Breast Lift
(Mastopexy)
It’s no secret that there are many
factors contributing to the changes in a woman’s breast
shape and fullness. Over time, factors such as gravity and age,
weight loss, pregnancy and breast-feeding can all play a part
in how the breasts change. As the skin loses elasticity and volume,
the breasts begin to droop. Women will experience a loss of fullness
and cleavage. Many complain of not being able to fit well into
a swimsuit or bra and low cut fashions are less desirable to
wear due to the lack of fullness and hanging skin. Patients have
often stated that prior to undergoing breast lift surgery they
didn’t feel sexy in or out of clothing. By eliminating
sagging breast skin, repositioning breast tissue and elevating
the nipples, breast lift can help patients regain more youthful-looking,
and fee better about themselves breasts.
There are basically three types of
breast lift procedures that surgeons use for women with varying
degrees of breast size, amount of droopiness and distance of the nipple.
- Mastopexy or Full Breast Lift is the most
invasive lift procedure and is typically performed on women
with much larger breasts, a significant amount of drooping and
whose nipple placement has dropped dramatically due to pregnancy
or weight loss.
Modified
breast lift, including Crescent or Bonelli Lift, is a less
invasive option for those women who don’t require a more
extensive, full lift. Woman who have smaller breasts with slight
droopiness and nipples that have begun to point downward, may
be candidates for this less invasive approach to breast lift.
- Bonelli or “Donut” Lift
is a less invasive modified approach, and an option for those
women who have less sagging skin but have experienced nipple
position dropping and as a result, breasts are not as perky.
The incision is around the areola only and the nipple is positioned
up, slightly higher for a more youthful breast appearance.
- Crescent Lift is
the least invasive of the breast lift procedures. This modified
lift is typically for younger women or those with smaller breasts
and minimal droop. It involves only a small, crescent shaped
incision, usually above the areola. The surgeon is able to
take out a small “moon-shaped” piece
of skin, above the nipple, and simply perk the nipple up slightly.
This same type of incision is the most common choice for women
having only breast enlargement surgery and do not require any
type of lift.
NOTE: Through modified versions
of breast lift, the surgeon is more limited to the amount of
lift he or she can accomplish for patients. Your surgeon will
examine size and distance of your breasts in order to recommend
which type of lift procedure will provide you with the best possible
results.
Who is a candidate for a Mastopexy
/ full breast lift?
- Those women who have been left with less volume and sagginess
due to pregnancy or breast-feeding. However, those who are
planning to have more children may want to postpone the procedure.
- Women who have lost a significant amount of weight and as
a result their breasts have become droopy with much excess skin
and lack fullness.
- Women who have asymmetry or uneven
breasts, where one side may be larger and droopier than the
other.
- Women who simply have sagging breasts due to age or genetics
and cannot achieve the results they desire with only breast
implants.
Some of the best results are noticed in women
with small, sagging breasts. Any size breast can be lifted but
those with heavy or large breasts may not experience the long
lasting results that a smaller breasted woman can.
How will I look and feel after
surgery?
- Immediately following surgery your breasts will be wrapped
and fitted with a sports bra that you will wear for several
days.
- Your breasts may be bruised, swollen and uncomfortable for
the first few days. Any discomfort or soreness can be controlled
with medication.
- You may experience some numbness around your nipples and
breast skin temporarily. Once your swelling begins to subside,
feeling should return.
When can I return to my everyday
activities?
- Most women return to work within a week or so, but activity
level should be kept at a minimum.
- Avoid lifting anything too heavy in the first three to four
weeks.
- Sex should be avoided for four to six weeks. Strenuous activity,
such as sports, should be avoided during the first month.
Surgery should not affect your ability
to nurse in the future. Milk ducts and nipples are left intact
during the procedure.
Results of my surgery
Breast lift patients have reported that they
are extremely happy following surgery. Many women, several months
after surgery have stated how thrilled they were to be able to
buy new clothes including, lingerie and other items that they
had not worn for quite some time. Having the option to not wear
a bra is also something women are happy about.
Confidence in themselves and their body is
much improved.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE
- There are risks associated with any surgical
procedure.
- The specific risks
and suitability of each procedure for a given individual can
only be determined at the time of consultation.
- Minor complications that do not affect
the outcome may occasionally occur.
- Major complications are rare.
Your
plastic surgeon will review any and all risks and benefits with
you prior to surgery, during a private consultation.
