A womans breasts often change over time due to factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, aging, gravity and heredity. A Breast Lift, also known as a Mastopexy, is a surgery that can correct these issues rejuvenating the shape and contour of the breasts resulting in a figure with a breast profile that is youthful and uplifted.
A breast lift will not significantly change the size of the breasts or round out the upper part of the breasts. If a fuller look is desired implants are needed and the breast lift can be combined with augmentation surgery. If the patient would like to decrease the size of her breasts, a lift can be combined with a breast reduction to achieve desired results.
Raises and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape the breasts.
Procedure
Dr. Patrick Swier will begin by measuring the distance between the clavicle and the nipples to determine the best surgical approach. Depending on the degree to which the breasts are drooping, skin may be removed around and below the nipple; if droop is significant, skin may also need to be removed along the inframammary crease below the breast. The technique chosen will determine the location of incisions and resulting scars. In some cases, only an incision around the areola may be needed. In other cases it is necessary to use a vertical incision from the areola to the breast crease and another along the inframammary crease. Breast skin that has good tone will hold the newly shaped breast in a better position.
Key Facts
Good Candidates: Adults of any age who are close to the ideal weight for their body type and size. Patients should be moderately fit, have good muscle tone, be a healthy, non-smoker and not have a life-threatening illness or medical condition that would impair healing. It is important to have a positive outlook and realistic goals in mind.
Anesthesia: General anesthesia
Length of procedure: This procedure takes approximately 1-2 hours but times may vary from patient to patient depending on several factors.
Length of stay: Typically the patient will go home same day
Discomfort: Swelling, soreness and bruising can last several weeks and may take up to 3 months to resolve completely. Pain level may be mild to moderate and controlled with pain medications but will vary from patient to patient.
Recovery: The patient will be required to limit physical activity, specifically use of the upper extremities, chest and abdominal area to avoid stressing internal sutures as they heal. It is very important to precisely follow post-op instructions given by Dr. Patrick Swier to ensure proper healing and exceptional results. Patients are typically able to go back to work 1-3 weeks after surgery.
Final result: Improvement can be seen immediately but final results after the healing process can take up to 3 months.
Duration of results: Results will last several years as long as the patient follows all post-op instructions, maintains a healthy lifestyle and pregnancy or substantial weight-gain does not occur. If the procedure was combined with a breast augmentation, implants will need to be replaced after a certain period of time.
