Breast Lift

Over the years, factors such as pregnancy, nursing, weight loss and the force of gravity take their toll on a woman's breasts. As the skin loses its elasticity, the breasts often lose their shape and firmness and begin to sag. The Breast Lift or Mastopexy is a procedure to reshape the breast and create or restore a more youthful "perkier" appearance. Most women are happier with the more youthful appearance of their breasts after a breast lift and feel more attractive. Many women, especially those with very drooping breasts, say that they are more comfortable after the breast lift and are better able to participate in physical activity.

Many women seek a Mastopexy because pregnancy and nursing have left them with stretched skin and less volume in their breasts. However, if you're planning to have more children shortly after surgery, it may be a good idea to postpone your breast lift. While there are no special risks that affect future pregnancies, pregnancy is likely to stretch your breasts again and offset the results of the procedure.

Procedure

The techniques of this surgery vary, but the most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision following 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 the excess skin has been removed, the nipple and areola are moved to the higher position. The skin surrounding the areola is then brought down and together to reshape the breast. In some cases this procedure can be combined with an augmentation to increase the size of the breasts while reshaping them. The operation and /or set of incisions that will give you the best overall appearance will be determined at the time of your consultation. As with any surgical procedure there are potential risks and these too will be discussed at your consultation.

THE MINIMAL SCAR BREAST LIFTS

The exciting new techniques in breast lifting procedure, are the

Minimal scar breast lift

Breast reductions and most breast lifts were done with what had been called an inverted T or anchor scar. This placed an incision around the nipple-areola, another vertically down and one in the lower breast fold. This operation enhanced the shape of the breast while reducing and/or lifting it.
In an effort to eliminate long scars, operations have now been developed to limit the amount of scarring while preserving a youthful contour to the breast. In most cases the scar can be either limited to around the nipple-areola complex, or for larger breasts a short vertical scar going down from the areola. With this technique the incision under the breast has now been eliminated, or minimized.

ALTERNATIVES TO SURGERY

Unfortunately, there are no alternatives to surgery that can bring the breast back up to a more youthful position. Mechanical alternatives such as under wire bras or breast pad inserts only give the appearance of lifted breasts.

PREPARING FOR SURGERY

Depending on the size and laxity of your breasts, your physician may recommend a breast reduction and/or implants in conjunction with a breast lift. Be absolutely clear about the look and size you want for your breasts, as well as the location of the scars. Prior to surgery, you should be instructed to have certain lab tests (blood work, History and physical examination by your internist.). You will also be instructed to have a mammogram if you have not had one recently. You will be given certain guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking vitamins and medications. Prior to surgery start showering with a surgical antimicrobial soap two days prior to surgery and the morning of surgery.

THE PROCEDURE

The technique used will depend on the amount of (drooping) of the breast and your physician's training and experience. The location of the incisions is dictated by the technique utilized. The following techniques are most often used for breast lifts:

Circumareolar (Periareolar) Lift - For mild to moderate breast sag. One continuous incision around the areola can be used.
Vertical Lift - for moderate sagging. The same continuous incision around the areola is used, along with a vertical incision down the lower half of the breast to the chest wall.
Inverted T LIFT (the most common technique used) - for severe Saging. The same continuous incision around the areola with the vertical incision is used, along with a five-to-seven-inch incision made in the crease underneath the breast.

Most surgeons do not completely detach the nipple. It is freed via the Circumareolar incision, but attachment to the tissue, which includes milk ducts, blood supply, and nerve endings is maintained. However, nipple sensation and the ability to breast-feed may still be lost. In this type of surgery, excess skin is removed so that the remaining skin is tightened. Some women choose to have breast implants in addition with a breast lift. The areola is then repositioned, and the tissue underneath the skin is sutured with dissolvable stitches.

Anesthesia

A breast lift is usually performed under general anesthesia, but you may choose intravenous sedation with local anesthesia.

Length of Procedure

A breast lift takes approximately two to four hours.

Level of Pain/Discomfort

Generally with a breast lift there is moderate pain during the postoperative period, which may be controlled with prescribed pain medications or Extra-Strength Tylenol.

PRE- AND POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

The following suggestions are intended to make you feel more comfortable and help you heal:

If you have regular mammograms or are over the age of 40, schedule a mammogram prior to your procedure and then again after the swelling and tenderness have disappeared completely (three to six months after surgery). This way, the changes resulting from your surgery can be documented.
Stop smoking, discontinue the use of alcohol, and stop taking vitamin E and any medications containing aspirin or ibuprofen (two weeks pre- and postoperatively). Check with your doctor regarding any other medications (including homeopathic/herbal products) that you are currently taking.
Do not have food (including gum or mints) or drink (including water) for a minimum of six to eight hours prior to surgery. (Follow the surgical facility's preoperative instructions.)
Have someone stay with you the first night after surgery (the first twenty-four to forty-eight hours, optimally).
Do not lift anything heavier than a small telephone book for at least three weeks.
Dressings - this procedure may require a supportive bra or dressing, to wear for three weeks after surgery. You may want to purchase a second garment to wear while you launder the other. Do not wear an under wire bra for six weeks, especially if the incisions are in the crease underneath the breast.
Drains - if they are placed, will be removed in two to three days.
Your doctor may instruct you to apply ice, usually for twenty minutes every hour for a minimum of forty-eight hours. Do not apply cold compresses to the nipple area.
You must sleep on your back with your upper body elevated for at least the first week to ten days.
Do not lie face down for at least six weeks.
Do not apply any heat.

RECOVERY

The initial healing period for a breast lift can take, on average, from one to two weeks, however everyone heals differently. Healing is affected by many factors, including your genetics, whether you smoke and/or drink alcohol, and the extent of the surgery.

The first day after surgery, you will probably experience soreness and tenderness and will probably want to sleep. You can expect some swelling and bruising, which usually heals in two to three weeks. Minor swelling can last as long as six to twelve weeks. Bruising can last up to six weeks. You may also experience some temporary numbness, and itching around the incision sites. If the incision sites itch, do not scratch, gently rub them with antibiotic ointment prescribed by your doctor if needed.

RISKS / COMPLICATIONS

Any of surgery carries a certain amount of risk. However, if you have selected your surgeon carefully, researched your options, and comply with pre-and postoperative instruction, your risk of complications is minimal.

Complications that can occur include hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin), changes in nipple sensation (may not be permanent), infection, and asymmetry, which may require another surgery. Scarring, scars should fade over time.

NEW YOU... ONLY BETTER

The results of a breast lift can be very gratifying. When done in conjunction with a breast augmentation, the fuller firmer breast can be very appealing, and can make clothes fit in a more flattering manner. Over time, gravity will still take its toll, but the effect will be less than if you did not have the breast lift at all

Our goal with breast surgery is to give each patient the most natural looking breast with as little scarring as possible

For a confidential consultation with Dr. Samir Shureih
Call us at 410-243-3035
Two locations Baltimore and Ellicott city