Breast Lift
A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is a procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts. As a woman ages, skin loses some elasticity which can cause the breasts to lose their natural shape and firmness. This procedure is designed to elevate the breasts and give them a more youthful appearance. A breast lift may also be completed in conjunction with breast enlargement surgery (augmentation).
Reasons for Considering a Breast Lift:
• Elevate the breasts due to sagging caused by the effects of aging, gravity or pregnancy.
• Firm the breasts if they have lost substance due to pregnancy and subsequent breast-feeding.
• Re-align your nipples/areolas if they point down or to the side.
• Bring back natural suppleness after weight loss.
• Lift the breast tissue and secure it to the chest wall to prolog the duration of the procedure and achieve more upper pole fullness
General Procedure
The breast lift surgical procedure usually takes two to three hours. Techniques vary, but the most common procedure involves an anchor-like incision along the underside of the breast. The incision goes around the area where skin will be removed, thus defining where the nipple will be relocated. When the excess skin has been removed, the nipple and areola are moved into a higher position. The skin surrounding the areola is brought down and together to reshape the breast. The nipple is never removed from the breast tissue.
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. Recent innovations in breast lift techniques include minimal incision techniques and nipple sensation reducing procedures. If the patient is having an implant inserted along with the breast lift, the implant will usually be placed in a pocket directly under the muscle of the chest wall.
Recovery Process
Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time. A bra is applied right after surgery to aid the healing process and to minimize movement of the breasts. Patients sometimes report moderate pain associated with surgery which can be treated with oral medication. While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the post-operative directions given by the surgeon.
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