Overview
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to raise and reshape sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue for a more youthful and uplifted appearance. This procedure is ideal for those who have experienced significant weight loss, pregnancy, or aging, leading to a loss of breast firmness and position. A breast lift can enhance your self-confidence, improve breast contour, and help you achieve a balanced and aesthetically pleasing silhouette.
BREAST LIFT SURGERY GENERALLY IS NOT RECOMMENDED IF YOU
- Are planning to become pregnant, as pregnancy can reverse the benefits of the surgery.
- Are currently breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed in the near future.
- Have significant weight fluctuations, as this can affect the results.
- Have a severe or chronic illness that increases surgical risks.
- Smoke and are unable to quit, as smoking can impede healing and increase complications.
You can have a breast lift at any age, even as a teenager. However, if your breasts aren’t fully developed yet, you might need another procedure later on. It’s a good idea to consider postponing a breast lift if you have future plans like having children.
If you haven’t started a family yet or plan to have more kids, breastfeeding might be a bit more challenging after a breast lift. However, some surgical techniques can help maintain your ability to breastfeed.
WEIGHT LOSS
If you are interested in losing weight by changing your diet and starting an exercise programme, you might wait to decide if reduction mammoplasty is for you. Losing weight can often result in changes to your breasts
YOUR PLASTIC SURGEON WILL LIKELY
- Evaluate your medical history and overall health.
- Discuss your expectations for breast size and appearance after the surgery.
- Provide a detailed description of the procedure and its
risks, benefits and possible outcomes. - Examine and measure your breasts.
- Take photographs of your breasts for your medical record.
- Explain the type of anaesthesia to be used for the surgery
(usually done under general anaesthetic). - You and your surgeon will discuss if the surgery will be
done with you as an outpatient.
BEFORE BREAST LIFT SURGERY YOU MAY ALSO BE ASKED TO
- Complete various laboratory tests.
- Get a baseline mammogram.
- Stop smoking for a certain period of time before and after surgery.
- Avoid taking aspirin anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements to control bleeding during surgery.
Ask your surgeon whether you will be able to go home the day of the surgery or whether you will need to spend a night in the hospital. Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery or when you leave the hospital.
02 DURING THE PROCEDURE
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, involves several methods to reshape and lift the breasts. Here are the main techniques in simple terms:
Anchor Lift (Inverted-T or Wise Pattern):
- Incisions: Around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and along the breast crease.
- Use: For significant sagging and reshaping.
- Procedure: Excess skin is removed, the breast is lifted, and the remaining skin is tightened.
Lollipop Lift (Vertical or Keyhole):
- Incisions: Around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease.
- Use: For moderate sagging.
- Procedure: Similar to the anchor lift but with fewer incisions, the breast is reshaped and lifted.
Donut Lift (Periareolar):
- Incisions: Around the perimeter of the areola.
- Use: For mild sagging.
- Procedure: Skin around the areola is removed, and the surrounding tissue is tightened to lift the breast.
Crescent Lift:
- Incisions: A small incision along the upper half of the areola.
- Use: For minimal sagging or a slight lift.
- Procedure: A crescent-shaped piece of skin is removed above the areola, and the breast is lifted slightly.
Scarless Lift:
- Methods: Uses non-surgical techniques like threading or radiofrequency.
- Use: For very mild sagging.
- Procedure: Tightens and lifts the breast with minimal or no incisions.
In all these methods, the surgeon may also reposition the nipple and areola to a higher position for a more natural look. The choice of technique depends on the degree of sagging and the desired outcome.
THE SURGEON USUALLY
- Makes an incision around the areola and down each breast.
- Removes excess breast tissue fat and skin to reduce the size of each breast.
- Reshapes the breast and repositions the nipple and areola
THE NIPPLE AND AREOLA
- Usually remain attached to the breast.
- Might need to be removed and then reattached at a higher position as a skin graft if your breasts are very large.
- Your surgeon will try to achieve symmetry between your breasts, but some variation in breast size and shape may occur.
- The size of the areola also might be reduced.
- Your incision scars may fade over time but will never completely disappear.
After that:
- You will need to limit physical activity for two to four weeks while the breasts heal.
- Your surgeon might suggest avoiding underwire bras for a few months after surgery.
- Scarring usually fades over time.
- You will need a follow-up visit with your surgeon to remove stitches and check your recovery.
03 AFTER THE PROCEDURE
Immediately after surgery:
- Your breasts will be covered with a gauze dressing or bandages.
- A tube might be placed under each arm to drain any excess
blood or fluid. - You will likely take medication for pain and antibiotics to decrease your risk of infection.
The first few days or week after surgery:
- Your breasts will probably feel tender and sensitive.
- Your breasts might be swollen and bruised.
- Your surgeon might recommend an elastic compression bra to protect the breasts.
Successful breast lift results in lifted, firmer breasts with an improved shape and contour. The procedure enhances symmetry, repositions the nipples and areolas to a higher, natural-looking position, and often reduces areola size. This leads to a more youthful appearance, boosting confidence and satisfaction.
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