What To Expect From A Breast Lift

A breast lift procedure is a cosmetic operation done by a board certified plastic surgeon. This procedure is designed to remove redundant skin in the breasts, which are causing them to sag. The scientific name for this operation is a mastopexy. Sometimes the areola becomes stretched out as well. The areola is the colored portion surrounding each nipple. When gravity, childbearing and breastfeeding take their toll on this skin, the nipple/areola portion often becomes dragged into a skewed configuration. All of this distortion can be tightened up with this operation. What should a patient expect from her mastopexy? Here are some things to think about:

Initial consultation: During the planning stages, a woman will visit with her plastic surgeon in order to discuss the possibilities. Measurements will be taken from her collarbone to central chest region in order to determine just how much skin needs to be tightened up. Tissue and skin quality will also be looked out to determine a surgical plan. For patients who have lost the fullness they once had along with the tight container of skin, an augmentation with an implant may be in order as well. Implants are oval or round devices filled with silicone or saline to enhance size and full shape.

Before the surgery: Ideal candidates should be in good physical and mental shape. If they smoke cigarettes, they should quit or at least give it up for a month or two before the mastopexy. Cigarettes hamper immune response and the ability to quickly heal. The patient will likely have lab work done and be given a checklist of items to have ready for the post-op days.

Day of breast lift: The patient will arrive at the hospital or clinic with the assistance of usually a friend or relative. Friends or relatives are required to escort the post-op patients home, as they will be in no state to operate a vehicle. A local anesthesia with a sedative will be given and the surgical time will be from two to three hours. Incisions will be made in a donut, lollipop or anchor configuration in order to accomplish the lifting required. Patients must be aware ahead of time that they will end up with permanent scars. Although the scars will fade over time, they will still exist. Looking at some “before and after” photos will be a good way of getting an idea of what the results might be. Patients must realize that every scarring result is unique and can’t be guaranteed.

Post-op: The patient will go home on the same day as surgery. She should expect swelling, bruising and some pain for the initial days. Pain medication will be prescribed in order to keep her comfortable. Swelling should recede within six weeks and scars should fade within the first year or two. Although risks of complications are rare, they do occur. Infection, reaction to the anesthesia, unexpected scarring, and bleeding may occur.

A breast lift can give a patient back her perky bust line that was lost to aging, childbearing and breastfeeding. This youthful enhancement can make a person feel as perky as her new bosom.