Breast Lift (Mastopexy) Information - Board Certified Database.com

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basic procedures/techniques

Anesthesia: General or Sedation
Location: Hospital, surgical center or office
Surgery time: 1-3 hours (more if implants are placed)

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that lifts and reshapes the breasts. It can also reduce the size of the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple). Many women seek mastopexy following weight loss, pregnancy, lactation or menopause.

There are various degrees of sagging (ptosis):

Mild ptosis: Nipples that have dropped to the level of the breast crease
Moderate ptosis: Nipples have dropped below the level of the breast crease
Advanced ptosis: Nipples are pointing toward the floor

There are a number of possible surgical techniques based on the degree of ptosis, the areola, nipple position, breast volume, and the amount of excess skin. Mild ptosis may be corrected by breast augmentation. Additional improvement may be made by removing excess skin from around the areola. Moderate ptosis may only warrant an incision around the areola. Advanced ptosis requires an additional vertical incision. The incision goes from the areola to the breast fold. If ptosis is severe, a third incision underneath the breast may be made.

The procedure may be performed under either local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. The operation takes about two hours, and you will normally return home the same day.

During mastopexy, the surgeon makes an incision which is normally in a keyhole pattern: a circle around the aerola and two incisions down the breast which will be closed to form one line. The surgeon then repositions the nipple and areola to a higher position and removes excess skin from beneath the breast. Closing the remaining skin lifts the breast mound to a higher position and reshapes the breast. No breast tissue is your removed, so you will remain the same size, although your breasts will seem larger because the skin is tightened. If you choose, a breast implant may be placed at the same time (see breast augmentation). Sutures close the incisions.

Wait until you are done having children before undergoing a breast lift. Ptosis is likely to occur again after pregnancy.

recovery

Pain Level: Mild to moderate discomfort. 1 week of pain medication
Sutures: Removed after 1 week
Swelling and Bruising: 2-3 weeks
Numbness: 1-2 weeks.
Work: 1 week. If job is strenuous or requires lifting, wait longer.
Exercise: Wait 3-4 weeks
Final result: 6 months

On the day of surgery your chest will be bruised and swollen and you may feel pain or be nauseated. Pain medication will be prescribed.

You will wear an elastic bandage or surgical bra over dressings for the first few days. The incisions may be taped to reduce scarring. Then, you will wear an ace bandage or sports bra worn another 1-4 weeks. Do not wear an underwire bras during recovery.

For faster recovery:

Keep ice packs applied to your chest on the day of your surgery.
Sleep in an upright position. Do not sleep on your stomach for the first two weeks after surgery.
Moisturize the breasts daily (do not apply lotion to any taped areas)
To avoid unnecessary swelling or bleeding, do not bend over, strain, exercise or do any other activities that could increase pressure in your chest during the first week.

risks/complications

Possible risks & complications:
Anesthesia reaction
Asymmetry
Bleeding
Breast droop relapse
Change in nipple color
Hematoma (pooling of clotted blood; risk is 3-4%)
Implant leak
Infection (risk is less than 1%)
Interference with mammography
Irregularities in position of nipples and areola
Keloid (heavy scar)
Nerve Damage
Nipple numbness
Pain
Permanent numbness
Reactions to medications
Seroma (pooling of watery blood)
Skin irregularities
Slow healing
Swelling
Visible scar

Asymmetry
Small differences in shape or size of the breasts are not uncommon following mastopexy.

Nipple Sensation
Most patients will have some change in nipple sensation following mastopexy. This is usually temporary but could take months to return.

Scars
The scars extend around the nipple, vertically down from the nipple and under the breast. The scars fade in time but tend to be wide scars and are still visible.

Breastfeeding
Mastopexy should not affect your ability to breastfeed because the nipple is normally not separated from the milk glands.

scars

Surgical scars are permanent. Mastopexy scars are more extensive than breast augmentation scars as the procedure is more involved. The more skin that is removed during surgery, the larger your scars may be. The scars are around the nipple, and may extend vertically down from the nipple and under the breast.

Information provided is for general education about cosmetic surgery. This information is subject to change. BoardCertifiedDatabase.com does not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, and is not responsible for any actions resulting from the use of this information. General information provided in this fashion should not be construed as specific medical advice or recommendation, and is not a substitute for a consultation and physical examination by a physician. Only discussion of your individual needs with a qualified physician will determine the best method of treatment for you.
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