Mastopexy (Breast Lift)
About Mastopexy (Breast Lift)
- A breast lift or mastopexy is a procedure designed to lift and firm breasts by removing excess skin. This procedure may change the position of your breasts and areola to provide breast symmetry.
- This procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic in an accredited medical facility.
General Procedure
The breast lift surgical procedure usually takes one and a half to three hours. Techniques vary, but the most common procedure involves an anchor-like incision along the underside of the breast. The incision goes around the area where skin will be removed, thus defining how the nipple will be relocated. When the excess skin has been removed, the nipple and areola are moved into a higher position. The skin surrounding the areola is brought down and together to reshape the breast.
Some patients may be candidates for minimal incision techniques that result in less scarring. One such procedure is the concentric mastopexy in which circular incisions are made around the areola and a doughnut-shaped area of skin is removed. In other circumstances, a vertical incision alone may be sufficient.
If you are having an implant inserted along with the breast lift, the implant will be placed in a pocket directly under the breast tissue or under the muscle of the chest wall.
Recovery Process
Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time. Bandages are applied right after surgery to aid the healing process and to minimize movement of the breasts. Once the bandages are removed, the patient will need to wear a supportive bra for several weeks. Patients sometimes report pain associated with surgery which can usually be treated with oral medication. While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the post-operative directions given by the surgeon.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
