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Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
As the years pass by, factors such as pregnancy,
nursing, and the force of gravity take their toll on a
woman's breasts. As the skin looses its elasticity, the
breasts often lose their shape and firmness and begin to
sag. Breast Lift, or Mastopexy, is a surgical procedure
to raise and reshape sagging breasts, at least, for a
time.
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No surgery
can permanently delay the effects of gravity or of future
pregnancies after the surgery is carried out.
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.
Who is best for Breast Lift?
A Breast Lift can enhance your appearance and your-self
confidence. Before you decide to have surgery, think
carefully about your expectations and discuss them during
consultation.
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 but breasts of
any size can be lifted. You must consider the fact that if
you become pregnant again, the surgical results may be
altered, and a new procedure may be necessary afterwards.
Many women seek Mastopexy because pregnancy and nursing have
left them with stretched skin and less volume in their
breasts. However, if you are planning to have more children,
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. Mastopexy usually does not
interfere with breast-feeding, so if by any reason you
become pregnant again, you may be able to nurse once again.
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Anaesthesia |
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Breast Lifts
are usually performed under general Anesthesia, which means
you will sleep through the operation. |
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Surgery: |
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Mastopexy
usually takes one and a half to three and a half 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 are
moved to the higher, more youthful appearing 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 modified
procedures requiring less extensive incisions. One such
procedure is the "Concentric Mastopexy", in which circular
incisions are made around the areola, and a doughnut-shaped
area of skin is removed. Another procedure involves an
inverted teardrop incision which results in a periareolar
scar along with a vertical one below the areola. This last
incision is usually combined with the use of Breast
Implants.
If you are 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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Your
new Appearance: |
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Every
effort will be made to make your scars as inconspicuous as
possible. Still, it is important to remember that Mastopexy
scars are permanent. They often remain lumpy and red for
some time, and then gradually become less obvious, sometimes
fading to thin white lines. Fortunately, the scars 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 once
more. Women who have implants along with their Breast Lift
may find the results longer lasting.
Your satisfaction with a Breast Lift is likely to be greater
if you understand the procedure thoroughly and if your
expectations are realistic. Feel free to have your questions
answered in your next consultation. |
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