Breast Lift Information
Background on Breast Lifts
Some women inherently have less natural shape and firmness in their breasts than others, and many women lose breast elasticity and contour as time, childbirth and nursing take their toll. Many choose to have a breast-lift procedure, also known as a mastopexy, to lift and reshape sagging breasts. Some women also have implants put in during the same surgery to add more definition to their breasts.Best candidates for Mastopexy
If you're unhappy with your breasts' volume, position and contour, you could be an ideal candidate for this type of surgery. The best candidates for a breast lift are emotionally stable and healthy women who are also realistic about what they expect from the surgery. The best results from a mastopexy are seen in women with small, sagging breasts although breasts of any size can be lifted.Uncertainty and Risk
Surgery of any kind will have some level of uncertainty and risk. Fortunately, breast lifts are usually safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. However, with a mastopexy there is a possibility of patients being left with unevenly positioned nipples or a loss of sensation in the nipples and/or breasts. Additionally, a mastopexy will leave scars that are not noticeable, as they are covered by a woman's bathing suit or bra.Planning for a Breast Lift surgery
It is important to discuss your expectations openly and honestly when you visit a plastic surgeon. Your doctor will examine your breasts and discuss the procedure with you. This guidance will help you become more comfortable with the process and should address any questions you may have. Your doctor should be able to answer any questions you may have about the breast lift operation.Where Mastopexy surgery is performed
There are several locations where your mastopexy may be conducted. You could be in a hospital, an outpatient surgery center, or a doctor's office facility. Your surgeon will explain the details to you to ensure your comfort during the breast lift.Types of anesthesia
During your operation you will need to undergo some form of anesthesia. Breast lifts are usually conducted under general anesthesia and you will essentially be asleep during the operation. However, this is dependent upon your needs. Your doctor will be able to work with you to make you as comfortable as possible.How the Breast Lift Surgery is performed
A breast lift usually involves an incision being made in the breast where breast skin is removed and the nipple and areola are moved to a higher position. Stitches are used to permanently reshape the breast when it is positioned optimally. However, depending on the patient a different procedure may be used. The entire operation only takes one and a half to three and a half hours and is painless while in progress because the patient is under general anesthesia.Post-op/Recovery
After a breast lift, patients must wear an elastic bandage over gauze dressings until they can wear a soft support bra. This support bra is worn for three to four weeks until the gradual healing process is completed. Doctors prescribe patients with medications to ease pain and discomfort and also provide specific instructions to ensure a successful and timely recovery.Methods: Breast Lift Procedures
Mastopexy Procedures
Plastic surgeons have developed three different techniques that are commonly used to perform mastopexy or breast lift procedures. The methods vary in the way incisions are made and the benefits they can provide for different patients. If you are considering a breast lift, it is important to be familiar with these three mastopexy approaches and to discuss them with your doctor to determine which one is right for you.
Concentric mastopexy
Concentric mastopexy is considered the least invasive of the different breast lift methods. The procedure removes extra skin through concentric circles around the areola border. When enough skin has been removed, the areola and nipples are lifted to the desired position. The result is a flatter, rounder breast shaped instead of a sloped shape. The concentric mastopexy procedure is best suited for women with smaller breasts who are seeking to sculpt their breasts and nipples into a more youthful shape.
Vertical mastopexy
The vertical mastopexy surgical technique seeks to restore breast shape by removing excess skin that is not desired from around the areola. This is accomplished by the plastic surgeon making a vertical incision that runs from the areola to the bottom of the breast that meets the chest. Skin along this incision is removed to minimize sagging and attain a desired shape. The vertical mastopexy method is an excellent technique for women with nipple sagging and who do not want to leave much scarring behind after surgery.
Anchor-Shaped mastopexy
The anchor-shaped mastopexy is the most common mastopexy technique. It involves an anchor-shaped incision that follows the natural shape of the breast and outlines where skin will be removed. When excess skin is removed, the nipple and areola are moved to a higher and more desired position. Then skin is then brought down and together to sculpt and enhance the breast.
