Breast Lift (Mastopexy) & Procedures

What is a Breast lift surgery / Mastopexy?

Breast lift or Mastopexy is designed to improve the shape and position of the breasts without reducing their size. It is a term used for breasts which sag but are not necessarily too large. Sagging of the breasts may occur with normal development for some women or as part of aging. Pregnancy, breast-feeding, and weight loss are other conditions which increase breast ptosis (sagging). Some patients will have a better shape to their breast if an implant is used at the time of mastopexy.

It is becoming increasingly obvious to the savvy plastic surgeon given the spectrum of breast shapes and conditions that simply using breast implants alone will not always produce aesthetically acceptable results. In assessing breast geometry and design, the plastic surgeon must consider 4 crucial parameters:

Breast Shape
Breast Size
Nipple-areolar Position
Skin elasticity & Stretch marks

Breast lift surgery or Mastopexy is therefore designed to return breast shape to a more youthful appearance in 3 ways:

1. Move the position of nipple-areola complex,
2. Remove excess breast skin,
3. Reshape the breast tissue

Although mastopexy does not change the amount of breast tissue a woman has, it can change the shape dramatically. This in turn can affect the overall breast size and projection. However, there are many cases where breast lifting needs to be combined with a breast implant to produce a desirable breast size.

Procedures:

Patients must stop smoking for at least 2 months before and after the operation. Time off work from this procedure is usually 10-14 days for recovery and healing to take place. Smoking increases chances of bleeding, infection and long term scarring.

What happens to the circulation and sensation of my nipple? 

Generally, the nipple-areolar complex (brown part of the breast) is carried on some breast tissue to keep it alive. This usually preserves the nipple sensation and keeps it viable.

How long is the patient hospitalized? 

A Mastopexy can be performed as a day procedure under general anaesthetic, or may require 1-2 nights in hospital depending on the patient and accompanying procedures.

What kind of anaesthesia is used? 

A general anaesthetic is used on all Mastopexies.

What can I expect postoperatively? 

Discomfort, swelling, and discolouration of the breasts are to be expected for several weeks. Usually, our patients return to almost normal activity within 10 days. The scars at the incision lines typically become reddish, raised, and firm a few weeks after surgery, but after many months become pale and soft. After 12-24 months, the scars are relatively inconspicuous. The nipples and some areas of the skin may be numb or sensitive after surgery. Sensation frequently returns within a few weeks or months but may be diminished or overly sensitive.

Will the breasts start to sag again? 

Gravity continues to have its effect, and there is a tendency for the skin of the breast to stretch over a long period of time. Women vary a great deal in this respect. In general, the smaller the breasts, the less tendency for sagging to recur. If the breasts sag further, minor revisions may be needed to reverse the process. 

What are my limitations in activity post-operatively? 

You should plan to avoid activities which require much raising of the arms above the level of the head, heavy lifting and activation of the pectoralis muscles. With great care, you can drive about 7 days after surgery. Patients can usually return to work in 10 days unless their occupation requires particularly strenuous movements and lifting. In such cases, 2-3 weeks should be allowed.

Light walking can commence within 7 days

Lower body exercises can commence within 6 weeks

Light jogging and physical activity can recommence at 3 months post-op

Surgical risks & Complications may include: infection, bleeding, asymmetry, keloid scarring, and nerve damage. Damage to the blood supply of the nipple-areolar complex, although uncommon, can occur.

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