Common Side Effects of Breast Lift Surgery By on April 20, 2015

A woman on the beachAt Mesna Plastic Surgery, patients throughout the greater Minneapolis area can count on our team to provide excellent care as well as ample answers to all of your questions. Providing information such as this is important for procedures such as breast augmentation surgery, which enhances the overall size and shape of the bustline.

Breast lift surgery is also a great option to consider for enhancing curves and body contour. Let's consider some of the common side effects of breast lift surgery right now.

Soreness and Discomfort

Following any surgery, soreness and discomfort are common side effects. Patients who undergo breast lift will notice that soreness is most pronounced for the first days after surgery, diminishing as the healing process continues. To address the soreness, it's important that patients take their pain medication as recommended by their cosmetic surgeon. It's also important to wear any surgical bras and/or compression garments as directed. These will provide support for the chest and breasts and can help reduce pain (as well as other side effects) to a certain degree.

Bruising and Discoloration

Bruising and discoloration of the breasts is also a common side effect following breast lift surgery. This will be most pronounced in the early days of the procedure, and will be come less noticeable after a few days. The bruising should subside after two weeks, though patients may notice some pinkness or mild discoloration of the breasts persisting for a few weeks.

Post-Surgical Swelling

Post-surgical swelling is generally the most pronounced in the first week after surgery. The major swelling after surgery will generally last two weeks, and patients will notice mild swelling for a few weeks after the procedure.

Major swelling and discomfort can be addressed through the use of col compresses as directed by your surgeon. The use of a surgical bra/compression garment is also helpful for controlling post-surgical swelling.

Issues with Nipple Sensation and Numbness

Since incisions are made on the breasts themselves, it's not uncommon for patients to notice issues with nipple sensation and breast sensation as they heal. This issues will generally become less common and less pronounced with time. Patients may notice some issues with breast sensation for a few months after surgery, though this is normal.

Post-Surgical Scarring

Scarring is a reality after any kind of surgery. The scars from breast lift will fade with time as patients health, though a number of genetic factors will account for the visibility and nature of these scars in the future. Rest assures that the incision sites during breast lift surgery are placed in such a way that they are well-hidden by many tops, bathing suits, and undergarments.

Ways to Reduce the Duration and Severity of Side Effects

The best way to reduce the duration and the severity of side effects is to follow all pre-op and post-op instructions to the letter. This will put you body in an ideal position to recover and to reduce any risk of complications occurring.

Find Out if a Breast Lift Is Right for Your Needs

For more information about breast lift surgery and how it can help you achieve a rejuvenated frame and body contour, be sure to contact our cosmetic plastic surgery center today.

Related to This

Dr. Gregory T. Mesna

Mesna Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Center

Gregory T. Mesna MD, FACS, is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of top-level experience. He performs a wide range of surgical and non-surgical procedures to enhance and rejuvenate the face, body, and breasts. He is proud to be affiliated with:

  • The American College of Surgeons (Fellow)
  • The American Board of Plastic Surgery
  • The Minnesota Society of Plastic Surgeons
  • The American Society of Plastic Surgeons

You can request a free consultation at our office in Minneapolis, MN, by contacting us online or calling (952) 927-4556.

Contact Us Today

Rate, Review & Explore

Social Accounts Sprite