgery societies. Dr. Stevens is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and was the Co-Director of The Breast Center at Los Angeles Daniel Freeman Marina Hospital. Dr. Stevens coined the term "gummy bear gel implants" and is involved in the clinical trials of these implants. He is also a medical advisor for Breastimplants4you.com.

[page updated April 27, 2011]