What is Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Breast lift (Mastopexy) provides lifted more youthful breast shape. Surgery results should look natural like you have simply turned back time.
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy is an operation where the surgeon repositions your nipple higher on your chest wall. In addition, the surgeon removes any excess skin and tightens the surrounding tissue. The procedure can also reduce the size of the areolas if they have become enlarged in time.
Pregnancy, weight loss and having large breasts are the most common causes that breasts to age quicker. In such cases, women dislike the appearance of their droopy breasts. Having a breast lift (mastopexy) is a solution to rejuvenate their breasts that have a saggy or droopy appearance.
Who needs a breast lift?
In mastopexy surgery is aimed at making the breasts appear tighter and more youthful by gently lifting the breast tissue. There are certain life changes like aging, significant weight loss, pregnancy, and nursing. These changes drive many women to seek the help of a plastic surgeon to lift their sagging breasts.
Nipple Position
If the nipples are situated low, sitting at or below the natural fold of breast you may be a good candidate for a breast lift.
Breast Shape
If you feel that your breasts are unshapely or have lost their volume because of significant weight loss, childbirth, etc. you might consider getting a breast lift.
General Health
The most important factor in undergoing any surgery like a breast lift is that you are in good health prior to your procedure. If you don’t have any medical or health conditions that may preclude you from a breast lift, you might be a good candidate for the mastopexy implant procedure.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy) when Breastfeeding
If you’ve just had a baby, your breasts have naturally grown and are probably swollen due to the process of lactation. That’s why you shouldn’t consider mastopexy until you’re done breastfeeding and your breasts are back to their pre-baby size and shape.
Weight Goal
Weight gain can cause breasts to grow, so if you’re dieting and working out to lose weight, you shouldn’t undergo breast lift surgery until you’ve reached your weight goal.
What to Consider Before a Breast Lift?
There are a few factors to consider in order to minimise post operative discomfort and reduce the risk of complications whilst recovering from mastopexy surgery.
Stop using alcohol and tobacco products before Breast Lift Operation
You must stop smoking prior to surgery, and limit your consumption of alcohol at least three weeks before your surgery. Completely stop drinking alcohol one week before your surgery. Both alcohol and smoking can have a negative effect on the recovery process by increasing bruising, swelling, and discomfort.
Eating Healthy
Eating healthy is a great way to give your body the support before mastopexy surgery. A healthy diet helps the Breast Lift recovery process after the surgery. Drink lots of water and eat healthy, balanced meals.
Practice sleeping on your back before Mastopexy surgery
After the breast reduction surgery, sleeping on your back will be the best position for resting. If you struggle to fall asleep on your back, it might be good an idea to practice sleeping on your back before the surgery.
Stop taking blood-thinning medications
At least three weeks before the date of your surgery you should stop taking any and all medication that contain aspirin or ibuprofen. You need to avoid certain vitamins and herbs because they can also cause blood thinning. Take only medicine that has been approved or prescribed by the surgeon.
Get a Mammogram or Ultrasonography
If you are younger than 40 years breast ultrasound is required before the mastopexy procedure. Moreover, if you are over 40 you need to get a mammography.
How Breast Lift Surgery is Done?
A breast lift or mastopexy is performed under general anesthesia. The procedure takes approximately 3 hours. The surgeon will remove extra skin and lift your breast tissue up into the proper location. Breast augmentation or breast reduction can also be applied.
If you want your breasts to look fuller, consider breast lift and breast augmentation. If you want smaller breasts, consider combining breast lift and breast reduction.
Patients with mild sagging are advised to implant silicone prosthesis under the breast. In the case of moderate and advanced sagging, two different procedures will be performed. In moderate sagging, excess skin at the top of the breast is removed in the form of a ring. By recovering from the bottom of the breast tissue, the cuts will be closed. In advanced sagging, the same application will be performed while the breast recovers towards the lower side.
How Long Does a Breast Lift Last?
Breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a highly popular choice for many who are after a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. It is no wonder that its effect would be different for everyone therefore it highly depends on age, diet, genetics and the methods followed during the breast lift surgery. Taking your own measurements by taking care of your skin while avoiding sudden weight gain and loss further helps it to last longer years. Going through a healthy recovery process, wearing a proper support for your breasts is also significant. Your doctor can help you throughout the process.
What to Expect After Breast Lift?
After the procedure is completed the surgeon will apply dressings or bandages to the incisions. Wearing a sports bra or an elastic bandage helps to support the breasts and reduce swelling. Also, the surgeon temporarily places a small thin tube under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect. This tube is removed on the 2nd day after the operation. The average length of stay at hospital is 1 day after breast lift.
Oral painkillers after surgery are sufficient. Pain treatment is sufficient for 48 hours. The surgical area should not come into contact with water for 3 days after the operation. As with any surgery, your body will need time to recover after breast lift surgery.
Try to Relax During The Breast Lift Recovery
The first few days following surgery are the most difficult part of the breast lift recovery process. During the mastopexy recovery time, you may be experiencing some pain and discomfort, but it is important to try to relax and move slowly. The first week after the mastopexy you should spend your time resting.
Wait Before Going Back to Work
You may be ready to return to work after about a week. It is very important that patients avoid intense exercise and heavy lifting during the 4 weeks following mastopexy surgery.
Breast Lift Recovery
Post-op, it is not unusual to have significant swelling and bruises. After swelling in the breasts completely disappears, the results of the breast lift will be evident, even after swelling has disappeared, the breasts continue to reshape for a while.
Bruising
Bruising of the body is usually at approximately 48 hours after breast lift surgery. In two weeks most bruises will resolve.
Swelling
Swelling can occur for 4 to 6 weeks after a breast lift. And also, in some cases, swelling may take up to 12 months to settle. If swelling lasts longer than the breast lift recovery period, then this may be due to a complication. You should contact your surgeon for further advice.
Ice Packs
Ice packs may help to reduce swelling, bruising, and pain. Ice packs can be applied to the breasts in the first 48 hours after mastopexy surgery to help minimize swelling and bruising.
