Possible Risks and Complications of Breast Implant Size Reduction/ Breast Lifting

Asymmetry: Almost everyone’s breasts are different to begin with and Dr. Pousti will do his best to make them as symmetric as possible — we can never guarantee that they will be perfect.

Bleeding: It is possible, though unusual to experience a bleeding episode during or after surgery. If post-operative bleeding does occur, it may require emergency treatment to drain accumulated blood. It is important after surgery, especially in the first 2 weeks, to avoid exercise and raising your heart rate and blood pressure. Also avoid aspirin, ibuprofen and many other medications that may affect your ability to clot your blood.

Loss of Blood Supply to the Nipple-Areola Complex: Limited incision techniques are used, however because of the invasive incisions and relocation of the nipple/areola complex a blood compromise can occur.

Mal-Positiong of the Nipple – Areola Complex: Depending on implant placement after surgery, the nipple – areola complex may not be in the ideal location and further surgery may be necessary.

Tissue Necrosis: If a lack of oxygen to the tissue is present after surgery, the tissue will turn purple or blue and if prolonged, tissue damage will occur.

Infection: This is very rare but can be taken care of with antibiotics if it occurs.

Loss of nipple/areola sensation: Numbness may occur temporarily or permanently from traumatizing sensory nerves in the breast during the procedure.

Inability to breast feed: This is not exact because some patients cannot breast feed prior to the surgery.

Inability to predict exact cup size: We will discuss your goals and do our best to achieve them.

Breast Asymmetry: The breasts will be “sisters not twins” and symmetry is never promised. Breasts are asymmetrical before surgery and will most likely be asymmetrical following surgery. Differences in terms of breast and nipple shape, size, or symmetry may also occur after surgery.

Delayed Healing: Wound disruption or delayed 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.

Spreading of the Areola / Scar: All surgery leaves scars, some more visible than others. Abnormal scars may occur within the skin and deeper tissues and may be unattractive and/or a different color than the surrounding tissue. Spreading of the areola may also occur.

Need for Revisionary surgery: It is possible that you will need to have one or more re-operations over the course of your life because of local complications from breast implants. Reasons for re-operations could include any of the potential