Breast Lift

What is a Breast Lift?

A Breast Lift is also known as Mastopexy. This is a means of making sagging breast firmer. Breasts that have lost their shape too can be reshaped via this procedure. To achieve this, implants will be used. When you go to the doctor for consultation, he will have to take a measurement of your breast.  Of course you will have to tell the doctor what you want, the size and shape of the breasts after the surgery.

Procedures of a Breast Lift surgery

1.  The Breast Lift can be done while you are awake or under anesthesia.  The use of anesthesia can either be local or a general.

2.  The procedure is carried out in an operating room.

3.  The surgery will last in the range of two to four hours.

4.  The degree of incision will be determined by the degree of the lift required for the breast.

5.  The first incision made is done in the region of the areola. It is extended upwards and a new position for the nipple will be determined.

6.  The second incision is taken downwards from the nipple to the breast

7.  The third incision that is made runs over the fold that is beneath your breast.

8.  The excess skin that is causing the breasts to sag is removed and the nipple and areola are moved to a new position.

9.  The skin that held the breast above the nipple is brought downwards and is sutured beneath the breast.

10.  The nipple and the areola are made to connect to the tissues that are lying beneath the breast.  This will ensure that the blood and nerves are still in contact with it. With this there will be little or no loss of sensation

Recovery and post treatment care

There will be soreness around the breast and there might also be cases of swelling and bruising. The use of surgical bra or bandages might be recommended by the doctor until a full recovery. There will be some pain in the region of the suture, but the doctor will provide you with prescriptions that will help combat this pain. Stitches will be removed within a 2 week period.  After the stitches are removed you should avoid tasks that will stress you breast or cause a strain in the general area.

Risks that you face

There are risks attached to every surgery and that of the breast lift is not an exception.

1.  Your reaction to the anesthesia used.

2.  Excessive bleeding and the inability of the blood to clot.

3.  Scarring might be observed after a period of time.

As long as your doctor takes all the necessary care, you are very safe from most of these risks.

Questions you should ask the surgeon.

1.  What are the risks that are involved with the Breast Lift procedure?

2.  What is the procedure like?

3.  Can I see before and after pictures of previous surgeries?

4.  How soon will you be able to resume your normal activities?

5.  Would my health care plan pay or reimburse the expenses?

6.  Where and how will you perform my surgery?

7.  What are the risks associated with this procedure?

8.  Where will I be transferred to after surgery?

9.  Will I be given medication after surgery? What kind? 

10. What is the removal process for dressings, bandages and/or stitches? 

11. When do I return for my follow-up visit?