Breast Lift (Mastopexy):

Breasts may lose elasticity and sag over time because of age, pregnancy and weight changes. Breast lift, or mastopexy, is surgery to lift, reshape and tighten them. It can also improve asymmetry and other imperfections. Breast lift can be combined with breast augmentation or reduction. Results are noticeable immediately, but there are risks.

You might choose to have a breast lift if your breasts sag or your nipples point downward. A breast lift might also boost your self-image and self-confidence.

Breasts often change over time, losing their youthful shape and firmness. These changes and loss of skin elasticity can result from:

• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Weight fluctuations
• Aging
• Gravity
• Heredity

All patients considering mastopexy should be evaluated to ensure that they have realistic goals and a thorough understanding of the risks and benefits.

Breast – lift preparations

The surgeon will consider your health and describe your options. The surgeon should also explain the procedure in detail and go over the risks and what the recovery will be like. In preparing for breast lift surgery, you may be asked to:

• Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Get a baseline mammogram before surgery and another one after surgery to help detect any future changes in your breast tissue
• Stop smoking
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

You should also start planning for the recovery period. For instance, you will have to avoid heavy lifting for at least 4 to 6 weeks after your breast lift. If you have young children, you may need to line up help.

Mastopexy Procedure

You’ll get your breast lift in a hospital setting, an outpatient surgery center, or the doctor’s personal operating room. You will meet with the anesthesiologist, surgeon, and nursing staff before the procedure.

The surgeon will mark the proper position where your nipple will go. After that, you’ll be brought to the operating room where you’ll get general anesthesia or sedation.

The surgeon will remove extra skin and lift your breast tissue up into the proper location. If you’re getting implants, the surgeon will insert them and then close and bandage your breasts. You may have tiny drains in your breasts for 24 to 48 hours.

Risks and Complications

A breast lift is a surgical procedure, so it comes with risks and possible complications, including:

• Breast asymmetry (they don’t look the same).
• Bleeding or blood clots.
• Changes in sensation, like numbness of your breast skin, nipples or areolas. In addition, the left and right nipples and areolas may feel different.
• Complications from anesthesia, like nausea, vomiting or trouble waking up.
• Damage to nerves, blood vessels, muscles or organs.
• Hematoma (a pocket of blood under your skin), which may have to be drained.
• Inability to lactate (breastfeed) in the future.
• Incisions that don’t heal properly.
•  
• Loss of nipple or areola.
• Pain or swelling that lasts longer than expected.
• Problems with your heart or lungs.
• Results you don’t like, which could require follow-up surgery.
• Scarring, rippling or discoloration of the skin.
• Skin irregularities and discoloration

Recovery

During your breast lift recovery, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions after the procedure is completed.

You’ll need to wear an elastic bandage or support bra to minimize swelling and support your breasts as they heal.

A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect. You will be given specific instructions that may include:

• How to care for your breasts following surgery
• Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection
• Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health
• When to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual breast lift recovery period.

• Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?
• What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
• Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery? When will they be removed?
• Are stitches removed? When?
• When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
• When do I return for follow-up care?

https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/

The Royal College of Surgeons of England

www.plasticsurgery.org

American Society of Plastic Surgeons

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/

 https://medscape.com

 https://webmd.com