Breast Lift and Breast Reduction Risks

Specialist in breast lifts, and breast reductions for Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, & Washington DC

General information on breast lifts and breast reduction operations

Breast lift, or its medical term ‘mastopexy’ and breast reduction are surgical procedures to raise and reshape sagging breasts. Factors such as pregnancy, nursing, weight change, aging and gravity produce changes in the appearance of a woman’s breasts. As the skin loses its elasticity, the breasts often lose their shape and begin to sag. Breast lift, or breast reduction are similar surgical procedures performed by Dr. Michael J. Brown to raise and reshape sagging breasts. This operation can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin around the nipple. If your breasts are small or have lost volume after pregnancy, breast implants inserted in conjunction with breast lift can increase both firmness and size. Breast reduction patients obviously do not want any more breast volume. The best candidates for breast lift and breast reduction surgeries are healthy, emotionally stable women who have realistic expectations about what these type of surgeries can accomplish. Breasts of any size can be lifted, but the results may not last as long in women with heavy, large breasts. Breast lift does leave permanent, noticeable scars on the breasts. There are a variety of different surgical techniques used for the reshaping and lifting of the breast. To actually visualize the steps of the breast lift and breast reduction surgery visit these 3-D illustrations.

A separate consent form for the use of breast implants ( breast augmentation ) in conjunction with breast lift is necessary. Prior to any surgical procedure(s), it is imperative that you have read and understand the consent forms required for the plastic surgical procedure(s).If you are searching for safe breast reduction or breast lift surgery minimizing risk in Northern Virginia, Maryland or Washington,DC, plastic surgeon, Dr. Michael J. Brown is an excellent choice to have this procedure from. His patients come from Loudoun, Fairfax, Reston, Herndon, Leesburg, Dulles, Ashburn, Middleburg, Great Falls, Potomac Falls, Alexandria, Vienna, Falls Church, Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Potomac, Richmond,Washington, DC to name a few areas

Alternative Treatment Options
Breast lifts and breast reduction are elective surgical operations. Alternative treatment would consist of not undergoing the breast lift or breast reduction surgical procedures or wearing supportive undergarments to lift sagging breasts. Risks and potential complications are associated with alternative surgical forms of treatment.

Risks of breast lifts or breast reduction surgeries

Every surgical procedure involves a certain amount of risk, and it is important that you understand the risks involved with these surgeries An individual’s choice to undergo a surgical procedure is based on the comparison of the risk to potential benefit. While the majority of women do not experience these complications, you should discuss each of them with Dr. Michael J. Brown to make sure you understand the risks, potential complications, and consequences of the breast lift and breast reduction operations.

Bleeding- It is possible, though unusual, to experience a bleeding episode after breast lift or breast reduction surgeries. Should post-operative bleeding occur, it may require emergency treatment to drain accumulated blood or blood transfusion. Do not take any listed medications for 14 days before breast lift or breast reduction surgeries, as this may increase the risk of bleeding.

Infection- An infection is quite unusual after breast lift or breast reduction surgeries. Should an infection occur, treatment including antibiotics or additional breast surgery may be necessary.

Change in nipple and skin sensation- You may experience a change in the sensitivity of the nipples and the skin of your breast after breast lift or breast reduction surgeries. Permanent loss of nipple sensation can occur after a breast lift or breast reduction surgeries in one or both nipples.

Breast implants- Risks associated with the potential use of breast implants are covered elsewhere.

Skin scarring- All surgery leaves scars, some more visible than others. Although good wound healing after breast lift or breast reduction surgical procedures are expected, abnormal scars may occur within the skin and deeper tissues. Scars may be unattractive and of different color than the surrounding skin tone. There is the possibility of visible marks in the skin from sutures. In some cases scars may require surgical revision or treatment.

Firmness- Excessive firmness of the breast can occur breast lift or breast reduction surgeries due to internal scarring or scarring around a breast implant if one is used during the breast lift. The occurrence of this is not predictable. Additional treatment including surgery may be necessary.

Poor result- There is the possibility of a poor result from the breast lift or breast reduction surgeries. You may be disappointed with the results breast lift or breast reduction surgeries. Cosmetic risks would include unacceptable visible deformities, poor healing, and unacceptable breast shape. You may be dissatisfied with the size of your breasts after either a breast lift or breast reduction surgery.

Delayed healing- Wound disruption or delayed wound healing is possible. Some areas of the breast skin or nipple region may not heal normally and may take a long time to heal. Areas of skin or nipple tissue die. This may require frequent dressing changes or further surgery to remove the non-healed tissue.

Smokers have a greater risk of skin loss and wound healing complications.

Asymmetry- Some breast asymmetry naturally occurs in most women. Differences in terms of breast and nipple shape, size, or symmetry may also occur after either breast lift or breast reduction surgeries. Additional surgery may be necessary to revise asymmetry after either surgery.

Allergic reactions- In rare cases, local allergies to tape, suture material, or topical preparations have been reported. Systemic reactions which are more serious may occur to drugs used during either breast lift or breast reduction surgeries and prescription medicines. Allergic reactions may require additional treatment.

Surgical anesthesia- Both local and general anesthesia involve risk. There is the possibility of complications, injury, and even death from all forms of surgical anesthesia or sedation, or surgery.

Breast disease- Breast disease and breast cancer can occur independently of breast lift or breast reduction surgeries. It is recommended that all women perform periodic self-examination of their breasts, have mammography according to American Cancer Society guidelines, and to seek professional care should a breast lump be detected.

Future pregnancy and breast feeding- breast lift or breast reduction surgeries are not known to interfere with pregnancy or breast feeding. If you are planning a pregnancy, your breast skin may stretch and offset the results of your breast surgery.

ADDITIONAL SURGERY NECESSARY
There are many variable conditions that may influence the long term result of your breast lift or breast reduction surgery. Secondary breast lift surgery may be necessary to perform additional tightening or repositioning of the breasts. Should complications occur, additional surgery or other treatments may be necessary.

HEALTH INSURANCE
Most health insurance companies exclude coverage for cosmetic surgical operations such as breast lift or any complications that might occur from breast lift surgery. Some carriers have excluded breast diseases in patients who have breast implants. Please carefully review your health insurance subscriber information pamphlet. Most insurance plans exclude coverage for secondary or revisionary surgery. Breast reduction surgery may be covered by some insurances.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The cost of breast lift or breast reduction surgeries involves several charges for the services provided. The total includes fees charged by your doctor, the cost of surgical supplies (possible breast implants ), laboratory tests, anesthesia, and hospital charges, depending on where the breast surgery is performed. Depending on whether the cost of breast surgery is covered by an insurance plan, you will be responsible for necessary co-payments, deductibles, and charges not covered. Additional costs may occur should complications develop from the breast lift surgery. Secondary breast lift surgery or hospital-day surgery charges involved with revisionary surgery would also be your responsibility.

Breast Lift with
Augmentation
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and animate


Right-sided Lift
& Augmentaton
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and animate


Breast Lift without
Augmentation
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before and afters