Plastic surgery is a major part of the field of medicine that has been in practice since the ancient era. It has evolved over time to include alterations to numerous parts of the body and has improved in techniques and technology used since its early days.

Among some of the more popular, plastic surgery procedures are those that involve the breasts. Mastopexy, otherwise known as the breast lift, is a practice that has boomed since the turn of the millennium.

A woman’s breasts can change with time and often lose firmness and shape. These can be the result of pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, aging, hereditary traits, and gravity. A mastopexy is a process that involves the removal of excess skin and tightening of the tissue that surrounds the region in order to reshape and support the breast.

It also aids in the reduction of the areola which can become enlarged and droop over time.

Preparing for the Breast Lift And The Risks Involved

Before the surgery begins, one must get a baseline mammogram, have their bodies tested for any underlying medical conditions, and alter or stop using certain medications based on the doctor’s discretion. One must also stop smoking and avoid taking certain anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements that can cause the blood to thin.

There are numerous risks involved in breast lift surgeries. These include bleeding or hematoma formation, anaesthesia risks, infection, incisions not healing well, change in sensation in the breast and nipple area, a change in the contours and shape of the breasts, asymmetry, fat necrosis, accumulation of fluid, potential loss of nipple and areola, possible need for revisional surgery and other complications.

It’s important that you work will a skilled surgeon who is experienced in performing the surgery to ensure that none of these risks occur during your own procedure. You should research your doctor and if you can, talk to anyone who has undergone a procedure with them.

It must be noted that the breast lift does not cause a significant change in the size of one’s breasts or alter the upper portion of the breast. For these other types of changes to the breasts, one should consider getting a breast reduction or breast augmentation depending on the desired aesthetic goals.

During the recovery period, dressings and bandages will be applied to the region. It is recommended that one wear an elastic bandage or support bra during this time. In order to drain excess blood or fluid, the surgeons may even place a small thin tube that must be kept for a while after the procedure.

It is necessary to follow the instructions given by the surgeon during recovery and follow up later to make sure you are healing correctly after the procedure.

The Breast Lift Procedure

The technique used to carry out the breast lift procedure will be determined with regard to the size, position, and shape of the breasts and areolas. The degree of sagging and the elasticity of the skin, along with the amount of extra skin that needs to be removed is also taken into account.

The first step in the process of administering of anesthesia which is either intravenous sedation or general. Then, an incision is made around the areola in different ways depending on what is required.

The breast is then reshaped by lifting the breast tissue, improving the contour and firmness of the breast and the areolas are repositioned or reshaped as necessary before the excess breast skin is removed.

Finally, the incision is closed and the incision lines are concealed along the natural contours of the breast.

Contact Our Office

Interested in learning more about the breast lift surgery? Contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Shane Palmer today!