Breast Lift
Considering a Breast lift?
The effects of pregnancy, weight loss, the force of gravity can have a significant impact on a woman's breast. With volume loss in the breast tissue and/or loss of the elasticity of the skin, a woman's breast can start to sag losing their firmness and youthful shape. A breast lift or mastopexy is a procedure design to elevate the breast tissue to a more youthful position reshaping the breast. If you have a desire for more volume, a breast augmentation can be performed in conjuncture with a breast lift. During the procedure, the areola, the pigmented tissue surrounding the nipple, can be reduced in size.
Who is a candidate for a breast lift?
A breast lift can enhance your appearance and self-confidence, but may not necessarily match your ideals. The best candidate for a mastopexy is a patient with realistic expectations about what the surgery can accomplish. Breasts of any size can be lifted but the results of larger, heavier breast may not last as long. The effects of pregnancy after a breast lift may stretch the breasts offsetting the result of the procedure.
What happens at the consultation?
This is the time you get to become comfortable with your surgeon. You should express your desires and expectations from the surgical procedure. Your surgeon will evaluate your medical health and explain the surgical technique of a breast lift. Your questions will be answered as thoroughly as possible. A breast examination will be performed assessing the quality of your skin and breast tissue. The surgical options will be discussed with to selection the appropriate procedure for your goals. Your surgeon will go over the risks and potential complications of a mastopexy. The pre-operative and post-operative process will be explained.
Risks?
All procedures carry some risks. Listed below are a few of the risks or potential complications.
- bleeding- as with any surgery there is a risk of bleeding. This may form a blood collection called a hematoma and may require drainage. It is important to discuss any history of excessive bleeding or family history of bleeding.
- infection- infection is relatively uncommon. Antibiotics will be given to you during the surgery and usually will be taken after the surgery.
- scar- the scars from a breast lift are permanent. These scars may widen after the surgery. They typically fade over time.
- asymmetry- there may be some asymmetry in breast size, position or size of your nipples.
- Nipple sensation change- some woman will have increased sensation, decreased sensation, or loss of sensation. These symptoms may disappear in time but are occasionally permanent.
What do I need to do before my surgery?
During your consultation an explanation of the pre-operative and post-operative plan will be reviewed. A list of medication and herbal supplements that should be stopped 2 weeks before the operation will be provided to you. You may be required to have a pre-operative mammogram. A few days before the surgery, one of our staff will notify you what time you are expected to arrive for your surgery and will go over last minute details. At that time, you will be given an opportunity to ask any further questions.
What do I do on the day of the operation?
No eating or drinking for 8 hours before your surgery. You should wear a button down or zipper front shirt and sneakers. Do not wear sandals or slippers. You will meet with our nurse to prepare you for surgery. Your surgeon will discuss the surgery with you again and do pre-operative planning. You will meet with our anesthesia provider to discuss anesthesia. You will need someone to drive you home after the operation and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours after the operation.
What kind of anesthesia will be provided? A breast lift can be performed with sedation or general anesthesia. These options will be discussed with you by your surgeon and the anesthetist.
The Surgery.
A mastopexy usually takes 2-4 hours. The excess skin is removed and the breast tissue is reshaped moving the nipple and areola into a higher position. The resulting scar can range from just around the areola, to around the areola and down, or around the areola-down-across the lower fold of the breast. It depends on the amount of skin needing to be removed and elevation the breast required.
What should I expect postoperatively?
You will go home with a post-operative dressing and a surgical bra. You will likely feel tired and sore for a few days following the breast lift, but we will want you walking immediately after the surgery. Swelling and bruising is normal and takes a few weeks to go away. Most of your discomfort can be controlled by the prescribed pain medications. The gauze and dressing will be removed at your first post-operative visit by Dr. Stiller. You will be required to wear the surgical bra around the clock for three to four weeks. The stitches will be removed around 10 days after the operation. You may experience some numbness of the skin and nipple. This usually subsides when the swelling decreases; however, may persist for a year or occasionally may be permanent.
When can I get back to normal?
Depending on your job, you should be able to get back to work in a few days or a couple of weeks. Avoid any lifting above your head for one month. Resumption of exercise and normal activity will be directed by your physician during your follow-up evaluations. Healing is a gradual process. Your scars will initially be red but should fade over time. You should avoid breast stimulation until the soreness of your breast is relieved, usually a few weeks.
Your New Look
Your satisfaction with a mastopexy is likely going to be greater if you understand the procedure thoroughly. Your surgeon will attempt to leave the scars inconspicuous; however, they initially will be red and firm. They typically fade over time. They should be hidden by a bra or low cut tops. It is important to remember that a breast lift won't keep your breast firm forever. The effects of gravity, aging, pregnancy and weight fluctuations will eventually take their toll again.
Contact Us
Patient Testimonials
Dear Dr. Stiller,
Thank you so much for your beautiful work and care. You and your personnel did such a good job through the process, making me feel so comfortable with my decision.
-TW-