1.What are some of the most common benefits of breast lift surgery?
Breastlift, 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.
2. What will happen at the initial consultation?
In your initial consultation, it is important to discuss your expectations frankly. Every patient–and every physician, as well–has a different view of what is a desirable size and shape for breasts. I will examine your breasts and measure them while you are sitting or standing and I 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. We will also discuss where the nipple and areola will be positioned; they will be moved higher during the procedure, and should be approximately even with the crease beneath your breast. We will discuss the procedure in detail, explaining its risks and limitations and making sure you understand the scarring that will result. I will 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 questions you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results.
3. How long does breast lift surgery take?
Mastopexy usually takes one and a half to three and a half hours. 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 vertical line extending downwards from the nipple area, and along the lower crease of 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-shape area of skin is removed.
If you are 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.
4. Do I have to stay in the hospital?
Your breast lift may be performed in a hospital or an out patient surgery center. It is usually done on an out patient basis, for cost containment and convenience. If you are admitted to the hospital as an in patient, you can expect to stay one or two days.
5. How much pain is there?
After surgery, you will wear an elastic bandage or a surgical bra over gauze dressings. You breasts will be bruised, swollen, and uncomfortable for a day or two, but the pain should not be severe. Any discomfort you do feel can be relieved with prescription medication. Within a few days, the bandages or surgical bra will be replaced by a soft support bra. You will 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.
6. What can I expect after breast lift surgery ?
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.
7. What is the long-term outcome like ?
I will make every effort to make your scars as inconspicuous as possible. Still, it is important to remember that mastopexy scars are extensive and permanent. They often 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. 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.