Breast Lift Statistics
- In 2004, the average age of American breast lift patients was 41 years old.
- There were nearly 100,000 breast lift operations performed in the United States in 2004.
- Mastopexy was the 18th most popular plastic surgery procedure in 2004 in the United States.
- Between 1997 and 2004 there has been a 395% increase in the frequency of breast lift procedures.
Breast Lift Questions/Mastopexy Questions and Answers
How can I tell if I'm a good candidate for a breast lift?
If you have breasts that are of a satisfactory size but lack firmness or substance and have areolas and nipples that point downward, you may be a good candidate for a mastopexy. Additionally, you should be of good physical and mental health and have realistic expectations regarding how a breast lift can benefit you.
How will I be evaluated for breast lift surgery?
Your plastic surgeon will examine your breasts and the areas surrounding them. For an adequate evaluation, you will also be needed to discuss your medical history and to be open and honest with your doctor concerning your goals and aspirations for the breast lift. Finally, you must inform your plastic surgeon if you are planning on losing a significant amount of weight or getting pregnant in the future.
Will my insurance help offset the costs of breast lift surgery?
Unfortunately, breast lift surgery is considered an aesthetic procedure and is not typically covered by insurance. However, under certain circumstances your mastopexy may be covered. Speak with your plastic surgeon or a staff member in his or her office for more personalized information about insurance coverage.
Where are incisions placed for a breast lift or mastopexy procedure?
The location of incisions is dependent upon the technique being used. Concentric mastopexy utilizes concentric circles around the areola, vertical mastopexy consists of a downward vertical incision from the areola to the chest, and anchor-shaped mastopexy is characterized by an anchor-shaped incision around the areola. Ask your doctor which breast lift method best fits your goals and needs.
What are some variations to the common mastopexy method?
The most common breast lift method is the anchor-shaped mastopexy. However, there are different variations to this technique that may be options for certain patients. If you are a good candidate for a modified strategy, your plastic surgeon will discuss these other options with you during your consultation.
What are some of the risks associated with a breast lift?
All forms of surgery have a certain level of risks associated with them, and breast lift procedures are no exception. However, when performed by a licensed and experienced plastic surgeon mastopexy is a very safe operation. Speak with your doctor about any concerns you may have about your surgery.
What steps should I take to prepare for Breast Lift surgery?
Your plastic surgeon will provide you with a list of guidelines to follow before you undergo surgery. These will include instructions on eating, drinking, and smoking habits. It is important to abide by your doctor's orders to ensure a safe operation with a timely recovery.
What can I expect the day of surgery to be like?
On the day of surgery your vital signs will be closely monitored by trained medical personnel while you are given anesthesia. During the operation you will not feel any pain, and many patients are permitted to go home only several hours after surgery. However, the specifics of the surgery day are highly dependent on the patient. Your plastic surgeon will prepare you for the day of surgery by explaining each of the steps in detail.
How will I look and feel immediately following the Breast Lift surgery?
Patients are fitted with dressings to cover your breasts immediately after the surgery. Some swelling and discoloration occurs, but pain is managed through prescription medications. Straining, bending, and lifting must be avoided for several days to promote healing. Over time, your breasts will adjust to their new shape and you will fully experience the benefits plastic surgery and mastopexy have to offer.
When can I pursue my normal activities again?
It is possible to return to work within a week after breast lift surgery, depending on your job. After several weeks, most patients are able to resume most of their normal activities. Although the healing process is gradual, your mastopexy operation will not severely interfere with your lifestyle.
How long can I expect results to last?
Although gravity and the aging process eventually alter the size and shape of every person's body, the benefits of your mastopexy can be quite long-lasting. However, results can be severely affected by gaining or losing a significant amount of weight or becoming pregnant. With the appropriate lifestyle choices you can enjoy the results of your breast lift for many years.