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Breast Lift
 Click on a link below to view animation of the procedure: |
The Breast Lift (Mastopexy) has become one of the most requested procedures in plastic surgery today. In 2007, approximately 100,000 Breast Lift procedures were performed in the U.S. I feel this trend is in response to an increase in the performance of other body contouring procedures, such as Tummy Tuck and Liposuction.
The causes of breast sagging are multiple. Over time, a woman’s breast can change, with a loss of their youthful shape and fullness. These changes may be the result of expansion of the breast during pregnancy, breast-feeding, weight fluctuations, aging and the natural effects of gravity. Heredity factors also contribute to breast sagging. Many women are born with poor skin elasticity resulting in a loss of breast firmness.
What is a breast lift?
A breast lift raises and firms the breast by removing excess skin and tightening the surround breast to reshape and support the new breast contour. The nipple areola may become enlarged over time, and a breast lift will reduce the areola to place it in a better proportion with the newly shaped breast. The goals of the breast lift are to improve the shape of a female breast that:
- Sags or is pendulous, but is proportionate with the body frame
- Has lost firmness and skin elasticity
- Has a flatter elongated shape
- Has a nipple and areola that point downward
The Consultation
All patients will need a pre-operative consultation before surgery. We review your medical history and perform a physical examination to ascertain if you are indeed a candidate for the mastopexy procedure. A detailed examination is then done to determine the degree of breast sagging (ptosis) that each patient desires to be improved. Also, during your initial consultation, the procedure, recovery, expected outcome and the risk of possible complication are discussed with each patient.The Procedure
A breast lift is done on an outpatient basis, under a general anesthetic or with a mild sedation. The operative time is usually one and a half hours. In general, the greater the sagging of the breast, the longer the incision will be. The nipple is not detached; in an attempt to avoid any loss in sensation to the breast The skin envelope is redraped around the newly formed breast mound to give a more rounded and perky appearance. All patients are discharged home on the same day of surgery with a support bra in place.
CLICK ON A LINK BELOW TO VIEW ANIMATION OF THE PROCEDURE:
The Recovery
Most patients rate the pain level as a 5 on a scale of 1 to 10. Patients are given detailed written postoperative instructions and prescriptions for antibiotics and pain control. Light activity is tolerated well in the first week. Most patients are never so incapacitated that they can’t take care of their own basic needs. An office visit is scheduled one week after your procedure when all of your dressings and your sutures are carefully removed. Your postoperative recovery and activity levels are again discussed, as well as an anticipated date for your return to work. Light employment is tolerated after two weeks, with heavy lifting and regular activity in 3 to 5 weeks. You are also given detailed instructions for care of your suture lines to help prevent excessive scarring. Your final consultation usually occurs 5 months after your procedure. More descriptive illustrations of the procedure and photographs of actual cases can be viewed at www.ruckermd.com.
Closing
I hope that this information will be of help to you if you are considering breast lift surgery. Our staff has gained considerable experience and knowledge helping over 1,000 patients during the preoperative, operative and postoperative periods of reconstructive breast surgeries. Of course, there are risks with any procedure and a complete list and description of possible complications can be viewed on my webpage. Please feel free to contact me or my staff with any concerns or questions that you might have.
Risks
There is a potential for complications in any operative procedure. The most common being infection, scarring and sensation changes. During your consultation a detailed discussion of these potential risks will be given to you.
Glossary
ANESTHESIA
A loss of feeling or sensation as a result of drugs or gasses. General anesthetic causes loss of consciousness (puts you to sleep). Local and regional anesthesia only numbs a certain area and makes the patient comfortable.
AREOLA
The darker area surrounding the nipple.
HEREDITARY
a condition that is inherited from your parents or other family members
MASTOPEXY
a surgical procedure to lift and mold the breast.
OUTPATIENT
the surgery is performed and the patient goes home the same day.
PTOSIS
Breast sagging
SENSATION
The ability to feel pressure to touch. The amount of sensation will vary from area to area on the reconstructed breast
SCALE OF 1 TO 10
The current pain scale used in most health care settings. 1 represents no pain and 10 would represent severe pain
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