BREAST LIFT (MASTOPEXY)

The breast lift operation (mastopexy) is used to lift and reshape sagging, drooping breasts. This operation can be combined with placement of a breast implant that will improve the shape and contour of the breast and also increase the breast size. Women who have this operation have often lost significant amounts of weight, or have lost breast size and tone following childbirth. To understand this operation, imagine the breast as a package of glandular tissue inside an envelope of skin. The problem is the envelope containing the breast tissue has stretched, and is too big for the small package of breast tissue inside it. The breast tissue then tends to sink with gravity to the bottom of the envelope. The solution is to tighten up the skin envelope, making it smaller, so the breast tissue is held in a more attractive shape and position. Incisions are made on the breast to remove excess skin, while leaving the amount of breast tissue unchanged.

What to expect:

In mastopexy, the excess skin is removed from the lower part of the breast, and the nipple and colored areola are moved along with the entire breast mound to a higher position. The nipple is left attached to the breast tissue, and very little cutting of the breast tissue itself is done. Incisions are usually made around the areola (the colored skin surrounding the nipple), then carried vertically downward and horizontally across the crease under the breast. The goal is to elevate the position of the nipples, tighten and lift the breast tissue, and create a more youthful appearing breast shape. At this time, implants can be placed through the incision to add size to the breast, if desired. There is typically black and blue discoloration, swelling, and some temporary loss of sensation at the site after the operation which tend to resolve within the first 10-14 days. Although the scars are more extensive than with breast enlargement, they generally fade very nicely over the ensuing 6-12 months. The operation can be done under local anesthesia with sedation (patient awake) or under general anesthesia (patient asleep). Surgery is done as an out-patient procedure, meaning you come in and go home the same day. Ask your doctor who is a candidate for the mastopexy operation. Some women can obtain the result they are looking for by placement of an implant without the mastopexy incisions. Some women seeking breast enlargement will also need a breast lift as part of the procedure. Other women will need a combination of both procedures to get the result they desire.

Complications:

Although the operation is usually straight-forward and uncomplicated, problems can infrequently happen as with any operation. These possible complications include bleeding, infection, widened or thickened scars, problems with healing, loss of feeling and asymmetry. Although all of these complications are unusual, it is important that every patient be well informed about the procedure, the options available and the potential problems. Write down a list of questions and concerns that you’ll want to discuss with your doctor at the time of your visit. >> click here to see before and after photos