Loss of Sensitivity in the Breasts Several patients experience temporary loss in breast sensitivity after Mastopexy. This is because the nerve endings have been cut during the operation, and need the healing touch of time, sometimes several months, for normal sensation to return. In some rare cases, the procedure can lead to a permanent loss of sensation in the breasts and/or areola area. Scarring Any injury results in scars. And Mastopexy is no exception. But, these scars are usually not problematic. A lowdown on the kinds of scars:
- Hypertrophic scars are red, raised and lumpy
- Keloids are tissue overgrowths that extend past the incisions made during surgery or the development of inner scar tissue.
Smokers or those who have a medical history of abnormal scarring are at greater risk for developing more apparent breast lift scars. Scar gels and silicone gel sheeting can help minimize scarring. It’s important to remember that scarring looks worse just after surgery and begin fading over time. Wound Separation (Dehiscence) Revision surgery isn’t usually required to treat the wound separation problem. Smokers and diabetics are among those who may experience a separation of the operating wound edges. If wounds do separate, take care to keep the area as clean as possible. Women who experience wound separation will take longer to completely recover from their Mastopexy.
Breast Skin or Nipple Loss Due to effects on the blood circulation during a breast lift, there is a risk that part of the breast skin, or the nipple, could turn black. It is a much higher risk, however, in diabetics and smokers, and for this reason Mastopexy surgery is not perform on these patients.
Breast Asymmetry Naturally, all women have some level of asymmetry. It is when this asymmetry is noticeable and causes distress and discomfort, correction using surgery must be done for a more balanced look.
Blood Loss Excessive blood loss, although not common, may need blood transfusion. If the bleeding fails to stop on its own, it needs immediate medical attention. To reduce the risk of post-operative bleeding, patients are given instructions to avoid the use of anti-coagulant medications and supplements like vitamin E, garlic tablets and aspirin.
Hematoma A hematoma is caused by blood collecting and clotting in a body cavity. It could cause swelling, pain, develop scar tissue, infections and other complications. Patients would know a hematoma has developed when one breast becomes significantly bigger than the other, even 2-3 times bigger! It would also become very painful – a sure sign that the doctor must know and medical care must be administered immediately.
Fat Necrosis When fat lacks a proper supply of blood it becomes necrotic, or perishes. The affected tissue turns orange and begins to weep. This is a problem and could lead to causing major infections. Patients must seek immediate treatment to remove the necrotic tissue. However, it is a rare occurrence in breast tissue and can be seen in smokers, women who suffer from diabetes or circulatory problems. Those who have undergone radioactive/chemotherapy treatment are at an increased risk of developing necrosis.
Infection Normally, infections show up within three days following surgery. The signs are severe swelling, redness, significant pain that shows no sign of improvement, discharge, a foul smell, a fever of 38 degrees Celsius or higher and intense heat stemming from the operated area.
General Dissatisfaction with Surgical Results of Mastopexy Dissatisfaction will not occur if patients have realistic expectations from their breast lift surgery. In any surgery, skin is cut. Therefore scarring is a given. You need to accept that in your mind. Anyway, these scars are never visible in public. When you know what to expect, you automatically keep your expectations real. And we, at Chennai Plastic Surgery are known to exceed expectations in a positive way.