Breast
lift (mastopexy)
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. Breast lift, or mastopexy, is
a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging
breasts--at least, for a time. (No surgery can permanently
delay the effects of gravity.) 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.
| The nipple has moved below the breast crease.
Breast lifts reposition the nipples higher,
to a normal position. Sometimes it is
helpful to use a breast implant at the same
time. |
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 |
The skin around the nipple is removed and
the nipple is moved to its normal position.
The amount of skin removed varies from minimal
around the nipple to more extensive depending
on the severity. |
| The skin is brought back together giving
the breast a more youthful appearance and
fullness. |
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 |
The scars will always be visible. It takes
about one year for the scars to mature and
obtain a color similar to the surrounding
skin. |
| The length of the scars could vary. If minimal
skin is removed the scar remains around the
nipple. With more skin removal the scar
could continue as a straight line below the
nipple. If a lot of skin is removed the scar
also involves the breast crease. You will
be able to get an idea of how extensive the
incisions are going to be during the consultation. |
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| Procedure |
Lifts and reshapes sagging breasts. |
| Duration |
2-3 hours |
| Anesthesia |
Usually general |
| Hospital stay |
Outpatient |
| Recovery |
Usually 1 week before returning to work. |
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