Is this much pleating after a breast lift normal? (Photos)

Question

11 days post op (lift and explant - no implant now). I’m concerned about the extensive pleating. The surgeon’s nurse said that it is normal, but in scanning the many photos on this site posted by women during their recoveries I don’t see anything that looks like this. Will it smooth out over time, or am I likely to need a revision?

Yannis Alexandrides, MD, FACS · Answer

Different techniques and your skin type can affect the final result. Just 11 days post-op, it is still early days and I would agree with your surgeon that you should give it more time without being concerned about the pleating.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You are very early in your recovery.  Pleating of this type is not uncommon and typically will smooth out as swelling subsides and tissues settle.  I encourage you to follow the advice of your surgeon and discuss your concerns during recovery.

Michael Cohen, MD · Answer

Based on the photographs your provided, the lift was done using the "lollipop" scar method rather than the anchor.  For the lollipop technique, pleating is completely normal and can last a while (the anchor technique removes more skin from the bottom of the breast and in doing so, avoids the pleating; it does however, give you an extra scar).  The pleating will go away after the swelling resolves and the tissues relax and start to look normal again.  Continue to follow up with your surgeon for reassurance; however, everything seems to be healing well and looks the way it should look at this early stage after surgery.  Hope this puts your mind at ease.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear jjjjj555,I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a breast lift surgery. However, you are still in the very early stages of the healing process.Your will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively.At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides  you will be able to see the final result of your surgery.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

You are only 11 days to so there is a lot of tissue swelling that can make those look prominent. I would suggest that you just wait it out. I also feel that the sutures that will dissolve over the next 3 months will make some of that go away. I really feel that in terms of healing you should use month 3 as your real benchmark for things being much more settled. Up to 6 weeks expect it to look its worst actually. It just takes time.

Is this much pleating after a breast lift normal? (Photos)

Answers (5)