Breast Lift
Mastopexy or breast lift involves surgical maneuvers to lift the profile of the breast mound and nipple position of the breast to achieve a more youthful attractive appearance. A fuller upper breast with a higher nipple position, often with a smaller areola, is the result. It is most helpful for patients to have developed sagging and loss of volume of the breast as a result of childbirth, aging, or weight loss. However, some women have not had these issues but have had a natural descent of nipple and breast position that would benefit from lifting. The procedure may be combined with breast implants in which case it is called an Augmentation Mastopexy.
The plastic surgeons at Raleigh Plastic Surgery Center will perform an in-depth history and physical examination to determine what procedure will suit your needs and desires. Decisions about incision patterns include using an inverted T type anchor scar which is usually suitable for patients with significant excess skin and severe degrees of drooping. Alternatively, a vertical or lollipop like scar pattern may be suitable for a smaller breast or one with less degree of skin laxity. The placement of breast implant may be performed simultaneously if necessary to achieve your goals. Discussion of risks and benefits will also be carried out during your private, customized consultation. Risks include loss of feeling in the nipples (which usually resolves but may be permanent), asymmetry, unfavorable scarring, hematoma, wound healing problems and infection. These are all fairly uncommon.
The Procedure
At the Raleigh Plastic Surgery Center, most of our procedures are performed under general anesthetic. Your care will be provided by a board certified anesthesiologist who will be looking over you throughout the entire procedure. Safety is our number one priority and at our fully accredited AAAHC surgical center you will be cared only by the doctors and registered nurses at our practice. The procedure itself takes between two to three hours and involves a one to two hour recovery in our center. We utilize a variety of intraoperative long-lasting local anesthetics during the procedure to make your recovery as painless as possible. You can expect some degree of swelling and tightness postoperatively. The need for drainage tubes is rare, but sometimes necessary. You will awaken in postoperative breast garment and most of the sutures utilized will be dissolvable.
The Recovery
Generally, the recovery is approximately one week before returning to most normal activities. Gradual resumption of strenuous activities in a gym is best delayed at least four weeks but steady return to activities is allowed. The scars eventually will fade, however, will never go away completely. Read this blog to see an example of Breast Lift scarring. A variety of measures to reduce scarring will be recommended including long-term taping of the incisions as well as the use of several different scar creams to facilitate maturation of the scars. The final result will be a perkier, more youthful appearing breast. Expect to feel better and more confident in your clothing and bathing suits.
For more tips on how to create a post-op recovery space at home visit our blog!
FAQ
Q: Do I need an implant with the lift?
A: The answer depends on how large or full you wish to go. In some cases, patients have plenty of volume of tissue (it just sags too much) while others have lost too much volume from weight loss or pregnancy and really would benefit from an implant. Also, it is difficult to get the superior fullness that many women desire with a lift alone. A detailed discussion with your surgeon is necessary to determine the best choice.
Q: Do I need a full anchor scar?
A: Again, this all depends on the degree of ptosis, or sagging, of breast tissue. A vertical lift or lollipop is often perfect for women with moderate degrees of laxity if an implant is added. The additional scars necessary for an anchor, or inverted T, are necessary when there is lots of skin excess. Fortunately, the scars that are visible fade pretty nicely while the scar under the fold is hidden in the crease.
