Metamorphosis Clinic
When you're ready for something special
Breast Lift - Mastopexy
Over the years, factors such as pregnancy, nursing, and the force of
gravity take their toll on a woman's breasts. As the skin loses its
elasticity, the breasts often lose their shape and firmness and begin to
sag.
Breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape
sagging breasts--at least, for a time.(No surgery can permanently delay
the effects of gravity.)
Mastopexy 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 in conjunction with mastopexy can
increase both their firmness and their size.
If you're considering a breast lift, this site will give you a basic
understanding of the procedure - when it can help, how it's performed,
and what results you can expect.
It can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your
individual circumstances.
Please be sure to ask your doctor if there is anything about the
procedure you don't understand.
The best candidates for breast lift
A breast lift can enhance 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. The best candidates for
mastopexy are healthy, emotionally stable women who are realistic about
what the surgery can accomplish.
The best results are usually achieved in women with small, sagging
breasts.
Breasts of any size can be lifted, but the results may not last as long
in heavy breasts.
Many women seek mastopexy because pregnancy and nursing have left them
with stretched skin and less volume in their breasts.
However, if you're planning to have more children, it may be a good idea
to postpone your breast lift.
While there are no special risks that affect future pregnancies (for
example, mastopexy usually doesn't interfere with breast-feeding),
pregnancy is likely to stretch your breasts again and offset the results
of the procedure.
Surgery
All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk
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, but they can cause scars to widen.
You can reduce your risks by closely following your physician's advice
both before and after surgery.
Mastopexy does leave noticeable, permanent scars, although they'll be
covered by your bra or bathing suit. (Poor healing and wider scars are
more common in smokers.)
The procedure can also leave you with unevenly positioned nipples, or a
permanent loss of feeling in your nipples or breasts.
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 or she 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 or she should also explain the anesthesia. to be used, the type of
facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs involved.
Don't hesitate to ask your doctor any questions you may have, especially
those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results.
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 vitamins and medications.
While you're making preparations, 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 may be performed in a hospital or an outpatient surgery
center.
It's usually done on an outpatient basis, for cost containment and
convenience.
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.
In selected patients - particularly when a smaller incision is being
made - the surgeon may use local anesthesia., combined with a sedative
to make you drowsy.
You'll be awake but relaxed, and will feel minimal discomfort.
The surgery
Mastopexy usually takes about one hour.
Techniques vary, but the most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped
incision following the natural contour of the breast.The incision
outlines the area from which breast skin will be removed and defines the
new location for the nipple. When the excess skin has been removed, the
nipple and areola are moved to the higher position. The skin surrounding
the areola is then brought down and together to reshape the breast.
Stitches are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line
extending downwards from the nipple area, and along the lower crease of
the breast.
Skin formerly located above the nipple is brought down and together to
reshape the breast. Sutures close the incisions, giving the breast its
new contour.
After surgery, the breasts are higher and firmer, with sutures usually
located around the areola, below it, and in the crease under the breast.
Some patients, especially those with relatively small breasts and
minimal sagging, may be candidates for modified procedures requiring
less extensive incisions.
One such procedure is the "doughnut (or concentric) mastopexy," in which
circular incisions are made around the areola, and a doughnut-shaped
area of skin is removed.
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 over
gauze dressings.
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 medication prescribed by
your surgeon.
Within a few days, a soft support bra will replace the bandages or
surgical bra.
You'll need to wear this bra around the clock for three to four weeks,
over a layer of gauze.
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.
You can expect some loss of feeling in your nipples and breast skin,
caused by the swelling after surgery.
This numbness usually fades as the swelling subsides over the next six
weeks or so.
In some patients, however, it may last a year or more, and occasionally
it may be permanent.
Getting back to normal
Healing is a gradual process. Although 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.
And avoid lifting anything over your head for three to four weeks.
If you have any unusual symptoms, don't hesitate to call your surgeon.
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.
If you become pregnant, the operation should not affect your ability to
breast-feed, since your milk ducts and nipples will be left intact.
Your new look
Your surgeon will make every effort to make your scars as inconspicuous
as possible.
Still, it's important to remember that mastopexy scars are extensive and
permanent.
They often remain lumpy and red for months, and 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.
You should also keep in mind that a breast lift won't keep you firm
forever--the effects of gravity, pregnancy, aging, and weight
fluctuations will eventually take their toll again.
Women who have implants along with their breast lift may find the
results last longer.
Your satisfaction with a breast lift is likely to be greater if you
understand the procedure thoroughly and if your expectations are
realistic.
If your expectations are realistic, chances are you'll be satisfied with
your breast lift.
Why pay more?
