| Dr. Siamak Agha 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 Lift or Mastopexy is a family of operations that uplifts the breast to a more natural position on the chest. This surgery can restore the firmness and shape of the breasts, restoring a more "perky" youthful appearance. In general, a breast lift operation elevates breasts by reshaping and re-suspending the internal breast tissues and then removing excess skin. Sometimes the nipple-areola complexes are also reduced while being repositioned.
Q. How is breast lift surgery done?
A. Once a patient decides to undergo a breast lift, there are two choices that she needs to make - whether she wants to keep her breast volume and size the same, or increase/reduce it. If the breasts are small or have lost volume after pregnancy, breast implants inserted in conjunction with mastopexy can increase both firmness and size. If the breasts are large and sagging, a breast reduction may be considered. Thus, breast lift surgery needs to be individualized. There are various plausible surgeries depending on the breast shape and the nature of breast tissue.
Q. What is the recovery period like?
A. Breast lift is performed as an outpatient procedure. After an hour or two in the recovery room, the patient may go home in the company of a friend or family member. Recovery after breast lift surgery may take 5 to 7 days. During this period, the skin of the breasts may become shiny. This is a result of the swelling that occurs after surgery. Within a few weeks, the edema and swelling will subside, and the skin will look more normal. Also, a burning sensation in the nipples may be experienced for about two weeks, but this will subside as bruising fades. It is quite common for the two breasts to heal differently. One may swell more, one may feel more uncomfortable, or the shapes may differ initially. After complete healing, they should look remarkably similar and natural.
Q. Who is an ideal candidate for breast lift surgery?
A. The best candidates for breast lift mastopexy are healthy individuals who do not have a lift-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing. Typical patients present with,
· Breasts that sag or hang when not held in a bra
· Breasts that are not proportional to the body
· Breasts that lack firmness and skin elastic tone
· Breasts that have a flattened elongated shape
· The nipple hangs below the infra-mammary fold in unsupported breasts
· When the nipple and areola point downward
· When the skin is stretched and areola enlarged
Q. Are there risks and complications to a breast lift surgery?
A. Every surgical procedure involves a certain amount of risk, and it is important that you understand the risks involved with mastopexy. An individual’s choice to undergo a surgical procedure is based on the comparison of the risk to potential benefit. While the majority of women do not experience these complications, your plastic surgeon will discuss each potential complication with you to make sure you understand the risks and consequences of breast lift surgery.
Q. How long do the results last?
A. The results of breast lift surgery are immediately visible. The patient will notice elevated, fuller, and more youthful breast contours. The nipple-areola complexes will also be repositioned over the breast mound at the desired size. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade. Breasts of any size can be lifted, but the results may not last long in women with heavy, large breasts.
Q. How much does breast lift surgery cost?
A. The cost of breast lift surgery depends on several factors. These include the type of the breast lift, and whether breast augmentation or breast reduction is also needed at the same time.
|
