What are the risks associated with an upper body lift?
Fortunately, major complications associated with upper body lifts are infrequent. You should discuss the risks and potential complications with your aesthetic plastic surgeon during your consultation and after your procedure to ensure you are on the right track to recovery.
All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Some of the potential complications of all surgeries are:
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Hematoma or seroma (an accumulation of blood or fluid under the skin that may require removal)
- Infection and bleeding
- Changes in sensation
- Scarring
- Allergic reactions
- Damage to underlying structures
- Unsatisfactory results that may necessitate additional procedures
Other risks specific to upper body lifts are:
- Visible scars at the incision sites
- Swelling or redness around the affected areas of the body
- Asymmetry of the breasts or loss of sensitivity around the nipples following a breast lift
- Blood clots (deep venous thrombosis / pulmonary embolism)
- Return of skin laxity due to weight loss after the procedure (it is best to attain your goal weight before undergoing an upper body lift)
You can help minimize upper body lift risks by following your board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeon’s advice and instructions before and after your surgery.