Breast-lift
What is a breast-lift?
Who is a good candidate?
Risks
Preparing for a breast-lift
Recovery
What is a breast-lift?
Breast-lift surgery -- also called mastopexy
-- lifts and reshapes sagging breasts. Some
women also have implants
put in during the same procedure to add more
definition to their breasts.
During mastopexy, the plastic surgeon removes
excess breast skin and repositions the breast
higher on the woman's chest. He or she makes
incisions around the areola (the darkened pigment
around the nipple), from the lower edge of the
areola to the breast crease, and often horizontally
under the breast on or near the crease. Since
the surgeon doesn't detach or remove breast
tissue, nipple sensation is usually preserved.
Who is a good candidate?
Even though some women's breasts naturally
have less form and firmness, many women lose
breast elasticity and contour over time. After
childbirth and nursing, breast tone and shape
may change. If you're unhappy with your breasts'
volume, position and contour, you could be a
candidate for this surgery.
Risks
Every type of surgery has risks,
but you can usually help prevent complications
by carefully following your physician's instructions.
It's important to talk with your plastic surgeon
before surgery to be sure you understand the
potential risks and complications. If you don't
understand something, ask!
Complications from mastopexy are uncommon.
Breast-lift surgery does leave permanent scars,
but they fade over time and are usually hidden
by clothing. Any loss of feeling or sensation
in the breasts is usually temporary.
Preparing for a breast-lift
Your doctor may want you to have a mammogram
before surgery, especially if you have a family
history of breast cancer. If you smoke, you'll
need to stop smoking at least two weeks before
surgery. Your doctor will also ask you to discontinue
certain drugs and medications, such as aspirin,
before surgery.
Recovery
Even though breast-lifts are done in an outpatient
setting, most are performed under general anesthesia,
so you'll need to have someone drive you home
after surgery. Because you'll be bruised and
swollen, you may want someone to help you out
at home for a few days. Immediately after surgery,
you will have dressings on the incisions. Any
discomfort you feel can be managed by medication
your doctor can prescribe.
For several weeks after surgery, you'll wear
a surgical bra or soft bra all day and night
to help your breasts assume their new position.
Although you should plan to stay out of work
for a week and avoid exercise for about a month,
you can resume other routines gradually.
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