BREAST LIFT (MASTOPEXY) - SPECIFIC SURGICAL RISKS 

DESCRIPTION                   

q       Breast Lift, mastopexy, is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breast.  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. 

q       Breast lift, mastopexy is a surgery performed by plastic surgeons to raise and reshape sagging breast.  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 mastopexy can increase both firmness and size.

q       The best candidates for mastopexy are healthy, emotionally stable women who have realistic expectations about what this type of surgery can accomplish.  Breasts of any size can be lifted, but the results may not last as long in women with heavy, large breasts. 

q       Mastopexy does leave permanent, noticeable scars on the breasts.  There are a variety of different surgical techniques used for the reshaping and lifting of the female breast.

q       A separate consent form (augmentation mammaplasty) for the use of breast implants in conjunction with mastopexy is necessary.

RISKS

q       CHANGE IN NIPPLE SENSATION AND SKIN SENSATION:  You may experience a change in the sensitivity of the nipples and the skin of your breasts.  Permanent loss of nipple sensation can occur after a mastopexy in one or both nipples.

q       BREAST IMPLANTS:  Risks associated with the potential use of breast implants are covered in a separate informed consent form.

q       SKIN SCARRING:  All surgery leaves scars, some more visible than others.  Although good wound healing after a surgical procedure is 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.

q       POOR RESULT:  There is the possibility of a poor result from the mastopexy surgery.  You may be disappointed with the results of surgery.  Cosmetic risks would include unacceptable visible deformities, poor healing and unacceptable breast shape.  You may be dissatisfied with the size of your breasts after mastopexy.

q       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 may die.  This may require frequent dressing changes or further surgery to remove the non-healed tissue. 

q       ASYMMETRY:  Some breast asymmetry naturally occurs in most women.   Differences in terms of breast and nipple shape, size or symmetry may also occur after surgery.  Additional surgery may be necessary to revise asymmetry after a mastopexy.

q       FUTURE PREGNANCY AND BREAST FEEDING:  Mastopexy is 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 mastopexy.

q       BREAST DISEASE:  Breast disease and breast cancer can occur independently of breast lift surgery.  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.

q       OTHER:  There are many variables that may influence the long-term result of mastopexy surgery.  Secondary surgery may be necessary to perform additional tightening or repositioning of the breasts.  It may be necessary to perform additional surgery to improve your results.

ALTERNATIVES

q       Mastopexy is an elective surgical operation.  Alternative treatment would consist of not undergoing the surgical procedure or wearing supportive undergarments to lift sagging breast.  If breasts are large and sagging, a reduction mammaplasty may be considered.  Risks and potential complications are associated with alternative surgical forms of treatment.