Breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure which will reshape a sagging breast to a more normal, pleasing and youthful shape without changing its actual size. It is like bringing and old fashion dress to a “new fashion” one. This procedure reduces the area of the skin which covers the breast in relation to the new volume so that they are fuller and no longer saggy. The nipples are lifted to a higher position and this gives the breast a more pleasing, youthful shape. After the surgery a support dressing is applied, which is left for several days. Once they are taken off, a support bra most be worn for about a month night and day.
Breast lift can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. If your breasts are small or have lost volume - for example, after pregnancy - breast implants inserted with breast lift can increase both their firmness and their size.
THE BEST CANDIDATES FOR BREAST LIFT
A breast lift can improve your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won’t necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.
Many women seek breast lift because pregnancy and nursing have left them with stretched skin and less volume in their breasts. There are no special risks that affect future pregnancies (for example, breast uplift of mastopexy) usually doesn’t interfere with breast-feeding), pregnancy is likely to stretch your breasts again and offset the results of the procedure.
RISKS AND COMPLICANCES
It is worth to say that this surgical procedure results in extensive scarring and will always be visible no matter how well the skin heals, even though the scars will usually fade with time. So, this surgery is not suitable for everyone. There are women who refuse this procedure once they realise the extent of the scarring.
A breast lift is not a simple operation, but it’s normally safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. Nevertheless, as with any surgery, there is always a possibility of complications or a reaction to the anesthesia. Bleeding and infection following a breast lift are uncommon. You can reduce your risks by closely following your physician’s advice both before and after surgery.
Possible events post-operation:
- Scars: This is the main problem with this operation. It is unlikely that the scar will ever completely disappear. They may even stretch or become red and raised and require further treatment in the future.
- Infection and bleeding: This is a possibility, as it is after any surgery.
- Pain and soreness: This could occur but it is not usually severe. Painkiller will be prescribed to control this discomfort.
- Immediate results: You will have a rather flattened appearance. This settles into a more natural shape in a few months due to moulding by the wearing of a bra.
- Sensory changes: Sensitivity of the nipples may be reduced, this will return to normal.
- Breast feeding: After a breast lift surgery there should be no trouble with breast-feeding. Although, pregnancy must be avoided for some years after surgery to avoid stretching of the scars.
PLANNING YOUR SURGERY
In your initial consultation, it’s important to discuss your expectations frankly with your surgeon, and to listen to his or her opinion. Every patient–and every physician, as well–has a different view of what is a desirable size and shape for breasts.
The surgeon will examine your breasts and measure them while you’re sitting or standing. He will discuss the variables that may affect the procedure–such as your age, the size and shape of your breasts, and the condition of your skin–and whether an implant is advisable. You should also discuss where the nipple and areola will be positioned; they’ll be moved higher during the procedure, and should be approximately even with the crease beneath your breast.
Your surgeon should describe the procedure in detail, explaining its risks and limitations and making sure you understand the scarring that will result. He should also explain the anesthesia to be used, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs involved.
PREPARING FOR YOUR SURGERY
Depending on your age and family history, your surgeon may require you to have a mammogram (breast x-ray) before surgery. You’ll also get specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain medications.
Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days if needed.
WHERE YOUR SURGERY WILL BE PERFORMED
Your breast lift is usually performed in a hospital. If you’re admitted to the hospital as an inpatient, you can expect to stay one or two days.
TYPES OF ANESTHESIA
Breast lifts are usually performed under general anesthesia, which means you’ll sleep through the operation.
THE SURGERY
Before surgery the surgeon will mark the areas of skin excision.
There are several techniques and the one used will depend on the surgeon’s preference as well as on the particular problem the patient has.
The incision outlines the circumference of the areola which continues from the lower edge of the areola in a vertical line down to join another curved scar. When the excess skin has been removed, the nipple and areola are moved to the higher position. Once the wound is sutured, a dressing is applied with which the patient will be discharged home the following day.
If you’re having an implant inserted along with your breast lift, it will be placed in a pocket directly under the breast tissue, or deeper, under the muscle of the chest wall.
AFTER YOUR SURGERY
After surgery, you’ll wear an elastic bandage or a surgical bra. Your breasts will be bruised, swollen, and uncomfortable for a day or two, but the pain shouldn’t be severe. Any discomfort you do feel can be relieved with medications prescribed by your surgeon.
Within a few days, the bandages or surgical bra will be replaced by a soft support bra. You’ll need to wear this bra around the clock for three to four weeks. The stitches will be removed after a week or two.
If your breast skin is very dry following surgery, you can apply a moisturizer several times a day. Be careful not to tug at your skin in the process, and keep the moisturizer away from the suture areas.
GETTING BACK TO NORMAL
Healing is a gradual process. you may be up and about in a day or two, don’t plan on returning to work for a week or more, depending on how you feel. avoid lifting anything over your head for three to four weeks.
Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions for resuming your normal activities. You may be instructed to avoid sex for a week or more, and to avoid strenuous sports for about a month. After that, you can resume these activities slowly.
YOUR NEW LOOK
Scars remain lumpy and red for months, then gradually become less obvious, sometimes eventually fading to thin white lines. Fortunately, the scars can usually be placed so that you can wear even low-cut tops.
