Many factors such as age, pregnancy, nursing, and gravity affect a woman’s breasts. These Factors cause the skin to lose its elasticity. The breasts will then lose their shape and firmness and begin to sag. A breast lift (technically termed vertical mastopexy) is a surgical procedure designed to raise and reshape sagging breasts. Mastopexy can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple.
Is this procedure right for you?
This surgery works best for patients with relatively small breasts with minimal sagging seeking higher, fuller breasts, though it can be done for women with larger breasts as well. This procedure should be planned for those no longer planning to become pregnant, to avoid the stretching and sagging of the breasts that occurs with pregnancy. Patients should be mentally and physically healthy and have realistic expectations for the outcome of the surgery.
What does a breast lift entail?
The surgeon will make an incision shaped like a keyhole, remove excess skin, and move the nipple and areola up, then bring down the skin surrounding the areola and stitch it together, reshaping the breast. You will have stitches around the areola and in a vertical line below the nipple. There is also a horizontal incision at the lower crease of the breast. If the surgery incorporates a breast implant, it will be inserted under the breast tissue or under the muscle of the chest wall. The procedure takes about one and a half to four hours.
Does this procedure affect breastfeeding?
You can breastfeed following this surgery. The nipple and areola are not disconnected from the underlying tissue; thus the functionality of lactation remains intact.
How long can I expect the results to last?
While the effects will last for some time, aging, pregnancy, weight changes, and gravity will cause breasts to lose firmness.
What risks are involved?
Though uncommon, complications may include bleeding, infection, and reaction to the anesthesia. Rarely, the surgery can result in permanent loss of feeling in the nipple. This procedure leaves a noticeable scar which can be covered with a bra or swimsuit.
What should I expect from the post-surgery recovery period?
Discomfort, bruising, and swelling in the breasts will dissipate after a couple of days; pain medication will help relieve any pain. Stitches will remain in place for a week or two, then be removed. Patients must wear a surgical bra over a layer of gauze for six to eight weeks (all day and night). You will need to avoid lifting over the head as well as strenuous activity for about a month.
