Breast Uplift

Mastopexy

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 uplift, or mastopexy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts, at least for some time.

(No surgery can permanently delay the effects of gravity.)

Breast uplift can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple.

If your breasts are small or have lost volume, for example after pregnancy, breast implants inserted in conjunction with mastopexy can increase both their firmness and their size.

If you’re considering a breast uplift surgery, the information below will give you a basic understanding of the cosmetic procedure, when it can help, how it’s performed and what results you can expect.

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The Best Candidates For Breast Uplift

A breast uplift can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won’t necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.

The best candidates for breast uplift are healthy, emotionally stable women who are realistic about what the surgery can accomplish. 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 breast uplift 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 uplift. While there are no special risks that affect future pregnancies (for example, breast uplift usually doesn’t interfere with breast-feeding), pregnancy is likely to stretch your breasts again and offset the results of the procedure.

All Surgery Carries Some Uncertainty And Risk

A breast uplift is not a simple operation, but it’s 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 anaesthesia. Bleeding and infection following a breast uplift are uncommon, but they can cause scars to widen.

You can reduce your risks by closely following your physician’s advice both before and after surgery.

Mastopexy does leave permanent scars, although they’ll be covered by your bra or bathing suit.

(Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers.)

Planning Your Breast Uplift Surgery

In your initial consultation, it’s important to discuss your expectations frankly with your surgeon, and to listen to his or her opinion. Every patient and every physician, as well has a different view of what is a desirable size and shape for breasts.

The surgeon will examine your breasts and measure them while you’re sitting or standing. He or she will discuss the variables that may affect the procedure such as your age, the size and shape of your breasts, and the condition of your skin-and whether an implant is advisable.

You should also discuss where the nipple and areola would be positioned; they will be moved higher during the procedure.

Your surgeon should describe the procedure in detail, explaining its risks and limitations and making sure you understand the scarring that will result.

He or she should also explain the anaesthesia to be used during the breast uplift, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs involved.

Don’t hesitate to ask your surgeon any questions you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results.

Preparing For Your Surgery

Depending on your age and family history, your surgeon may require you to have a mammogram (breast x-ray) before breast uplift surgery.

You’ll also get specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications.

While you’re making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days if needed.

The Surgery

Breast Uplift usually takes two to three hours.

Techniques vary, but the most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision following the natural contour of the breast.

The incision outlines the area from which breast skin will be removed and defines the new location for the nipple. When the excess skin has been removed, the nipple and areola are moved to the higher position. The skin surrounding the areola is then brought down and together to reshape the breast. 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.

One such procedure is the “doughnut (or concentric) mastopexy,” in which a circular incision is made around the areola, and a doughnut-shaped area of skin is removed.

If you’re having an implant inserted along with your breast uplift, it will be placed in a pocket directly under the breast tissue, or deeper, under the muscle of the chest wall.