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An Interview with Dr. Michael Edwards on Breast Lift
Dr. Michael Edwards is a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Here the Doctor has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Breast Lift.
Q. How is Breast Lift surgery done?
The vast majority of my implants are placed through the inframammary crease where I feel I can create a more precise pocket which I feel yields a better long term position and result. There are however a few options for implant placement in the primary breast augmentation. Possible incision locations include periareolar (around the nipple), inframammary (in the fold beneath the breast), transaxillary (in the hollow of the armpit), and transumbilical (through the belly button). *NOTE - The transumbilical approach may void the replacement policy of some implant manufacturers. The most commonly used incision is inframammary but this depends on your plastic surgeon. Many plastic surgeons use this incision because it arguably gives good control in placement of the implants and the incision is usually not visible although with any incision, there will be a scar. Some plastic surgeons feel that there may be more of a chance in alteration of sensation utilizing this incision as well as a questionable decrease in the ability to breast feed in the future. Some plastic surgeons feel that there may be a higher rate of capsular contracture due to an increased exposure to bacteria found in the patient’s milk ducts. The transaxillary incision is a procedure in which an incision is made in the armpit. Some plastic surgeons feel that this incision gives less implant placement control. The Transumbilical (TUBA) procedure uses an incision inside the umbilicus (belly button). Many plastic surgeons feel that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages.
Q. What is the recovery period like?
I ask my patients to leave their dressings in place until I see them the following morning. At that time the dressings will be removed and after examining you, you will be placed back into your sports bra in addition to the bra strap that we place over the upper portion of your breasts which you wear for 2 weeks. You are allowed to shower once you get home. You are not allowed to immerse your incisions under any water (pool, spa, bathtub, lake, Jacuzzi, etc.) for 4 weeks after surgery as long as you are healing well.
As long as you have no on-going lactation I ask my patients to wait at least 3 months from the cessation of milk production. The risk is that breast milk may accumulate around the implant creating a difficult problem to correct.
Q. Who is an ideal candidate for breast lift surgery?
The average age for breast augmentation is between 19 and 34 years of age. Many patients are 35-50 (35%) and about 3% are older than 51. The FDA will recommend against cosmetic
Q. Are there risks and complications to a breast lift surgery?
In my patient experience the risk of loss of nipple sensation is less than 1% of all cases. There is a risk of decreased sensation of the breast skin and nipple with any breast surgery although some plastic surgeons feel the risk is higher with an incision around the areola. Additionally, larger volume implants create additional stretch on your tissue and may cause a change in or loss of sensation.
Q. How long do the results last?
The data on implant longevity is variable. Implant leakage is usually caused by a leak in the valve area or it may be due to a tear or hole in the implant which can occur over time as a result of fold fatigue. If a saline implant leaks, the salt water is the same composition as your body fluids and it is absorbed by the body with no adverse effects. Many women can get a lifetime out of their implants with no exchange needed, but it is best to think that you may need an implant exchange at sometime in your life because they are not considered lifetime devices. Implant leakage reports between 1% to 5% per year.
Q. How much does breast lift surgery cost?
This is best discussed at the time of your consultation because this document may not keep pace with the changes in OR, anesthesia and supply costs.
