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Am I a candidate for mastopexy?
If you have no serious health conditions, are not prone to keloid scarring (a form of excessive scarring), have good skin elasticity and your breasts are starting to sag, you are probably a good candidate for mastopexy. A mastopexy candidate should be mentally and emotionally stable and have realistic expectations.
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At what age is mastopexy usually performed?
Mastopexy can be performed at any age, if you are in good health. It may be advisable to postpone mastopexy until you have finished bearing children. Having children after mastopexy may stretch and thin the skin again and create the need for additional breast lift procedures. If you decide to have children after mastopexy, you should be able to breast-feed normally, unless the surgeon has disturbed the milk ducts and glands or detaches the areola complex.
What happens during a typical mastopexy consultation?
Your consultation is the time to discuss any and all of your questions or concerns with your doctor to help you decide whether to have a breast lift. During a consultation, your surgeon should discuss the details of how a mastopexy is performed, explain the possible risks and complications involved, make you aware of special postoperative care instructions, and give you a realistic assessment of the potential scars you may have after surgery. Your doctor should also completely explain the costs and fees related to your surgery.
In addition, your surgeon will measure your breasts and torso to determine the most natural and aesthetically pleasing position for your breasts and nipples. If possible, give your doctor photos taken of your breasts when you were younger; otherwise, a bathing suit photo may help. As you discuss the procedure, be sure your doctor considers your skin condition (i.e., elasticity and thinness) and age. Your surgeon may suggest inserting an implant to fill out a flaccid breast or create youthful fullness and lift.
What are the different techniques for mastopexy?
There are several techniques for performing a breast lift. These include the crescent lift, the doughnut lift, the Benelli-Lollipop, and a full mastopexy. Several factors must be considered to determine which procedure is best for you, including the amount of breast sag and whether beast augmentation or breast reduction should accompany the lift.
For details about different breast lift techniques, see "Breast Lift Techniques and Incision Placement."
What can I expect postoperatively?
You will need to continuously wear a surgical bra or other bra that gives good support for 3 weeks or more. Your surgeon will tell you about removing the bra for bathing. Generally, you can expect some pain and moderate swelling after a breast lift.
Temporary loss of sensitivity in the nipple and the skin on the breast is normal. Most sensation returns within 1 to 3 months, although it may take up to a year or more for normal feeling to return. In rare instances, loss of sensation is permanent.
Is there much pain associated with mastopexy?
Most breast lift patients experience mild to moderate discomfort and soreness. Some patients experience more severe pain. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication, if needed.
Where are mastopexy scars located?
Anyone who is considering mastopexy must understand the incisions and resulting scars involved in the procedure. Your surgeon will attempt to make your scars as inconspicuous as possible. However, scars will be red and raised for several months, before they gradually fade in color and flatten out. In some individuals, the scars will always be somewhat visible and can be either lighter or darker than the surrounding skin.
The scar from a crescent mastopexy or a doughnut mastopexy is at the junction of the areola (pigmented skin) and non-pigmented skin, and usually it is barely visible on most people. The Benelli-lollipop technique leaves a scar around the areola and straight down to the natural crease under your breast. A full mastopexy involves longer incisions.
Is there a lot of swelling involved with mastopexy?
You will probably have some swelling. This can be minimized if you sleep with your head and torso raised and try to stay upright as much as possible for the first few weeks. This keeps down the swelling. Drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding foods high in salt content can help as well.
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When can I return to work after Breast Lift Surgery?
Follow your doctor’s advice, and use common sense. Mastopexy is surgery, and you must allow time for your body to recover and heal. You can probably return to work in 3 to 4 days, unless your work involves bending or lifting. Light exercise such as walking may be resumed the day after surgery. Do not lift anything over your head or raise your arms over your head for at least 10 days or until your doctor specifies.
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When will I be able to see the results?
The results of mastopexy are immediate. For proper healing, however, do not remove your bandages without your doctor’s approval.
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What are the risks of mastopexy?
In some cases, reactions to the anesthesia, excessive bleeding, infection, hematoma and seroma occur during and after surgery. The risk of long-term scarring and permanent loss of nipple sensitivity is also possible. Smoking can slow the healing of scar tissue, produce more visible scars and lead to necrosis, or tissue death.
For more about the risks of mastopexy, go to Risks
How long does a mastopexy last?
The youthful appearance and upright position of your breasts will last a long time, but nothing can stop your breasts from eventually sagging again. Breast Lift can diminish the effects of age and gravity but cannot stop them. You can attempt to slow the sagging process by wearing a well-fitted support bra.
