| Dr. Robert H. Gotkin, M.D., F.A.C.S.,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 Lifting.
Q. What is Breast Lifting?
A. Breast lifting, or MASTOPEXY, is a surgical procedure that improves the appearance of "droopy" breasts. Such "droopiness," or ptosis, can often occur following pregnancy, but is also a natural progression of the aging process as related to the breasts. The breasts become less firm, more pendulous and elongated and the nipples often point downward instead of outward. This is a loss of the youthful shape and appearance of the breasts -- often in young women!
Q. How is breast lift surgery done?
A. Breast lift is an outpatient procedure, performed in an office setting, most often under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation ("twilight anesthesia"). It involves incisions on the breasts -- around the areola (the pigmented tissue surrounding the nipples) and from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease under the breast. Often a third incision is in the crease under the breast. These incisions are necessary in order to remove and tighten excess, stretched-out skin and re-position the breasts, including the nipples, higher on the chest wall. This gives the breasts a more youthful, tighter and rounded appearance instead of a pendulous, elongated appearance. The nipples return to pointing outward instead of downward.
Q. What is the recovery period like?
A. Although stitches are in for 3 weeks, a woman can be back to work in a matter of days. There is very little discomfort associated with a breast lift. The major restriction is to refrain from strenuous upper body exercise or lifting for about one month. This is to allow for uncomplicated healing of the incisions.
Q. Who is an ideal candidate for breast lift surgery?
A. The ideal candidates are any woman in good health with droopy, pendulous, elongated and lax breast tissue. This often occurs following pregnancy and lactation, but can occur even in women who do not have children -- as a natural part of the aging process. Women considering a breast lift should understand that the major trade-off for an improved shape and appearance of the breasts is scarring around the areola and on the "undersurface" of the breasts. Performed well, these scars should heal well and fade nicely over time.
Q. Are there risks and complications to a breast lift surgery?
A. As with any surgical procedure, there are always risks and the potential for complications during and following surgery. Aside from risks and complications from anesthesia, the major risks seem to center around general surgical risks and complications of hematoma (blood clot under the skin) of the breast and unsightly scarring. More specific to the breast lift procedure are complications related to the shape and fullness of the breasts. Often, a breast implant is also placed at the time of the breast lift to further augment and improve the shape of the breasts and return the fullness that was once present. This can also expand the variety of risks and complications associated with the surgery. Because these decisions are so individual and there are many nuances associated with the surgery, it is important to discuss all of this prior to surgery.
Q. How long do the results last?
A. The results last years, but, over the years, one of the most common side-effects following a breast lift is recurrent droopiness of the breasts. This is due to natural aging changes and / or repeated pregnancies.
Q. How much does breast lift surgery cost?
A. Depending upon the area of the country and whether or not breast implants are used with the lift, breast lifts can range anywhere from $5000 to $15,000.
|
