Discomfort after breast lift caused by vitamins?

I had an anchor type breast lift 2 1/2 months ago. Sometimes there's no discomfort at all, sometimes extreme itching (especially around the nipples) occurs. My breast also appears flushed and slightly bruised from below the nipple down to the crease underneath.

I'm wondering, could my vitamins have caused blood thinning, which later on resulted to this bruising/discomfort? I know that some vitamins are to be discontinued just prior to surgery, but I started taking my vitamins 5 days post-procedure. Could I possibly have started going back to the routine too soon?

Sort: Date | Helpful
10 answers to “Discomfort after breast lift caused...”

A: Early phase of healing after breast lift

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD

Vitamins should not cause all these signs and symptoms. I would recommend that you check back with your surgeon to rule out other causes. You are still in the early phases after surgery and wound healing is still in the active phase.

A: Breast lift discomfort unlikely caused by vitamins

Adam David Lowenstein, MD

Taking vitamins 5 days after your operation is very unlikely to have anything to do with your current situation. The normal healing process can involve all of the issues that you bring up, but you want to make sure that your plastic surgeon is aware of what is going on and can make sure that you are on the... more

A: Unlikely, probably normal healing process

Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD

Some bruising and swelling normally occurs following a mastopexy. The skin in or near the surgical site can appear either lighter or darker than surrounding skin. Although uncommon, swelling and skin discoloration may persist for long periods of time, and in rare situations, it may be permanent. Also, itching... more

A: Possibly, but not likely

Scott E. Kasden, MD

Unless you were on megadoses of things like vitamin E, etc., it is not likely that the discoloration and discomfort is related. Depending on exactly what was done at surgery, you will likely still have dull aching pain, that will wax and wane, but diminish over time. The tingling is due to nerves regrowing,... more

A: The vitamins did not have a direct effect on your surgical outcome

Stephen A. Goldstein, MD

I do not think that the vitamins that you took prior to your surgery had a direct effect on your outcome. What is probably more important was the quality of your skin and how tight the skin envelope was following the breast lift procedure. Increased vascularity is seen sometimes following breast lift surgery... more

A: This doesn't sound like a problem.

John P. Di Saia, MD

Hello,   Make sure your doc is seeing you through this, but you are probably OK. Itching and flushed skin is not uncommon at your stage. I doubt the vitamins had anything to do with it.      Best Regards,   John Di Saia MD

A: Not likely

Steven Wallach, MD

Starting vitamins several days after surgery sounds OK. The things you wrote about sound pretty normal in terms of recovery.  Unless you have fever and chills or drainage it doesn't sound like much.

A: Possibly, but you sound normal

Richard P. Rand, MD

What you are describing is the normal nerve recovery around the nipples.  A wide variety of syptoms such as itching, burning, or electrical feelings go along with nerve recovery. The redness in the lower pole of the breasts is also normal and comes from the weight of the implant on the lower pole skin... more

A: Sounds like things are OK

Robert M. Freund, MD

Itching around the nipples is normal. This can be the result of the nerves regenerating in the area, or because of the resolution and softening of the scars. The scars are often dry and it causes itching. The discoloration below the breast is likely due to residual bruising or to the ordinary healing process... more

A: Vitamin E in the post-op

Steven H. Williams, MD

Large doses of vitamin E can be associated with increased bleeding. Itching around the incisions in the immediate post-op period is likely normal although it is important to watch for skin reactions from tape or "steristrips". Some bruising after a breast lift is normal.  Things to watch for... more

Post your question

Breast lift before & after photos

Post your question
IMPORTANT: As noted in our Terms of Service, the information found on RealSelf.com, including that provided by professionals in the Questions & Answers area, is a general educational aid. The Questions and Answers contain opinions and views created by community members. RealSelf.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any information posted by community members. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical or healthcare advice, or for diagnosis or treatment purposes.