Breast Lift

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that lifts and reshapes the breasts. It can also reduce the size of the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple) Many women seek mastopexy following weight loss, pregnancy, lactation or menopause.

Pre-op preparation:

• Do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications.
• If you smoke, quit smoking for at least 2 weeks pre-op.
• Make arrangements to have someone drive you to and from the operation.
• Arrange for someone to care for you the first 24-72 hours after surgery.
• Fill prescriptions before surgery.
• Prepare Icepacks to reduce post-op swelling.
• On the day of surgery, wear loose clothing which will be easy to get off and on after operation.
• Follow your physician’s directions carefully regarding medications, eating and drinking.

Techniques :

There are a number of possible surgical techniques based on the degree of ptosis, the areola, nipple position, breast volume, and the amount of excess skin.
There are various degrees of sagging (ptosis):
Mild ptosis: Nipples that have dropped to the level of the breast crease.
Moderate ptosis: Nipples have dropped below the level of the breast crease.
Advanced ptosis: Nipples are pointing toward the floor.

Mild ptosis may be corrected by breast augmentation. Additional improvement may be made by removing excess skin from around the areola. Moderate ptosis may only warrant an incision around the areola. Advanced ptosis requires and additional vertical incision. The incision goes from the areola to the breast fold. If ptosis is severe, a third underneath the breast may be made.
The procedure may be performed under either local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.
During mastopexy, the surgeon makes an incision which is normally in a keyhole pattern: a circle around the areola and two incisions down the breast which will be closed to form one line. The surgeon then repositions the nipple and areola to a higher position and removes excess skin from beneath the breast. Closing the remaining skin lifts the breast mound to a higher position and reshapes the breast.
No breast tissue is your removed, so you will remain the same size, although your breasts will seem larger because the skin is tightened.
Wait until you are done having children before undergoing a breast lift. Ptosis is likely to occur again after pregnancy.

Recovery :

Pain level: Mild to moderate discomfort: 1 week of pain medication.
Sutures: Removed after 1 week.
Swelling and Bruising: 2-3 weeks.
Numbness: 1-2 weeks.
Work: 1 week.
Exercise: wait for one month.
Final result: 6 months.

You will wear an elastic bandage or surgical bra over dressings for the first few days. The incisions may be taped to reduce scarring. Then, you will wear an ace bandage or sports bra worn another 1-4 weeks. Do not wear an underwire bras during recovery for faster recovery .

Side effects :

• Anesthesia reaction
• Asymmetry: small differences in shape or size of the breasts are not uncommon following mastopexy.
• Bleeding
• Change in nipple color
• Hematoma
• Irregularities in position of nipples and areola
• Nipple sensation: this is usually temporary but could take months to return
• Pain
• Swelling
• Visible scar: the scars fade in time but tend to be wide scars and are still visible. Mastopexy scars are more extensive than breast augmentation scars as the procedure is more involved. The more skin that is removed during surgery, the larger your scars may be.

Breast Lift Surgery will make your breasts firmer and more uplifted. The position of your areolas and nipples will be enhanced, and the size of your areolas will be aesthetically pleasant.

 

FAQ:

 What sort of pain should I expect during/after a breast lift?

The surgery is done while the patient is under local or general anesthesia. Afterwards, the discomfort is said to be minimal. You will be offered pain medication after the procedure .

Where are the incisions made during breast lift surgery?

Incision locations are particular to each patient, based on the amount of skin that requires removal. In the mildest breast lifts, the cut may lie around the upper part of the nipple areola. With more ambitious procedures, the incision may reach around the areola, downward vertically or even horizontally beneath the breast.

What are the risks and possible complications of breast lift surgery?

As with all surgical procedures, bleeding, scarring or infection may occur. Occasionally, small differences in the size and shape of the breasts may appear. Rarely, loss of nipple areola or sensation in this region may occur proceed

Is the placement of the nipple and areola affected by a breast lift?

The nipple and areola are left alone and moved by relocating the entire gland.

Can I expect scars after breast lift surgery?

For several months following surgery, incisions can turn red and raised. Typically, these scars fade nicely over time. The final result depends on your individual capacity for healing but it needs around one year .

Will I need to take time off work for a breast lift?

I recommend taking one week off from work to recover. After one week, you may resume non-strenuous activities, limiting lifting and stretching for an additional two weeks.

Is it possible to increase or decrease my breast size during surgery?

Yes. Our overall goal is to improve the appearance of your breasts in the context of your body as a whole. Toward that end, we might discuss supplementary breast augmentation or reduction at your consultation.