Breast lift (technically mastopexy) is an operation that can correct elongated saggy breasts due to pregnancy, weight loss or aging. However, it can’t correct the volume loss. (breast lift may be done together with breast enlargement)
There are different breast-lifting procedures (crescent mastopexy, doughnut mastopexy, lollipop mastopexy, vertical mastopexy, and inverted T or anchor) and they all have a role depending on the degree of drooping. As a general rule, if the drooping is more, there will be more scars for a better improvement.
Good candidates for breast lift 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. 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.
Consultation for the breast lift surgery is important to discuss the reason, expectations, desired outcome, medical conditions, drug allergies, previous medical treatments, current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, smoking, drug use, previous surgeries and family cancer story. Every patient–and every physician, as well–has a different view of what is a desirable size and shape for breasts. You will be asked about your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors. Your surgeon will examine your body and breasts in detail, measure them, skin quality, and placement of your anatomical structures. Your photos will be taken. At the end your aesthetic surgeon will discuss your surgery options and other additional procedures which may help to improve the overall result like breast enlargement surgeries and risks or potential complications. Make 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.
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.
Getting prepared for the operation: blood tests must be done, medications for chronic problems you’re on should be estimated with your surgeon and your doctor dealing with, smoking must be stopped, aspirin, vitamin E, gingko and ginseng containing stuff and certain anti-inflammatory drugs that can increase bleeding should be avoided.
Breast lift surgery risks include: anesthesia risks, bleeding, infection, poor wound healing and skin loss, unfavorable scarring, prolonged swelling, skin irregularities and discoloration, unsatisfactory results may include: asymmetry, unsatisfactory surgical scar location and unacceptable visible deformities at the incisions. 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. (It may be necessary to perform an additional surgery to improve your results)
These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your cosmetic surgeon.
Breast lift is preferred to be performed undergeneral anesthesia. It may take 1-2 hours according to the possible additional procedures. Incision and techniques may change due to the patient’s appearance, patient's expectations and surgeon's judgment. Techniques vary, but the most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision following the natural contour of the breast. Skin will be gently lifted from underlying tissues, excess will be removed, breast tissues will be reshaped, moved and stitched to a higher position. 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. Incisions will be closed with absorbable stitches that does not need to be removed. At the end, dressings and a bandage will be used to decrease swelling.
Patients generally have a slight discomfort and soreness, not like pain. There will be some swelling and bruising, cold compression helps to decrease to a minimum. Medications will be prescribed and follow up checks will be planned. Generally 6-7 days after patients may get rid of bandages and have a whole body shower. Bruises fade away in 7-15 days and swellings diminish in the following weeks. 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.
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.
You will be given detailed instructions for resuming your normal activities. You may be instructed 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. But breast feeding may result in sagging of the breasts.
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, 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.
