Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Breast lift or Mastopexy is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts. As the skin loses its elasticity, the breasts often lost their shape and firmness and begin to sag.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
The information presented below is only for informational purposes. Your surgeon will talk to you about details regarding your specific procedure.
Who is a candidate for a Breast Lift?
The best candidates for a breast lift are those who are healthy, emotionally stable women who are realistic about the outcome of the surgery. The best results can usually be 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.
How is the procedure performed?
Mastopexy or breast lift is usually performed in 1.5 – 3.5 hours depending on the amount of work involved. The most common procedure involves making an incision that follows the natural contour of the breast. The incision outlines the area from which breast skin will be removed and defines the new location for the nipple. When the excess skin has been removed, the nipple and areola are moved to the higher position. The skin surrounding the areola 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.
What happens after surgery?
Sutures may have been placed underneath the skin. These will dissolve over several months. Sutures will have been placed through the skin and these are most frequently the type that will dissolve in one to two weeks. A special tape is usually placed over the sutures or tissue glue to help protect the wound. A bra will be worn continuously for 21 days, 24 hours per day. Instructions on bra removal for washing will be given after the surgery.
There is generally very little pain after this operation and only a moderate amount of swelling. The patient may return to work in 3 to 4 days unless the work involves bending or lifting. Walking may be resumed the day after surgery. But of course you are allowed to walk to the kitchen, bathroom, etc. the day of surgery, just not extensively.
More than likely, a surgical bra will have been be put on you over your gauze bandages. This may be replaced by another bra or you may be asked to wear this particular bra for about 21 days non-stop. This should be adhered to as non-compliance could affect your end result and or healing. In other words if you don't listen to your surgeon this could severely mess you up! Your stitches will be removed if they are of the non dissolving kind. If not the special tape will be removed by you in the shower at the end of the 21 days.
It is quite possible to have loss of sensitivity in the nipple and breast skin due to the swelling. The swelling blocks the nerves ability to send and receive pain and pressure messages to and from the brain. This may resemble a numb feeling and is quite normal. Most sensation returns within 1 to 3 months or possibly up to a year or more. Unfortunately, some instances prove that the loss of sensation is a permanent one.
When will I be able to see results?
Although the results are quite immediate you should not risk taking the bandages off to check. Your bandages will be removed in a few days at a post-operative visit and then you will switch to a soft support bra which will be worn for 21 days. It is very important that you follow these instructions. If they are not followed, it could result in improper healing and could damage your sutures with the strain (weight) of your breast. After 21 days you will more than likely be able to go without a bra but this isn't advised. You should at least wear a bra either in the day or at night while you are sleeping. The breasts will eventually sag or lose their firmness once again as you age. Although they will sag at a faster rate if you choose to not wear a bra most of the time.
When can I return to work?
You may not feel like doing much for a few days post-operatively. Although after the first three days you may be up and about, walking around thinking you are feeling fine, but in reality you are still able to take your pain medications and have the option of lying down if need be. Just be sure that no matter what you do, do not lift anything over your head (including your arms) for at least 10 days or until your doctor specifies. No strenuous activities, including hard labor or exercise, for at least three weeks. In some cases, you are not allowed to have sexual relations until at least 7 days, post-operatively.
What are the risks of Mastopexy?
It is possible to have a negative reaction to the anesthesia, excessive bleeding, infection, hematoma and seroma. Of course there is the given that scars will be apparent for some time. Permanent loss of sensitivity in the nipple area and breast skin is possible. If you smoke your risks are increased not to mention that your scars will heal slower and possibly wider than a non-smoker's would. A big fear is tissue necrosis (tissue "death"). Tissue Necrosis occurs when either you smoke or you have poor oxygen-tissue saturation. It also could be just bad healing.
Infections, although rare can happen. That is why it is important to wash your breasts, neck and torso with an anti-bacterial soap for several days up until your surgery.