BREAST LIFT

A woman’s breasts can sag as a result of age, gravity, pregnancy, breast-feeding or weight loss. A breast lift, also called mastopexy, restores the youthful appearance to the breast that has sagged or lost its volume and firmness.

What does a breast lift offer?

A breast lift makes the breast look younger, by removing excess skin and tightening the underlying tissues. After surgery, the breast is located higher on the chest and is firmer to touch. Furthermore, with the mastopexy it is possible to shift and reduce the size of the areola. The size of the breast does not change with mastopexy, nor does the fullness or round shape of its upper pole. Patients that desire larger, smaller or rounder breasts should possibly combine mastopexy with implant insertion or reduction, respectively.

Am I a candidate for mastopexy?

The best candidates for mastopexy are patients whose breasts have:

• Loose skin
• Lost their shape or volume
• Breast that are widened, elongated or ganging
• Nipple-areola ptosis or enlarged areola
• Asymmetrical breasts

It is imperative for the candidate to:

• Maintain a relatively steady weight
• Be in good general health
• Not smoke
• Have thorough discussions with the surgeon, so that they have realistic expectations

Surgical procedure

Mastopexy is performed under general anesthesia and lasts 2-3 hours. The incision usually has the shape of an inverted T, accompanied by a circular incision around the nipple. With these incisions, the breast is lifted and acquires a new, younger-looking outline. Furthermore, the nipple and areola are moved higher up on the breast and their size is reduced, when necessary. After removing the excess skin, deep sutures are inserted to hold the breast in its new position. Lastly, the skin is joined with very thin sutures.

Post-operative progress

During the first 2 post-operative days, the patients wear an elastic bandage, which is later replaced by a special brassiere. This brassiere should be worn constantly for a month and should only be taken off in the shower. After surgery, the breasts will have swelling and bruising, which will subside within a few days. The numbness that is usually present in the first days subsides along with the swelling. The sutures are removed after about 10 days and patients can return to work.

Will I be satisfied with the result?

If there is proper communication between the doctor and the patient and there are realistic expectations, then you will be extremely satisfied with the surgical result. You will be able to see the result immediately after surgery and you will be even more satisfied as the swelling subsides.