Breast Lift - Mastopexy
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A breast lift or mastopexy is designed to improve the shape and position of the breasts without reducing their size. It is used for breasts which sag but are not large. Sagging of the breasts may occur with normal development for some women or as part of aging. Pregnancy, breast-feeding, and weight loss are other conditions which increase breast ptosis (sagging). Some patients will have a better shape to their breast if an implant is used at the time of mastopexy.
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.
How do I know if breast lift surgery is right for me?
Take a few minutes to read through this check lift in order to ascertain whether or not you are a suitable candidate for breast uplift surgery:
• Are you happy with the size of your breasts but finding them too pendulous?
• Do your breasts lack substance and / or firmness? This can be shown up if your nipples and areolas point downward not forward.
• Are your breasts completely developed?
If you answered Yes to these questions, a lift could be ideal for you.
• Are your breasts unmatched in terms of size, firmness and / or shape?
• Are you breasts large and heavy?
A breast lift can be successful in these cases but your surgeon may recommend additional surgery. For example, while large breasts can benefit from a lift, they tend to sag sooner than smaller breasts so a breast reduction may be an option in such cases.
Age is rarely a factor as long as development is complete. If you have not yet had children and plan on doing so, you may wish to wait until after your child bearing and breastfeeding days are over. Many women however have a breast lift before childbirth and take further action later on if necessary.
It is usually quite possible to breast feed after a lift as the milk ducts and nipples are left intact. To make sure, discuss this with your surgeon.
What will happen at the initial consultation?
During the consultation, you and your surgeon will discuss the changes that you would like to make in your appearance. Because this is a highly personal decision, you�ll want to take time to discuss all of your concerns and desires. It will also be helpful to show your doctor pictures of breast sizes you like.
Your doctor will explain the procedure, including what kind of anesthesia he/she will be using. At this time, he/she will also ask about your medical history, and perform a visual examination. Once the surgery is scheduled, you will receive specific pre-surgery instructions on what you may eat and drink, and whether or not you may smoke and advice on weight loss prior to surgery.
Your surgeon will also measure your breasts, take photographs, and possibly require a mammogram (breast x-ray). He/she should also discuss the new placement of your nipples and ask if you want to reduce the size of the areolas (the darker skin around the nipples).
Be sure to ask all the questions you have about the breast lift surgery, and ask to see photos of recent patients, before and after surgery. Also ask for patient references. The key to making an informed decision is learning everything you can about your options, risks and benefits. See Questions to Ask Your Doctor below.
How will I be assessed by my surgeon for the suitability of my breasts for a successful lift?
Your surgeon will use a physical examination, measurements and if necessary photographs to assess your breasts for surgery. S/he will take into account your the size and shape of your breasts, skin quality, nipple and areola placement and general medical history, including information about any medical conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments, current medication and previous surgeries. In addition s/he will need to be told of your plans (if applicable) to lose a significant amount of weight in the future. Many women find their breasts sag / shrink with weight loss. In this instance your surgeon may recommend that you schedule surgery for once your target weight has been achieved.
What can I expect on the day of surgery?
You will be checked in at the clinic and basic check-in procedures will be followed. For your comfort, medication is administered to see you through the procedure. A general anaesthetic will be administered in order to allow you to sleep through the surgery. From the theatre you will be wheeled through to a recovery area for monitoring. Small drains may be inserted to avoid fluid build-up and you will have dressings on the breasts over the surgery site.