What is Breast Lift?
Breast lift surgery, also known as Mastopexy,
involves restoring a more youthful look to a woman’s
breasts. The breasts can lose their shape and firmness due
to a lot of factors such as pregnancy, nursing, atrophy of
the breast tissue after the child-bearing years, loss of
elasticity of the skin or even weight loss. In effect, the
breasts sag and lose their shape making it appear
“deflated”. In such cases, there is a discrepancy between
the skin envelope of the breast, which is excessive,
compared to what is left of the volume of breast tissue,
that could either be enough or lacking, according to the
patient’s view.
This
surgical procedure is designed to lift and give the breasts
a better shape by delaying or reversing the effects of aging
and gravity. Reduction of the size of the areola, the
pigmented area which surrounds the nipple, is also done in
this procedure as this may become wider after
breastfeeding. If necessary, breast implants may also be
placed to add the adequate volume needed, aside from the
lifting and tightening of the breast envelope.
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Effects of Breast Lift
More often than not, patients find Mastopexy to be an
extremely “uplifting” procedure. A more youthful appearance
is restored to their breasts that have aged
disproportionately to the rest of their bodies. In most
cases, patients are able to select from a wider range of
more appealing bra styles and wear clothing that enhance
their appearance. A lot of patients also feel a boost in
their self-confidence about how their breasts look when not
wearing clothing.
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Candidates for Breast Lift
Those who are good candidates for Breast Lift have at least
one of following characteristics:
• Women who are healthy and young with small, sagging, or
drooping breasts.
• Women, who after pregnancy or nursing, have breasts that
resulted in stretched skin with consequent atrophy or loss
of breast tissue volume, therefore, having decreased volume
relative to the amount of skin envelope of the breasts.
• Those who continue to have recurring weight gain and
weight loss episodes may also benefit from this procedure as
these episodes end up in breasts that can be of adequate cup
size but appear to be hanging loosely or too droopy.
• Women whose breasts have more breast tissue volume
compared to the amount of excess skin. Or women with “empty
breasts”, those with extreme excess skin with poor
elasticity as compared to the volume of the breast.
Although the breasts may be lifted up, the results are
generally not as long lasting in such cases.
Breast Lift is usually performed in line with Breast
Augmentation or Breast Enlargement, using implants in order
to increase the firmness and size or volume of the breasts.
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Your
Consultation
BHMG’s Board Certified Surgeon will conduct a thorough
examination and take a complete medical history to evaluate
your overall health, as well as a detailed examination and
measurement of your breasts. It is ideal that you have no
health issues, no pre-existing breast disease, and desires
only to improve the shape and appearance of your breasts.
Generally, Mastopexy does not get in the way with
your ability to breast feed, if future pregnancies are
expected.
A mammogram at least six months before surgery is required,
and photos of your breasts will be taken before and after
surgery.
The doctor will discuss your options, based upon your
preferences, the physical qualities of your breasts, and if
the addition of an implant is suitable. The probable
location of the incisions will also be discussed with you.
Before the surgery, antibiotics will be prescribed to
prevent infections. Drugs containing aspirin should be
avoided in order to minimize the possibility of excess
bleeding.
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The Breast Lift
Procedure
Breast lifts are usually performed in an outpatient
facility setting and under general anesthesia. The
procedure may take between 2 to 3 hours.
The common approach of this procedure involves having an
incision alongside the natural contour of the fold beneath
the breast where removal of the excess skin takes place.
Repositioning of the nipple and areola at a higher level is
done on the breast mound. Stitches are made around the
areola and the lower breast area to bring together the skin
surrounding the areola to reshape the breast.
Several layers of hidden sutures are used and with the use
of surgical tape, the final incisions are covered. A small
suction drain is placed behind the breast. This is done to
avoid accumulation of fluid and is usually removed within 2
to 5 days.
For the first 24 to 48 hours post-surgery, you will be
placed in a soft bra and/or a comfortable wrapping around
the chest and breasts. Dressings will be removed and will
be replaced at that time in the office.
The Mastopexy technique has other variations which include
“minimal incision” techniques such as Binelli or doughnut
Mastopexy, concentric Mastopexy, SPAIR mammoplasty, vertical
or LeJour Mastopexy, crescent Mastopexy, etc. These are
generally designed to modify the length or location of the
surgical scars. However, these techniques are not
applicable in many cases and may even involve setbacks such
as the possibility of “gathering” or puckering of the skin
that surrounds the areola or even delay in the healing of
the incision and poor initial shape of the breasts after
surgery.
To achieve optimal results, some techniques are dependent
upon the implants used. Many patients are concerned with
the length and location of the scars but oftentimes are
exceedingly pleased with their results following surgery.
They believe the cosmetic improvement of the breasts is well
worth the trade-off of the necessary scars.
