A breast lift is a surgical technique used to alter the breasts’ contour.During a breast lift, a plastic surgeon removes excess skin and reshapes the breast tissue. Mastopexy is another name for it.
Reasons to Have a Breast Uplift
Breasts change as we get older. They frequently lose their firmness. They also lose elasticity, which causes the skin to not snap back into place after being stretched. Pregnancy, weight changes, and gravity are all causes of these types of breast changes.
A breast lift can improve sagging and elevate the nipples. The procedure can also lift the darker areas around the nipples (areolae). To keep the areolae in proportion to the newly shaped breasts, their size can be reduced.
Things to Pay Attention to Pre-Surgery
Before the operation, a breast exam is required. Ultrasonography and mammography are used to assess the breasts in patients at increased risk or who are 40 years of age or older before deciding whether to have the procedure. Blood tests may be needed. Smoking cessation before the surgery will aid in a quicker and more uncomplicated recovery. Two to three weeks before surgery, some medications such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, herbal medications, or dietary supplements
should be avoided.
Surgical Methods
There are several methods for removing excess breast skin and reshaping breast tissue. The placement of the cuts (incisions) and the associated scars will depend on the specific approach your plastic surgeon uses.
The surgeon might make cuts:
- Around the areola (the darker area around the nipples).
- Horizontal extension along the breast creases.
- Downward extension from the areolae to the breast creases.
The surgeon may place stitches deep inside the breasts to reshape the tissue. Stitches can also be used to reduce the size of the areolae. The nipples are raised after the excess breast skin is removed. The surgeon then joins the breast skin, and the nipples are raised. The surgeon then joins the breast skin. They use sutures, surgical tape, or skin adhesives to close the incisions.
Type of Anaesthetic and Length of Procedure
A breast lift can be performed in an outpatient surgery clinic or a hospital. Sometimes sedation and local anesthesia are used during the treatment to numb only a portion of your body.In other cases general anesthesia is advised. If you’re given general anesthesia, you won’t be awake. The procedure usually takes two to three hours. You will be able to go home after the surgery.
Recovery Period
You should be able to go home the same day of the procedure and resume normal activities within two to three weeks.
Over the first six months, the results of a breast lift improve gradually. Your breasts should soften and become more natural, and your scars should fade.
Things to Pay Attention to Post-Surgery
Your breasts will probably be wrapped in gauze and a surgical support bra following a breast lift. Small tubes may be inserted to drain any extra blood or fluid from the incision sites in your breasts.
For about two weeks, your breasts will be swollen and bruised. For a few months, you will most likely experience pain and soreness around the incisions, which will be red or pink. Your nipples, areolae, and breast skin may be numb for up to six weeks.
In the days that follow a breast lift, take pain medication as prescribed by your doctor. Avoid bending, lifting, and straining. Sleep on your back or side to reduce the pressure on your breasts.
After the breast lift, avoid any sexual activity for at least 1 to 2 weeks.
Ask your provider about when and if your stitches will be removed. Some stitches fall out on their own. Some types of stitches must be removed by your provider, usually 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure.
Wear the surgical support bra 24 hours a day for 3 to 4 days. You will then wear a soft support bra for 3 to 4 weeks. To promote healing, your doctor may advise you to apply silicone tape or gel to your incisions.