Breast Lift
OVERVIEW
Breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure
performed at our North Carolina Plastic Surgery
suite,
that raises and reshapes sagging breasts for a time.
Pregnancy, nursing and gravity will, over time,
cause the breasts to sag, and no surgery can
permanently stop these forces. Blue Ridge Plastic
Surgery North Carolina breast lift surgery
can also reduce the size of the areola. If breasts
are small or have lost volume, implants can be used
in conjunction with the breast lift surgery to
increase firmness and size. If you're planning to
have children after the surgery, it is advised that
you wait to have the breast lift afterwards,
since pregnancy and nursing can stretch the breasts
and reverse the effects of the surgery. |
SURGERY
Dr.
Anagnos will evaluate your health and examine
your breasts, and then discuss the variables that
may affect the procedure, such as ~ age, size and
shape of the breasts, and the condition of the skin,
as well as whether an implant is suggested. You
should also discuss the position of the nipple and
areola, as they will be moved higher during breast
lift surgery. Be
sure to think carefully about your expectations for
the surgery, and communicate them to Dr. Anagnos.
He will also explain the anesthesia to be
used, the facility where the surgery will take
place, and any costs involved with the surgery.
Also, be sure to alert him if you smoke, or if
you're taking any medications, including vitamins. |
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The surgery usually
takes 1-1/2 to 3-1/2 hours, and the most common
technique uses an anchor-shaped incision that
follows the natural contour of the breast. The
incision outlines the area where breast skin will be
removed and defines where the nipple will be
located. Stitches are typically placed around the
areola and along the lower crease of the breast.
RECOVERY
You will wear an elastic bandage or surgical bra
over gauze dressings after the breast lift surgery. The breasts
will be swollen and bruised and can be uncomfortable
for a day or two. Within a few days, the bandages
will be replaced with a soft support bra, which will
be worn around the clock for 3 to 4 weeks over the
gauze. The stitches will be taken out after a week
or two. Apply a moisturizer to dry breast skin
several times a day, being careful not to tug at
skin and keeping suture areas clean and dry.
Some patients experience loss of feeling in nipples
and breast skin from the swelling after the surgery,
but this usually fades over the next several weeks.
It can last longer or become permanent in some
patients.
Expect to be out of work for a week or more,
depending on your recovery process. Avoid lifting
anything over your head for 3 to 4 weeks and call
Dr. Anagnos with any unusual symptoms.
RISKS
Breast lift
surgery is typically safe when performed by a
qualified plastic surgery, but all surgery carries
some uncertainty and risk. These risks can include
complications or reaction to the anesthesia and
bleeding and infection that can cause scars to
widen. These risks are uncommon and can be reduced
by following your doctor's instructions before and
after the procedure.
The breast lift surgery does leave permanent scars,
but these are usually covered by a bra or bathing
suit. Wider scars are more common in smokers. The
surgery can also cause unevenly positioned nipples
or permanent loss of feeling in nipples or breasts.
Be sure to discuss all the risks with your doctor to
ensure that you understand the risks and
consequences of the surgery. |
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If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact us at 828-268-0082,
email us, or use our
online
request form. |
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