"Breast"
Breast Lift

Mastopexy refers to lifting and reshaping the breast without necessarily reducing or increasing the breast size. The operation involves a rearrangement of the breast tissue, shifting the nipple position and increasing the breast firmness by tightening the skin. Mastopexy alone does not increase the size of the breasts.

When an increase in size is desired, the procedure may be combined with the insertion of breast implants. However, the breast often appears larger when it is positioned in one place, rather than being distributed over the chest wall. On the day surgery is performed, you will return home approximately two hours after surgery.

There are three types of lifts

Wise Pattern - Operation in the shape of an anchor, around the areola, down and across the chest below the breast.
Lollipop pattern - Operation around the areola and down.
Peri-Areolar - Operation only around the areola.

The anesthesia

Breast lift surgery is performed under a "light" general anesthetic. This technique provides excellent operating conditions while affording maximal patient comfort and safety. The anesthetic is administered by a board-certified doctor anesthesiologist who remains in attendance throughout the operation.

Preoperative preparations

You must be in good health to undergo any elective cosmetic surgery. A physical examination and routine lab work will need to be performed by your own primary physician. It will be required that all this pre-op paperwork is in our office 1-2 weeks prior to surgery.
It is required that someone drive you home upon your discharge and you should also arrange for transportation to and from our office for your post-operative appointments until your doctor gives you permission to drive. DO NOT take aspirin or aspirin-containing products for 2 weeks prior to surgery and for 2 weeks after surgery. Bring loose-fitting, front-opening clothing with you the morning of surgery to wear home.

The surgical procedure

Marking and measuring is an important part of the preparation for surgery. The markings are made before the patient is sedated with the patient sitting in a fully upright position. These markings are used for guidelines for the incisions during surgery when the patient is in a reclining position. The surgical procedure consists of removing part of the breast skin, moving the nipple upward and reshaping the remaining tissue into a higher, firmer configuration. If implants are to be used, they are inserted at this time. The incisions are closed with fine suture material and tapes. The scars left by this surgery fade with time, but they are permanent

Possible complications

Complications are infrequent and usually respond promptly to proper treatment without unfavorably affecting the final surgical result.
Bleeding - if bleeding occurs after the operation, it may accumulate in the breast and require opening the wound to remove the blood and prevent further bleeding.

Infection - this occurs rarely and usually responds to antibiotics.
Numbness of the nipple - this is almost always temporary and sensation can be expected to return in most cases. On rare occasions, however, it may be permanent.

Loss of a nipple - complete or partial loss of a nipple is extremely rare, but has been reported in medical literature. Should this happen, a reconstructive operation can be performed with satisfactory results at a later date.
Occasionally, a revision of the scars is necessary in order to obtain optimum aesthetic results. These revision procedures are minor and can be carried out in the office under local anaesthesia.

The postoperative period

Pain is rarely severe, more commonly being a degree of discomfort. Pain medication is prescribed by the doctor for the patient to use at home.

Swelling does occur but usually begins to subside by the third or fourth day. Some degree of swelling may persist for weeks, or even months.

Social and work activities should be quite limited for two to three weeks after surgery. If your job requires lifting, pushing, etc., a longer recuperation period may be necessary. Driving should be avoided for one week after surgery.