Over
the years, factors such as pregnancy, nursing,
and the force of gravity take their toll on
a woman's breasts. As the skin loses its elasticity,
the breasts often lose their shape and firmness
and begin to sag. Breast lift, or mastopexy,
is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape
sagging breasts. If your breasts are small,
breast implants inserted in conjunction with
mastopexy can increase both their firmness and
their size. |
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WHO ARE THE BEST CANDIDATES FOR
A BREAST LIFT?
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. Many women seek mastopexy because
pregnancy and nursing have left them with stretched
skin and less volume in their breasts. However, if you're
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 doesn't interfere with breast-feeding), pregnancy
is likely to stretch your breasts again and offset the
results of the procedure.
THE PROCEDURE
During your initial
consultation, it's important to discuss your expectations
about size and shape of your breasts. You and your surgeon
discuss the variables that may affect the procedure
such as your age, the size and shape of your breasts,
the condition of your skin and whether an implant is
advisable. Details of the procedure including its risks
and limitations as well as location of scars will be
fully explained.
Mastopexy surgery is
usually performed under general anesthesia. In selected
patients local anesthesia, combined with a sedative
can also be used. Mastopexy usually takes one and a
half to two hours. The
procedure involves removal of excess skin and relocation
of the nipple and areola to the higher position as the
breast is reshaped. 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, may be candidates for modified
procedures requiring less extensive incisions. If you're
having an implant inserted along with your breast lift,
it will be placed in a pocket directly under the breast
tissue, or deeper, under the muscle of the chest wall.
Mastopexy does leave
noticeable, permanent scars, although they'll be covered
by your bra or bathing suit.
WHAT WILL MY
RECOVERY BE LIKE?
You may be uncomfortable for a day
or two, but the pain shouldn't be severe. Any discomfort
you do feel can be relieved with medications. Within
a few days, the bandages will be replaced by a soft
support bra. You'll need to wear this bra around the
clock for three to four weeks. The stitches will be
removed in 7-8 days. You can return to work in 10 days
and resume normal activities or sports after about 4
weeks.
YOUR NEW LOOK
Your satisfaction with a breast lift
is likely to be greater if you understand the procedure
thoroughly and if your expectations are realistic. Every
effort will be made to make your scars fairly inconspicuous
and mostly hidden in the crease underneath the breast.
Women who have implants along with their breast lift
may find the results last longer.
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