cosmetic surgery - mastopexy - breast lift
breast lift (mastopexy)Over the years, factors such as pregnancy, nursing and the force of gravity take their toll on a woman’s breast. As the skin loses its elasticity, the breasts often lose their shape and firmness and begin to sac. Breast lift or mastopexy is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts. Mastopexy can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin around the nipple. If your breasts are small or have lost volume – for example after pregnancy- breast implants inserted in conjunction with mastopexy can increase both their firmness and size (see Breast enlargement).A breast lift can enhance your appearance and your self confidence Is breast lift right for me? A consultation with one of our breast surgeons will help you decide whether it is right for you. You should talk about why you want the procedure and what you hope to achieve from it. It is important to have realistic expectations about the results and discuss these frankly with your surgeon. The best results are usually achieved in women with small, sagging breasts. Breasts of any size can be lifted, but the results may not last as long in heavy breasts. If you are planning to have more children, it may be a good idea to postpone your breast lift. While there are no special risks that affect future pregnancies ( for example, mastopexy usually does not interfere with breast- feeding) pregnancy is likely to stretch your breasts again and offset the results of the procedure. How is breast lift performed? Mastopexy usually takes one and a half to three hours.Techniques vary, but the most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision following the natural contour of the breast. The incision outlines the area from which breast skin will be removed and defines the new area of the nipple. When the excess skin has been removed, the nipple and areola are moved to the higher position. The skin surrounding the area is then brought down and together to reshape the breast. Stitches are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line extending downwards from the nipple area and along the lower crease of the breast. Some patients, especially those with relatively small breasts and minimal sagging, maybe candidates for modified procedures requiring less extensive incisions. One such procedure is the concentric mastopexy in which as circular incision is made around the areola. What happens after surgery? After surgery you will wear an elastic bandage or a surgical bra over gauze dressings. Your breast will be bruised, swollen and uncomfortable for a day or two, but the pain should not be severe. You can expect some loss of feelings in your nipples and breast skin., caused by the swelling after surgery. This numbness usually subsides as the swelling fades over the next six weeks or so. How long will I stay in hospital? Recovery time vary between individuals. The stay in hospital should not be more than 24 hours. Sometimes the procedures can be done as a day case surgery as well. How much time do I need to take off? This will depend on your occupation. However most women can be back at work within a week. To allow proper healing you should avoid excessive exercise for the first 4 to 6 weeks. How do I get back to normal? Healing is a gradual process. Although you will be up and about the day of surgery, your breasts may still ache occasionally for a couple of weeks. You should avoid lifting or pushing anything heavy for three or four weeks. Most women can return to work (if it’s not too strenuous) and social activities in about two weeks. But you’ll have less stamina for several weeks and should limit your exercises to stretching, bending and swimming until your energy level returns. You’ll also need a good sports bra or lycra crop top for support. Do not wear an underwear bra for at least 4 - 6 weeks. What are the possible complications and outcomes? A breast lift is not a simple operation, but is normally safe when performed by a qualified surgeon. Nevertheless, as with any surgery, there is always a possibility of complications. Bleeding and infection Following a breast lift these are uncommon, but they can cause scars to widen. Scars Your surgeon will make every effort to make your scars as inconspicuous as possible. Still it is important to remember that mastopexy scars are extensive and permanent. They odten remain lumpy and red for months, then gradually become less obvious, sometimes fading to thin white lines. Fortunately the scars can usually be placed so that you can wear even low-cut tops. Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers. Nipple asymmetry The procedure can leave you with unevenly positioned nipples or a permanent loss of feeling in your nipples or breasts. How much does it cost? The exact cost of your breast reduction will depend on the length and complexity of the procedure. Your surgeon will be able to give you an accurate cost following consultation and examination. A free consultation is available with one of our St.Marks Breast care nurses. The nurse will take you through your options. |