What is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift, also know as a mastopexy is a surgery to elevate the nipple to the appropriate level and reposition the breast tissue itself. It can create a fuller more natural breast shape and address any excess skin that might be present. A breast lift procedure can correct the appearance of your breasts whether your current breast shape is due to the effects of pregnancies, weight gain & loss, or simply due to aging. Unfortunately, there is no good non-surgical alternative to a mastopexy.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Breast Lift?
Breast lift surgery must be tailored to the individual patient. In general if you are physically healthy, do not smoke and maintain a stable weight you are a candidate. Most patient report some the following changes.
- Your breasts sag or have lost shape and volume
- Your breasts have a flatter, elongated shape or are pendulous.
- When unsupported the nipples fall below the lower breast crease
- Your nipple or areola point downward
- One breast is lower than the other
During your Consult
At the time of your consultation we will review your goals. Dr. Brown will evaluate your medical conditions, drug allergies, current medications/herbal supplements and prior surgical history.
He will examine your breasts, take measurements, and finally take photographs. In some cases there is not enough volume in the breast to achieve the desired result a breast lift combined with an augmentation may be necessary. A second visit is usually performed with one of our nurses to help select implant size. This is typically done using a bra our your desired size fitted using trial implants to provide and estimated look.
Prior to Surgery
To get ready for surgery there are a number important steps. We will obtain recent blood work and sometimes obtain medical clearance from your primary doctor.
You must stop smoking. You must avoid taking Aspirin, anti-inflammatories and herbal supplements for 3 weeks prior to surgery as this increases the risk of bleeding. Certain hormones must also be stopped as these increase the risk of Deep vein thrombosis.
The Procedure
Dr. Brown will perform some markings in the preoperative area. This surgery is typically done under a general anesthesia. Dr. Brown will inject the area with local anesthetic. Most patients are quite comfortable after surgery. The incisions are made and the nipple and areola are adjusted and temporarily tacked in place. Symmetry is checked and adjustments are made. The soft tissue and skin are closed in layers and a supportive bra is placed. Scars typically are hidden around the nipple and areola and go vertically along the lower half of the breast.
How is the Recovery?
Some mild to moderate soreness persists for a few days or week but light activity and exercise is encouraged in the early post op period. Finally, most people can return to work within a few days or a week.
Risks
- Anesthesia Risks
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Poor Healing of Incisions
- Numbness or changes in breast skin or nipple sensation
- Loss or necrosis of the skin and aeola
- Breast Asymmetry
- Fluid Accumulation
- Deep Vein thrombosis
- Cardiac and pulmonary complications
- Possibility of Revision Surgery