Breast Lift (Mastopexy) in Jupiter and Palm Beach County
Over the years, factors such as pregnancy, nursing, 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. Breastlift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts. Mastopexy can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. If your breasts are small or have lost volume (for example, after pregnancy) breast implants inserted in conjunction with mastopexy can increase both their firmness and their size. If you’re considering a breast lift, this information will give you a basic understanding of the procedure, when it can help, how it’s performed, and what results you can expect. It can’t answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Please be sure to ask Dr. Koger if there is anything about the procedure you don’t understand.
- The best candidates for a breast lift
- All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk
- Planning your surgery
- Preparing for your surgery
- Where your surgery will be performed
- Types of anesthesia
- The surgery
- After your surgery
- Getting back to normal
- Your new look
The best candidates for a breast lift
A breast lift can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won’t necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with Dr.Koger.
The best candidates for mastopexy are healthy, emotionally-stable women who are realistic about what the surgery can accomplish. The best results are usually achieved in women with small, sagging breasts. Breasts of any size can be lifted, but the results may not last as long in heavy breasts.
Many women seek mastopexy because pregnancy and nursing have left them with stretched skin and less volume in their breasts.
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All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk
A breast lift is not a simple operation, but it’s normally safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Koger. Nevertheless, as with any surgery, there is always a possibility of complications. Bleeding and infection following a breast lift are uncommon. You can reduce your risks by closely following Dr. Kogers’s advice both before and after surgery. Back to Top
Planning your surgery
In your initial consultation, it’s important to discuss your expectations frankly with Dr. Koger, and to listen to his opinion. Every patient (and every physician, as well) has a different view of what is a desirable size and shape for breasts.
Dr. Koger will examine your breasts and measure them while you’re standing. He will discuss the variables that may affect the procedure (such as your age, the size and shape of your breasts, and the condition of your skin) and whether an implant is advisable. You should also discuss where the nipple and areola will be positioned; they’ll be moved higher during the procedure, and should be approximately even with the crease beneath your breast.
Dr. Koger will describe the procedure in detail, explaining its risks and limitations and making sure you understand the incision marks that will result. He will also explain the anesthesia to be used and the type of facility where the surgery will be performed.
Don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Koger any questions you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results.
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Preparing for your surgery
Depending on your age and family history, Dr. Koger may require you to have a mammogram (breast x-ray) before surgery. You’ll also get specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, not smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications.
While you’re making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days if needed.
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Where your surgery will be performed
Your breast lift may be performed in a hospital or an outpatient surgery center. It’s usually done on an outpatient basis, for cost containment and convenience. If you’re admitted to the hospital as an inpatient, you can expect to stay overnight.
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Types of anesthesia
Breast lifts are usually performed under general anesthesia, which means you’ll sleep through the operation. However, there are other possible anesthesia options and Dr. Koger will discuss them with you during your consultation. Back to Top
The surgery
Mastopexy usually takes two to four hours. Techniques 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 (still attached to the underlying tissue) are moved to the higher position. The skin surrounding the areola is then brought down and together to uplift and reshape the breast. Incisions are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line extending downwards from the nipple area, and along the lower crease of the breast.
Some patients, especially those with relatively small breasts and minimal sagging, may be candidates for modified procedures requiring less extensive incisions. One such procedure is the “doughnut (or Benelli) mastopexy,” in which circular incisions are made around the areola, and a doughnut-shaped area of skin is removed.
If you’re having an implant inserted along with your breast lift, it will be placed in a pocket directly under the breast tissue, or deeper, under the muscle of the chest wall.
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After your surgery
After surgery, you’ll be wearing gauze dressings. Your breasts will be bruised, swollen, and uncomfortable for a day or two, but the soreness shouldn’t be severe. Any discomfort you do feel can be relieved with medications prescribed by Dr. Koger.
After 24 hours, the bandages can be removed be replaced by a soft stretchy camisole or tank bra. You’ll need to wear this around the clock for three to four weeks. The stitches are internal and absorbable, therefore there are no sutures to be removed.
If your breast skin is very dry following surgery, you can apply a moisturizer several times a day. Be careful not to tug at your skin in the process, and keep the moisturizer away from the suture areas.
You can expect some loss of feeling in your nipples and breast skin, caused by the swelling after surgery. This numbness usually fades as the swelling subsides over the next six weeks or so. In some patients, however, it may last a year or more, and occasionally it may be permanent.
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Getting back to normal
Healing is a gradual process. Although you may be up and about in a day or two, don’t plan on returning to work for a week, depending on how you feel. If you have any unusual symptoms, don’t hesitate to call Dr. Koger.
Dr. Koger will give you detailed instructions for resuming your normal activities. You may be instructed to avoid strenuous sports for about a month. After that, you can resume these activities slowly. If you become pregnant, the operation should not affect your ability to breast-feed, since your milk ducts and nipples will be left intact.
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Your new look
Dr. Koger will make every effort to make your incision marks as inconspicuous as possible. Still, it’s important to remember that mastopexy incisions are permanent. They often remain lumpy and red for months, then gradually become less obvious, sometimes eventually fading to thin white lines. Fortunately, the incision marks can usually be placed so that you can wear even low-cut tops.
You should also keep in mind that a breast lift won’t keep you firm forever. The effects of gravity, pregnancy, aging, and weight fluctuations will eventually take their toll again. Women who have implants along with their breast lift may find the results last longer.
Your satisfaction with a breast lift is likely to be greater if you understand the procedure thoroughly and if your expectations are realistic.
Serving South Florida, including Martin, St. Lucie, and Palm Beach County.
