BREAST LIFT (MASTOPEXY)

Drooping of the breast or ptosis is a real concern for many women. Breasts may seem to lack fullness or firmness, and nipples may point downward and are below the breast crease. Weight loss, a severe diet program, pregnancy, breast-feeding, gravity and aging can all contribute to the development of droopy breasts. There are varying degrees of this condition. In minimal ptosis, a breast implant alone may provide sufficient lift and breast fullness. In mild ptosis, a breast implant with a periareolar or circumareolar lift is required. In moderate to severe ptosis, additional incisions will be required to do a formal breast lift.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A BREAST LIFT?

Any healthy female 18 years of age or older with realistic expectations is a good candidate. She also should have breasts of a satisfactory, comfortable size. She should have no history of malignant cancer or have an active infection of the breast. Women who are pregnant or nursing are not eligible for a breast lift.

BEFORE SURGERY

During your initial consultation, the doctor will cover all areas of concern, including pre and post-operative care, risks, and answer any other questions you may have. If implants are needed, he will show you different implant sizes and will let you try on the implants with a sports bra to see what size you think suits you best. After your initial consultation, the doctor will do a complete physical examination at a second consultation. He will also do some blood work and take photos, which will allow you to better see the physical changes once the operation is complete. We will again review with you all the important issues regarding the surgery including pre and post-operative care, expectations and fees. You will also be told which medications to avoid, such as aspirin, as it increases bleeding. If you are a smoker, you will be asked to avoid smoking two weeks before and after the procedure, as it can seriously affect the healing process.

THE SURGERY

The surgery is performed in our fully equipped surgery center under intravenous sedation and local anesthetic. Patients sleep comfortably during the procedure and wakes up in the recovery room with no ill effects of general anesthetic. The major operation involves the removal of excess skin from the lower portion of the breast, relocation of the nipple to a higher position and reshaping the remaining breast skin. If only mild drooping is present, a modified lift will be done. This leaves the nipple intact and just removes excess skin surrounding the nipple (periareolar/circumareolar). If implants are necessary, they will be placed under the breast tissue or under the pectoralis major muscle. After making the final adjustments, the incision sites are closed. Dressings are placed over the incision sites and a tensor bandage and a sports bra are put into place.

AFTER SURGERY

The procedure is performed as a day surgery. After approximately one to two hours after surgery, patients are ready to be picked up by a responsible adult. In the first four days, the patient will experience some degree of pain, swelling, and bruising. The pain will subside dramatically in 4-6 days, and the bruising and swelling will subside in a few weeks. You will be provided with a prescription for pain medication and antibiotics, which you will take for one week after surgery. Patients are allowed to bathe one day after surgery and must wear their sports bra for one week. Patients can return to work one week after surgery. At the 10-day follow-up appointment, the sutures will be removed (if they are non-absorbable) and the tensor bandage will be removed. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity for 4 weeks following the surgery. The scars that you will see at this time will fade significantly over time.

Follow up appointments are booked for 10 days, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after the surgery.RISKS
The complications associated with breast lifts are uncommon, but do include reaction to anesthesia, infection, bleeding, delayed or altered healing of scars, hematoma (blood collection), seroma (fluid collection), and breast asymmetry. Numbness and other complications related specifically to implant apply. Breast lifts may affect breast-feeding in the future.

THE RESULTS

The improvement in breast size and contour is, for many patients, accompanied by a more positive body image. Patients find choosing garments much more enjoyable as clothes are a better fit and more flattering.

Click here for a breast lift diagram