Breast Lift
Mastopexy
Breast lift surgery, or mastopexy, restores a more youthful appearance to a woman’s breasts. Over the years, factors such as pregnancy, nursing, and the force of gravity can cause the breasts to lose their shape and firmness. As the skin loses its elasticity, the breasts often lose their shape and firmness and begin to sag. Mastopexy will raise and reshape breast, slowing the effects of aging and gravity. This procedure can reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple.
Many women seek mastopexy because pregnancy and nursing have left them with stretched skin and less volume in their breasts. If you are planning to have more children, however, it may be advisable to postpone your breast lift, since pregnancy will likely cause further stretching.
If your breasts are small or have lost volume, breast implants can be placed in conjunction with mastopexy to increase both their firmness and their size. This may appeal to women who have lost breast volume after pregnancy. The best results in mastopexy are usually achieved in women with small to average-sized, sagging breasts. Breasts of any size can be lifted, but the results may not last as long in heavy breasts. Pregnancy and nursing often result in stretched skin and therefore decreased volume.
The Procedure
Though not a simple operation, mastopexy is normally safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. Mastopexy is occasionally performed in a hospital, but more often is done in an outpatient facility. Breast lifts are usually performed under general anesthesia.
The surgery may take between 2 to 3 hours. The surgical approach involves incisions around the areola, along the undersurface of the breast and along the breast fold. The nipple and areola are then repositioned. The skin surrounding the areola is brought together to reshape the breast.
Post Operative Instructions
After surgery, your stitches will be covered with surgical tape and gauze and an elastic bandage or a surgical bra will hold the breasts in place. Your breasts will be bruised, swollen, and you may experience some mild discomfort for a couple of days. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication. A soft support bra replaces the bandages or surgical bra after a few days. In the recovery stage, it is important to wear the bra at all times.
After a week or two, the stitches will be removed. Some noticeable, permanent scarring is normal, but easily covered by your bra or bathing suit. The scars may be red and lumpy for a few months, eventually fading and becoming less obvious. The procedure can also leave you with unevenly positioned nipples, or a permanent loss of feeling in your nipples or breasts.
To ensure proper healing, plan to stay at home for at least a week before returning to work. You will need to avoid lifting anything over your head for 3-4 weeks and avoid strenuous sports for a month.