What is a
breast lift?
This is a surgical procedure to raise and recontour sagging breast.
In some cases, it can be performed in conjunction with surgery to enlarge
the size of the breasts.
Who is a good
candidate for a breast lift?
Women of all ages (over 18year) with sagging, loose breast or breast
that have lost volume and elasticity after childbearing. It also can
reduce the size of the areola, the dark pink skin surrounding the nipple.
The extent of procedure depends on what changes are desired and what
your surgeon deems appropriate.
Are there
risks involved?
While all surgery carries some risk and plastic surgery is no exception.
Serious complications are infrequent when the breast lift is performed
by qualified plastic surgeon. Poor healing, resulting in conspicuous
scars, may necessitate a second operation. Heavy smokers should be aware
that nicotine can delay healing. Risk of complications can be minimized
by closely adhering to your surgeon’s advice on follow-up care.
What will
happen during surgery?
The surgery may take two to three hours. Mastopexy usually is performed
under general anesthesia. There are several possible approaches to breast
lift:
- incision around areola, across the breast to
fold
- incision around areola, across the breast
- incision only around areola
Surgeon removes excess skin and fixed
breast in a new position. Sutures close the wounds under the breast
and around the nipple. In patients with minimal sagging, modified procedure
may be used to excise only skin from large areola and the area immediately
surrounding it. When breast augmentation is performed in conjunction
with the lift, the surgeon places a breast implant in a pocket created
either directly under the breast tissue or underneath the chest wall
muscle.
After surgery, there is soreness and discomfort which is easily controlled
by medication. You will remain in the hospital for a day or two. Within
the first week, the dressing will be replaced by a special bra which
you will be advised to wear for several weeks. Sutures will be removed
within 12 days of surgery. The decision on when to return to work and
normal activities depends on how fast you heal and how you feel. Sports
should be avoided for four weeks.
What is the
fee?
Fees and operative facility costs of mastopexy vary widely, depending
on the length, technique and complexity of the operation. Additional
expenses will depend on the anesthesia used, and how long have you been
in a hospital.
What is your question?
