breast lift
During the natural aging process as skin loses its elasticity, a woman's breasts often lose their firmness and begin to sag – a process hastened by pregnancy and nursing. A breastlift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts by removing excess skin and repositioning remaining tissue and nipples.
Many women also choose to have breast implants inserted at the same time to increase firmness and restore the breast’s original plumpness. The best results are usually achieved in women with small breasts; while breasts of any size can be lifted, the results may not last as long in heavy breasts. A breastlift procedure results in permanent, noticeable scars, although these are readily concealed by a bra or bathing suit. This surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia.
- Planning
- In/Outpatient
- During/After
- Side Effects
- Recovery
- Duration
Planning Your Surgery
When you first meet with Dr. Chariker to discuss a possible breastlift, your honesty is critical. You must be clear about what you feel is the right size and shape for your breasts. At the same time, you must be willing to accept the doctor’s recommendation about realistic outcome, based on factors such as your age, the size and shape of your breasts, the condition of your skin, and whether an implant is advisable.
In/Outpatient, Anesthesia, Length of Procedure
A breastlift procedure can take from one to three hours, depending on the individual and whether you will also be getting implants. In most instances, Dr. Chariker performs this procedure in our private outpatient surgical center, though occasionally it will be done in the hospital.
For smaller incisions, patients typically receive local anesthesia, with sedation for relaxation and drowsiness. For larger incisions or more involved procedures, you may receive general anesthesia and you will sleep through the procedure.
During and After
The most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision that follows the natural contour of the breast. The incision outlines the area from which breast skin will be removed and defines the new location for the nipple. When Dr. Chariker has removed the excess skin, he moves the nipple and areola to their new, higher position. The skin surrounding the areola is then brought down and together to reshape the breast. Stitches are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line extending downwards from the nipple area, and along the lower crease of the breast. If you're having an implant inserted along with your breast lift, it will be placed in a pocket directly under the breast tissue, or deeper, under the muscle of the chest wall.
After surgery, you'll wear an elastic bandage or a surgical bra over gauze dressings. Your breasts will be bruised, swollen, and uncomfortable for a day or two, but the pain shouldn't be severe. Any discomfort you do feel can be relieved with medications prescribed by Dr. Chariker. Within a few days, the bandages or surgical bra will be replaced by a soft support bra. You'll need to wear this bra around the clock for three to four weeks, over a layer of gauze. The stitches will be removed after a week or two.
Side Effects and Risks
Typical side effects from the breastlift procedure include temporary bruising, swelling, discomfort, numbness, and dry breast skin. The surgery also results in permanent scars. (Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers.)
While not a common complication, bleeding and infection following a breast lift can cause scars to widen. In some instances, patients may suffer some skin loss. The procedure can also leave you with unevenly positioned nipples, or a permanent loss of feeling in your nipples or breasts.
Recovery
Most breastlift patients return to work in a week or so, but you should avoid strenuous activities and sports for about a month. After that, you can resume those activities slowly. The temporary numbness and swelling after surgery usually subsides over the next six weeks or so. In some patients, however, it may last a year or more, and occasionally it may be permanent.
Remember that healing is a slow process, and also that breastlift scars are permanent. They often remain lumpy and red for months, then gradually become less obvious, sometimes eventually fading to thin white lines. Dr. Chariker tries to minimize the scars by making incisions that will be concealed by even low-cut tops and bathing suits.
Duration of Results
A breastlift helps restore a youthful figure, but it can’t stop the ongoing effects of gravity, pregnancy, aging, and weight fluctuations. Women who have implants along with their breast lift may find the results last longer.