Breast lift surgery is popular; however, it has disadvantages, potential complications, and risks. Dr. Zach Sharony, a senior physician in the Department of Plastic Surgery at Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam), provides insight into this commonly performed cosmetic surgery.
Israeli television personality and influencer, 32-year-old Corinn Gideon, recently fulfilled a personal dream by undergoing breast lift surgery. By sharing her experience with thousands of social media followers, she sparked public interest and encouraged open discussion about breast lift surgery. Gideon said, “I made a dream come true.” While breast lifts are increasingly popular, the procedure comes with its own set of potential disadvantages, complications, and risks.
Many women seek to improve or maintain a youthful appearance—whether through natural means or medical interventions. Cosmetic and plastic surgeries, particularly breast procedures, are among the most sought-after treatments. Plastic surgeon Dr. Zach Sharony, at Rambam, explains that breast sagging is a natural and common phenomenon. Factors such as age, weight loss, pregnancy, and hormonal changes affect the structure and shape of the breasts. Over time, fat is lost, the skin stretches and thins, and the deeper supporting tissues lose elasticity, causing the breasts to sag and lose volume. Breast lift surgery is one way to address this. The procedure can be performed alone or in combination with breast augmentation or reduction, depending on the patient’s anatomy and preferences.
What Does a Breast Lift Involve?
A breast lift typically involves removing excess skin, repositioning the nipple, and sometimes increasing breast volume. If there is adequate natural volume, a lift can be performed without enlargement or reduction. Sagging breasts often look larger than they are, while lifting then can give the illusion of reduced size. This sometimes prompts patients to ask for added breast volume to maintain the desired look.
The degree and location of surgical scars depends on the type of procedure. In reduction surgeries, excess skin, fat, and glandular tissue are removed. This not only reshapes the breast but also alleviates issues associated with larger breasts, such as back pain, and may reduce the risk of future sagging.
Correcting Tubular Breasts
Another condition that can be corrected surgically is tubular breasts—a developmental anomaly caused by improper formation of connective tissue during puberty. These breasts tend to be narrow, lack a round shape, and are often asymmetrical.
Treatment typically involves a two-stage approach. The first stage focuses on augmentation, tissue redistribution, and reshaping. Six to twelve months later, a lift is performed, and the nipple is resized and repositioned.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery depends on the patient's pain threshold, the surgical technique, and the implant’s placement (if used). According to Dr. Sharony, light activity can typically be resumed within a few days. However, patients must avoid strenuous physical activity for six to eight weeks. Wearing a supportive sports bra, avoiding sleeping on one’s side, and refraining from chest-focused exercises are essential during recovery.
Disadvantages, Risks, and Complications
Like all surgeries, breast lift procedures carry certain risks. These may include:
- Visible or hypertrophic (raised) scarring
- Loss of nipple sensation
- Reduced ability to breastfeed
- Infection, bleeding, or suture rupture
- In rare cases, nipple necrosis (tissue death due to impaired blood flow), which would require nipple reconstruction at a later stage
Additional Considerations
Gravity continues to act on the breasts even after surgery. For women with smaller breasts, a slight sag can often be corrected with an internal lift, with scarring hidden beneath the breast fold. However, in approximately 20% of cases—especially with larger breasts—the skin endures greater strain, and sagging may recur within a few months.
In more complex cases, achieving and maintaining long-term results can be challenging. This includes patients with very saggy breasts, early-onset sagging, or obesity. For these individuals, additional complementary surgeries may be necessary to achieve the best possible outcome.
Despite the potential risks and complications, multiple studies indicate that most patients report improved self-esteem and body image following cosmetic procedures.
Based on an article that first appeared on the Mako website.
