Things that Every Woman Should Know About Breast Lift Surgery

Wednesday the 14th of April, 2010 No Comments »

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Breast lift, also known as ‘mastopexy’, refers to the procedure which raises and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. The ultimate aim of this type of Cosmetic Surgery is to return the breasts to a more natural shape and volume. The procedure is typically performed to correct droopy or sagging breasts which can occur as a result of childbirth and breast feeding or due to the effects of gravity and the aging process.

Women who are considering Breast lift surgery must bear in mind that its overall success and safety depends on complete candidness during the initial consultation. The Cosmetic Surgeon will ask you a number of questions regarding your health and lifestyle. Other pertinent questions that you may need to answer include why you want the surgery, your expectations and desired outcome. Prior to the surgery, you may be required to undergo a medical examination or get pathology testing, quit smoking, refrain from taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs as these increase the risk of bleeding.

As for the breast lift procedure itself, the surgery can be done by several techniques and incision patterns, such as the “ice cream cone” or “lollipop” incisions. However, the appropriate technique will depend on your breast size and shape, the degree of sagging, the position of your areolas (coloured part of the Nipple) as well as the skin quality and elasticity, which will have been discussed with you in your consultation. The initial step in surgery involves the use of intravenous sedation or general anaesthesia. Once you are properly sedated, the Cosmetic Surgeon makes the necessary incisions. Then the underlying breast tissue is lifted and reshaped, and the nipple and the areola are repositioned to a normal height. Excess skin is removed to address the loss of elasticity. Then the incisions are closed.

The incision lines are usually concealed in the natural breast contours but others may be visible on the surface of the breast. Incision lines are permanent but in the majority of cases, they tend to fade and improve over time. The Cosmetic Surgeon will advise you on the best post operative care of scars for the best results. After the breast lift procedure is completed, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions. Your Cosmetic Surgeon will advise you to wear either an elastic bandage or a support bra to minimize the swelling and support the tissues as they heal. In some cases, there may be a small tube placed temporarily under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may accumulate.

Prior to your discharge from hospital, your Cosmetic Surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to care for your breasts for optimum healing; you will also be prescribed certain medications to aid the healing process and to minimize the risk of infection. Usually most women recover from surgery within 1-2 weeks. The final outcome of your breast lift will be evident over the next couple of months as breast shape and position continue to settle. The results of your breast lift surgery of uplifted and shapely breasts will be long-lasting.