Benelli Lift Risks

[molly]

What are the risks of the benelli lift? Are there any side effects?

[sacback]

There are risks you need to know about so that you are fully informed. There are great benefits in getting a mastopexy to those who need it, but everything comes with risks. There may be an allergic reaction to the anesthesia or medications. Most risks usually come from anesthesia unfortunately. Please read the All About Anesthesia Section for more information.

There may be asymmetry, hyper-pigmentation (permanent dark spots) from the bruising. Also, hematoma and seroma are possible, leading to additional surgeries to remedy.

A big fear is tissue necrosis (tissue death). I am serious, you do NOT want this. Tissue Necrosis happens when either you smoke and/or you have poor oxygen-tissue saturation or the surgeon did not use a pedicle to keep blood flowing to your nipple or other skin sections that were reattached. It also could be just bad healing or infection. This is an issue and by far the most worrisome and dangerous so do all that you can to keep this from happening -- like stop smoking several weeks beforehand!

Infections, although rare can happen when bacteria such as Staph, which naturally lives on your skin, gets into your incision area and multiply or develop. That is why it is important to wash your breasts, neck and torso with an anti-bacterial soap like Hibiclens or even Dial anti-bacterial soap for several days up until your surgery. This can reduce the amount of Staph on your skin. Infections can also develop intra-operatively from unsterile equipment used by a surgeon or staff of the surgeon. Infections can also result from the introduction of bacteria post-operatively through improper dressing changes, bathing or swimming in water which contains infectious agents.
Numbness and lack of sensation can be problematic -- although usually temporary. Unfortunately this can be a permanent problem in some cases. It is a complication we must be aware of before undergoing mastopexy or mastopexy with breast augmentation. If you are getting augmentation as well, please visit our breast augmentation-specific website, BreastImplantsYou.com for more information on the possible risks of this procedure.

Keloidal & hypertrophic scarring is possible in those who are prone to such. This is when the scar tissue forms outside of the area of the wound. It can result in thick, ropey scars. There are many studies which report that keloid scars were prevented (and lessened in existing cases) with the use of silicone sheeting and gels. One such scar treatment is made by BioDermis (www.BioDermis.com).
Just make sure that you have a qualified plastic surgeon to perform your Mastopexy. And if you smoke, quit before the surgery. Since Mastopexy leaves relatively noticeable scars you should try everything in your power to lessen the risk of even more scarring. When one smokes, their oxygen and blood flow to the skin diminishes considerably. Please abide by your surgeon's instruction for a smoother, more pleasant recovery and results.