Breast Lift
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT A BREAST LIFT
A breast lift is indicated in the following circumstances:
- To raise and reshape sagging breasts due to pregnancy or nursing
- To reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple
- If your breasts are small or have lost volume, breast implants inserted in conjunction with mastopexy can increase both their firmness and their size.
What should I consider before having a breast lift?
A breast lift – or mastopexy – 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 a breast lift are women who are looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look. If you’re physically healthy and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate. 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.
How do I plan my breast lift?
During your consultation you can discuss your expectations frankly with your surgeon, who will listen to your concerns and give you his opinion.
He will be equally frank with you, describing your alternatives and the risks and limitations of each. Be sure to tell your surgeon if you have a family history of breast disease, if you smoke, and if you’re taking any medications, vitamins, or other drugs.
Your surgeon will also provide explanations about anaesthesia, the hospital where the surgery will be performed, and your aftercare.
Do not hesitate to ask your doctor any questions you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results.
How do I prepare for surgery?
Analyze guidelines on eating and drinking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Avoid all blood thinners ex. (aspirin, vitamin e, gingko, etc.) Quit smoking.
Where will my breast lift be performed?
The surgery is performed at a full facility private hospital. You will be admitted the day before surgery and stay 2 nights in a private room.
What type of anaesthetic will be used?
Breast lifts are performed under IV sedation and local anesthesia most commonly, which is safer than general anesthesia.
What takes place during the surgery?
Mastopexy techniques vary, but the most common procedure involves either an anchor-shaped incision following the natural contour of the breast, or a ‘vertical scar’ technique. Which method is used depends on the shape and size 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 and the skin is tightened along the planned incisions, reshaping and lifting the breast to the desired new position.
Some patients, especially those with relatively small breasts and minimal sagging, may be candidates for modified procedures requiring less extensive incisions. Some patients may also be candidates for relocation of breast tissue to top of breast for more volume.
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.
How long will the surgery take?
The length of time in surgery for mastopexy 90 minutes.
What can I expect after my surgery?
Prior to embarking upon surgery it is important that you discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the operation. Breast lift surgery is generally very safe and effective. Make sure you discuss expectations, recovery and potential complications before making your decision.
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 feel will be relieved by medication prescribed by your doctor.
Within a few days, your bandages or surgical bra will be replaced by a soft support bra. You’ll need to wear this bra for a variable length of time. Your stitches will be removed after a week or two. If your breast skin is very dry following surgery, you can apply a moisturiser several times a day. Be careful not to tug at your skin in the process, and keep the moisturiser 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 this may be permanent.
How long will it take for life to return to normal?
Depending on the level of activity required for your job, you should be able to return to work within a few days. You can fly home after your sutures are removed normally 2 weeks after surgery.
It is best to follow your surgeon’s advice on when to begin exercises and normal activities. Your breasts will probably be sensitive to direct stimulation for two to three weeks, so you should avoid much physical contact. After that, breast contact is fine once your breasts are no longer sore, usually three to four weeks after surgery.
Your scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks. Then they may remain the same size for several months, or even appear to widen. After several months, your scars will begin to fade, although they will never disappear completely. If you become pregnant, the operation should not affect your ability to breast-feed, since your milk ducts and nipples will be left intact. However, pregnancy may adversely affect the shape of your breasts or the effectiveness of the lift because of the natural changes that occur in breast size and shape.
How will I feel about my new look?
Your satisfaction with a breast lift is likely to be greater if you understand the procedure thoroughly and if your expectations are realistic.
Your surgeon will make every effort to make your scars as inconspicuous as possible but it’s important to remember that mastopexy scars are extensive and permanent. They often remain lumpy and red for months, gradually becoming less obvious and usually eventually fading to thin white lines.
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 (see ‘Breast Augmentation’ for more information about implants).
Does a breast lift carry any risk?
Although a breast lift is not a simple operation, 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 anaesthetic. Bleeding and infection following a breast lift are uncommon, but these may cause scars to widen. You can reduce your risks by closely following your doctor’s advice both before and after surgery.
Although mastopexy does leave noticeable, permanent scars, they’ll most likely be covered by your bra or bathing suit. There is also a possibility that the procedure can leave you with unevenly positioned nipples, or a permanent loss of feeling in your nipples or breasts.
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