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Mastopexy
- Breast Lift/Enlargement
Is
mastopexy right for you
What to expect
The surgery
Your new look
If you're considering a breast lift...
Over the years, factors such as pregnancy, nursing,
and the force of gravity take their toll on a
woman's breasts. As the skin loses its elasticity,
the breasts often lose their shape and firmness and
begin to sag. 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. If you're considering a breast lift,
this brochure will give you a basic understanding of
the procedure--when it can help, how it's performed,
and what results you can expect. It can't answer all
of your questions, since a lot depends on your
individual circumstances. Please be sure to ask your
doctor if there is anything about the procedure you
don't understand.
The best candidates for breast lift
A breast lift 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 mastopexy 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.
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Many women seek mastopexy because pregnancy and
nursing have left them with stretched skin and less
volume in their breasts. However, 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. |
 Over time, a woman's breasts begin to sag
and the areolas become larger. |
All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk
A breast lift is not a simple operation, but 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 anesthesia. Bleeding and infection following
a breast lift are uncommon, but they can cause scars
to widen. You can reduce your risks by closely
following your physician's advice both before and
after surgery.
Mastopexy does leave minor scars but will fadde in
time, although they'll be covered by your bra or
bathing suit. ^UP
Planning your surgery
In your initial consultation, it's important to
discuss your expectations frankly with your surgeon,
and to listen to his or her opinion. Every
patient--and every physician, as well--has a
different view of what is a desirable size and shape
for breasts.
The surgeon will examine your breasts and measure
them while you're sitting or standing. He or she
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. You should also
discuss where the nipple and areola will be
positioned; they'll be moved higher during the
procedure, and should be approximately even with the
crease beneath your breast.
Your surgeon should describe the procedure in
detail, explaining its risks and limitations and
making 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.
Don't hesitate to ask your doctor any questions you
may have, especially those regarding your
expectations and concerns about the results.
Preparing for your surgery
Depending on your age and family history, your
surgeon may require you to have a mammogram (breast
x-ray) before surgery. 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.
While you're making preparations, be sure to arrange
for someone to drive you home after your surgery and
to help you out for a few days if needed.
Where your surgery will be performed
Your breast lift may be performed in Aurora. It's
usually done on an outpatient basis, for cost
containment and convenience.
Types of anesthesia
Breast lifts are usually performed under general
anesthesia, which means you'll sleep through the
operation. In selected patients--particularly when a
smaller incision is being made--the surgeon may use
local anesthesia, combined with a sedative to make
you drowsy. You'll be awake but relaxed, and will
feel minimal discomfort.
^UP
The incision is made around the nipple and a
donut shaped ellipse of skin is taken out, making
the areola smaller. The implant is put in through
the same areola incision. The scars will fade in
time and are hidden in the dark areola area.
Loss of sensation to the nipple area can occur
but most patients have full sensation return within
a few months. Breast feeding can't always be
guaranteed after this procedure is performed because
those nerves have been cut.
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.
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.
After your surgery
After surgery, you'll wear 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 do feel can
be relieved with medications prescribed by your
surgeon.
The next day after your surgery your dressings will
be removed and you will continue to wear your
surgical garment for 6 weeks. The stitches will be
dissolve internally after a few weeks.
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.
You can expect some over-sensative 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.
^UP
Getting back to normal
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.
Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions for
resuming your normal activities. 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.
Your new look
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,
eventually fading to thin white lines. Fortunately,
the scars can usually be placed so that you can wear
even low-cut tops.
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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.
^UP |
If your expectations are realistic, chances
are you'll be satisfied with your breast lift.
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For
more information, contact us at
262-691-7546
info@cosmeticplasticsurgeon.net |
