Breast Lift / Breast Reduction / Breast Firming

Technically known as mastopexy, breast lift / uplift) and breast reduction are surgical procedures to raise and reshape sagging and/or large breasts. In the following cases results are highly successful:

• To raise and reshape sagging breasts due to pregnancy or nursing
• To reduce and lift very large breasts
• To reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple
• If your breasts are small or have lost volume, breast implants inserted in conjunction with mastopexy can increase both their firmness (breast firming) and their size..

How is this surgery performed?

You'll probably wish to discuss the pros and cons of the surgery with your surgeon beforehand to make sure you fully understand the implications of the procedure he recommends for you.

Mastopexy techniques vary depending upon type of correction, but basically 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. Stitches 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 a modified procedure requiring less extensive incisions. One such procedure is the 'doughnut mastopexy' (i.e. concentric), 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.

How long will the surgery take?

The length of time in surgery varies for mastopexy (the technical name for breast uplift / breast reduction / breast firming) from around one and a half to three and a half hours.

How long will my recovery take?

Depending on the level of activity required for your job, you should be able to return to work within a few days following breast lift / reduction or breast firming surgery. It is best to follow your surgeon's advice on when to begin exercises and normal activities. Your breasts will probably be sensitive to direct stimulation for two to three weeks, so you should avoid much physical contact. After that, breast contact is fine once your breasts are no longer sore, usually three to four weeks after surgery.

What am I to expect after my surgery?

After breast uplift / reduction or breast firming surgery, you'll wear an elastic bandage or a surgical bra over gauze dressings. Your breasts will be bruised, swollen, and uncomfortable for a day or two, but the pain shouldn't be severe. Any discomfort you feel will be relieved by medication prescribed by your doctor.

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 this may be permanent.

It is best to follow your surgeon's advice on when to begin exercises and normal activities. Your breasts will probably be sensitive to direct stimulation for two to three weeks, so you should avoid much physical contact. After that, breast contact is fine once your breasts are no longer sore, usually three to four weeks after surgery.

Your scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks. Then they may remain the same size for several months, or even appear to widen. After several months, your scars will begin to fade, although they will never disappear completely. If you become pregnant, the operation should not affect your ability to breast-feed, since your milk ducts and nipples will be left intact.