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Recovery
After the procedure, your stitches will be covered with
gauze and a soft wrap or surgical bra in order to hold the
bandages in place. Your breasts will be slightly bruised or
swollen and expect some mild discomfort for a couple of
days. BHMG will prescribe a pain medication that is strong
enough to work against any pain or discomfort. It is
imperative that at the recovery stage, a soft surgical bra
is worn for the breasts to be fully supported after the
surgery and to make sure that shape is maintained during the
healing stage. If drains are placed, removal of these will
take place after 2 to 5 days.
The stitches will then be removed after 1 to 2 weeks. A
special suturing technique is being utilized by BHMG in
order for stitch marks to be avoided and to make sure that
the incisions will fade eventually, becoming less obvious in
time. Loss of sensation in your nipples or breasts may be
temporarily lost due to the swelling experienced in the
initial post-operative period of 6 to 12 weeks. Expect
normal sensation to come back in 3 to 6 months time.
For proper healing to occur, it is important that you
follow the detailed instructions given during your
pre-operative consultation. In general, patients may return
to their daily activities within 24 to 48 hours.
Non-strenuous work can be resumed in one week or less after
the surgery. Lifting heavy objects should be avoided for 3
to 4 weeks. You can gradually progress to strenuous
physical exercise or activity after approximately 3 to 4
weeks.
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Risks
It is of utmost importance that anyone considering surgery,
not just Mastopexy, should be aware of both the benefits and
risks. Fortunately, significant complications from
Mastopexy are uncommon and generally, the patients are happy
with the results.
The potential risks of Mastopexy are bleeding, infection
and reactions to anesthesia. Tissue loss and delayed wound
healing rarely occur along the portions of the incision
especially in smokers or diabetic patients or where there
has been an extensive procedure. Mastopexy leaves permanent
scars but most of the incisions are placed within natural
skin folds and are generally covered by a bra or a bathing
suit. However, the appearance of the scars is expected to
improve with time. Occasionally, revision of the scars will
be required at a succeeding procedure if they have poorly
healed. Very seldom do problems with the shape or position
of the nipples occur, as well as permanent loss of sensation
or loss of tissue in the nipples or breast. When breast
implants are used, complications of deflation in saline
implants, rupture in silicone implants, contracture,
palpable surface irregularities, asymmetry, interference
with mammography, and others could be expected.
It is important to carefully follow the recommendations and
instructions given by BHMG during your consultation in order
to lessen most of the risks associated with Mastopexy. Any
personal questions or concerns may be addressed during that
time as well.
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Frequently Asked
Questions
Q: Will
my nipple be removed during the procedure?
A:
During the procedure, the nipple remains attached to the
breast and the chest wall at all times. This preserves the
circulation and sensation to the nipple, as well as the
function of the nipple and the breast. The nipple is
transposed to a higher position on the breast mound and is
never detached from the breast.
Q: How
long will it take for my scars to fade?
A:
The progress of your incisions post surgery will be
carefully monitored by BHMG. Some treatments may be
recommended to improve the scars’ appearance and to speed up
their improvement. In general, final results of your
incision will be seen after 12 to 18 months.
Q: Can I
breast feed after Mastopexy?
A:
Most women maintain their capability to breast feed since
only a few incisions are made in the glandular substance of
the breast during Mastopexy. On the other hand, with or
without Mastopexy, not all women are capable of breast
feeding.
Q: Will
I lose sensation in my nipples?
A:
Although there may be some decrease in the sensation of your
nipples or rarely some hypersensitivity, nipple sensation is
generally preserved.
Q: Does
smoking increase my risk of complications from Mastopexy?
A:
It
is required that you quit smoking for at least 2 to 3 weeks
prior surgery and 4 to 6 weeks after your Mastopexy. There
is greater risk for smokers to have tissue loss in the
nipple or surrounding breast, delay of wound healing, as
well as poor scars.
Q: When
can I resume to my normal activities?
A:
You may return to your activities of daily living such as
driving or return to work within 24 to 48 hours post
surgery. Until the drains have been removed and the
incisions are completely healed, you should not bathe or
immerse the incisions or drain sites under water in a
bathtub, hot tub, swimming pool, etc.
Q: Will
insurance cover my Mastopexy procedure?
A:
Mastopexy is considered a cosmetic procedure. Therefore,
insurance will not pay for any portion of the procedure.
Q: When
can I wear bras or clothing styles I prefer?
A:
After 3 to 4 weeks, you may expect that most of your
swelling after the procedure is resolved. During this time,
it is unlikely that the breasts will change much in size but
they may continue to become soft and may show improvement in
shape. At this time, you can start shopping for bras and
even start wearing your clothing style of choice. However,
it is important that you wear the post-surgical bra supplied
by our office for at least the first two weeks after the
procedure.
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