BREAST LIFT

Mastopexy

The search for physical beauty is not a phenomenon of modern times. Throughout history, people have used various methods to enhance their appearance and conceal what they believed to be imperfections. For many women, the size, shape and contour of their breasts are of particular importance. Today, women who are disturbed by sagging or loose breasts as a result of pregancy, weight loss or natural aging can be helped by a remarkable surgical technique called breast lift or mastopexy. This procedure is designed to elevate and reshape the breast. The size of the areola, the dark, pink skin circling the nipple, can also be reduced through the procedure. Mastopexy is often performed in conjunction with surgery designed to enlarge the breast.

Before Surgery The Procedure

Following Surgery

A breast lift is usually performed in a hospital or an outpatient surgical facility under general anesthesia with the patient asleep. The physiscian may choose from a variety of procedures, depending on what changes are desired. Prior to surgery, premedication to relax the patient is administered, and breasts are carefully marked to indicate where incisions are to be made.

One of the techniques most frequently used involves incisions made on both sides of the breast and around the areola. A keyhole shaped incision in then made directly above the nipple (Fig.1) Dr. Washak works through the incisions to remove excess skin from the lower part of the breast. The nipple, areola and underlying tissue are then repositioned into a new, higher location and the skin from both sides of the nipple is brought down and sutured together to reshape the breast. (Fig.2 and After).

A modified procedure can be done on patients who have minimal sagging. This involves the removal of skin from the areola and surrounding areas. When breast augmentation is performed in conjunction with mastopexy, a prosthesis made of silicone gel or other material is implanted in a pocket created under the breast tissue or the muscle of the chest wall. The surgery can last two hours or more, depending on the procedure.

Sutures are removed in about seven to ten days. Numbness around the treated area may occur, but this condition is usually temporary. Swelling and discoloration disappear in a few days, and scars from the incisions, although permanent, will fade significantly in time.

Complications of infection and blood clots are rare; however there are certain inherent risks connected with every surgical procedure which should be thoroughly discussed with Dr. Washak. Patients can minimize complications by carefully following directions given by Dr. Washak. Following mastopexy, there may be slight variations in the size or shape of the breasts; however, these variations are common even before breast surgery.