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Breast lift

Mastopexy

 

With age, pregnancy or a considerable weight loss, the breasts tend to sag, which could lead you to consider a surgery that helps you regain the size, shape and optimal look of your breasts. Mastopexy and good advice to choose a procedure will allow you to achieve the best results.

Breast lift

The plastic surgeon will decide the incision technique and surgical technique to perform the breast lift surgery, considering the following parameters:

 

  • The preferences and realistic expectations of the patient.
  • The current size and position of the breasts.
  • The asymmetry of the breast tissue.
  • The physical details of the chest wall and waist.
  • Type or areola and breast furrow.
  • Height and weight.
  • The medical history of the patient.

Breast lift techniques

The following surgical breast lift techniques are available:

  • Anchor incision: This technique is recommended for women with severe sagging that cannot be corrected with less invasive procedures. An incision is made in the perimeter of the areola, moving downward to the fold of the breast and horizontally going through the mammary furrow. Due to the complexity of this breast lift surgery procedure, this technique leaves more scars than others.

 

  • Lollipop: Patients with moderate sagging who don’t want implants to increase the volume of their breasts are eligible for this technique. During the breast lift procedure, the plastic surgeon will make an incision along the border of the areola to the fold of the breast.

 

  • Periareolar incision: For this procedure, a single incision along the border of the areola is made. This technique is ideal for people who have low-to-moderate sagging.

 

  • Crescent incision: For this technique, the incision is made in the upper half of the areola. This technique is recommended for women with low sagging who wish to increase the volume of their breasts. By using this technique in a mastopexy, the effectiveness of other procedures cannot be guaranteed.

During the breast lift surgery, the surgeon will remove the excess skin and place the areola and the nipple in their correct positions. If the patient has stretching of the areola tissue, its size will be reduced. Later, the surgeon will close the incisions and place stitches in a way that guarantees the new position of the breasts for a long time. The scars are hidden beneath the breasts with the surgeon trying to keep sensitivity and breastfeeding abilities intact.

 

Breast lift surgery is an ambulatory process which uses local anesthesia plus sedation in most cases. The duration of the procedure varies depending on the technique used – on average two to three hours.

Breast limitations and risks

As with most surgical procedures, breast lift surgery has some risks and possible complications, among them:

 

  • Adverse reactions to anesthesia
  • Blood accumulation beneath the skin that must be removed.
  • Infection.
  • Bruises.
  • Allergic reactions.
  • Unsatisfactory results that could lead to additional procedures.

Care and recover after breast lift surgery

After the breast lift procedure, the surgeon must provide detailed instructions to the patient regarding postoperative care, as well as symptoms that could arise and signs of possible complications. The time-frame for recovery before returning to normal activities also will be discussed.

 

Immediately after the breast lift procedure, the patient must use bandages and a support piece recommended by the surgeon. Surgical drainage may be needed. Pain, swelling and reddening are normal side effects of breast lift surgery.

 

Other possible side effects are:

  • Bruises.
  • Numbness.
  • Changes in sensitivity.
  • Itchiness around the incisions.

 

During the first week, the area near the breasts will feel rigid and sore. The patient should avoid stretching, flexing and heavy lifting, since it can increase the swelling or the chance of bruises. Sleeping on the back to avoid pressing the breasts is recommended.

 

In the subsequent weeks, the patient may return to work, avoiding excessive physical activity. The area around the areolas and nipples will suffer a notable reduction of sensitivity that will recover in time. Stitches will be removed within two days and scars will be red at first and gradually will fade.

 

Breast lift surgery is for people who:

  • Are of legal age.
  • Are not pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Have a good health.
  • Have realistic goals and expectations.
  • Wish to improve their figure and physical appearance.