Breast LiftAbout The Procedure
Breast lift surgery is a procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts. A Breast Lift can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. For patients with small breasts or who have lost volume, breast implants inserted in conjunction with a Breast Lift can increase both their firmness and their size.
Procedure Description
There are three basic Breast Lift techniques: Concentric Mastopexy, Vertical Mastopexy, and Anchor-Shaped Mastopexy.
Concentric Mastopexy. Circular incisions are made around the areola. The skin between the two incisions, shaped something like a doughnut, is removed, the nipple and areola is replaced, usually moved upward, and the surrounding skin is stitched to the skin around the areola. This technique is used for women with smaller breasts and minimal sagging.
Vertical Mastopexy. Using a similar technique to that of concentric mastopexy, the surgeon extends the incision vertically bellow the areola to the breast crease by the chest. An additional strip of skin is removed, giving the surgeon the option of greater correction than with the Concentric technique.
Anchor-Shaped Mastopexy. This is the most invasive and most common type of breast lift surgery. An incision is made above the nipple in the shape of an anchor, with a circle at the top. This incision forms the shape of the new breast with the nipple placed in the circle at the top of the anchor, and the elliptical line at the bottom forming the lower contour.
After the incision, the skin below is removed, the breast tissue and nipple lifted to a higher position, and the incision site is stitched closed.
Best Candidates for Breast Lift Surgery
Candidates for Breast Lift surgery must be in good health, have no active diseases or serious, pre-existing medical conditions, and must have realistic expectations of the outcome of the surgery. Good candidates for Breast lift surgery are women who, for a variety of reasons such as gravity, aging, pregnancy, and breast feeding, have experienced a sagging of the breasts. As the skin loses its elasticity, the breasts tend to elongate and lose their more youthful form.
Length of the Procedure
Breast Lift surgery usually takes 1-and-one-half to 3-and-one-half hours, depending on the extent of the procedure.
Anesthesia
Breast Lift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia.
Inpatient or Outpatient?
Breast Lift surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis.
Possible Side Effects
Breast Lift side effects can include temporary discomfort, bruising, or swelling. Breasts may be temporarily numb, or the skin may be dry. There will be permanent scars.
Recovery
After Breast Lift surgery, patients wear an elastic bandage or a surgical bra over gauze dressings. The breasts will be bruised, swollen, and uncomfortable for a day or two, but the pain should not be severe. Any discomfort can be relieved with medications prescribed by the surgeon.
Within a few days, the bandages or surgical bra will be replaced by a soft support bra. Patients need to wear this bra around the clock for three to four weeks, over a layer of gauze. The stitches will be removed after a week or two.
If the breast skin is very dry following surgery, a moisturizer can be applied several times a day. Patients must be careful not to tug at the skin in the process, and keep the moisturizer away from the suture areas.
Patients can expect some loss of feeling in their nipples and breast skin, caused by the swelling after surgery. This numbness usually fades as the swelling subsides over the next six weeks or so. In some patients, however, it may last a year or more, and occasionally it may be permanent.
Duration of Results
Breast Lift results vary but usually permanent unless extreme weight or skin changes.
Risks
Breast Lift surgery is not a simple operation, but it is normally safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. Nevertheless, as with any surgery, there is always a possibility of complications or a reaction to the anesthesia. Bleeding and infection following a breast lift are uncommon, but they can cause scars to widen. Risks can be reduced by closely following the physician's advice both before and after surgery.
Skin formerly located above the nipple is brought down and together to reshape the breast. Sutures close the incision, giving the breast its new contour.
Cost
Expect to pay $4,000 to $6,000 for Breast Lift surgery.
Reduction Amount
The number of inches reduced depends on your proportions. The goal is to place the arms in proportion with the rest of the figure. Patients have enjoyed reductions at the mid-arm (usually the largest portion of the upper arm) ranging from 2 inches to 5 inches.
Scars
Breast lift surgery does leave noticeable, permanent scars, although they will be covered by your bra or bathing suit. Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers. The procedure can also leave you with unevenly positioned nipples, or a permanent loss of feeling in your nipples or breasts.
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