Breast Lift / Mastopexy surgery operation before and after pictures

Most women find that their breasts begin to sag and droop as they get older. Weight loss, pregnancy and breastfeeding can also be contributory factors. A breast uplift, known as a mastopexy, is an operation to raise and re-shape your breasts.During the breast lift operation, your surgeon removes excess skin from around the areola (the area of dark tissue surrounding the nipple) and sometimes from under your breasts. This creates a tighter cone of breast tissue and your nipple is moved to a higher position to give a more youthful and firm appearance.Breast lift surgery is carried out under a general anaesthetic and you will usually need to stay in hospital for a day or two following your mastopexy operation.You'll also need to plan time off work so that you can relax and recover at home.

Risks And benefits?

All operations carry risks as well as benefits. The chance of complications following breast lift surgery depends on the type of operation and other factors such as your general health. Your consultant surgeon will explain how the risks apply to you..

Why do you need Breast Lift/ Mastopexy?

To make the breast appear higher and reposition the nipple. The procedure: This procedure should be carried out by a surgeon with relevant skills and experience in an establishment registered with the Healthcare Commission. A breast uplift is a surgical operation which usually takes place under general anaesthetic, although some surgeons for some cases may use a combinations of local anaesthetic and sedation. The operation can last up to two hours and there are several techniques that can be used, all of which involve the removal of excess skin and a reshaping of the breast using the remaining skin. Some techniques also involve moving the areola (the brownish area around the nipple) into a higher position.

You will be required stay in hospital overnight, to take approximately two weeks off work to rest and should avoid lifting and physical exercise for about six weeks. It is important that the breasts are well supported by means of a firm dressing initially and then by a supportive bra. The sutures will be removed between seven and fourteen days and it is important to keep the incision sites out of the sun for one year.

The results:

Your breasts should appear higher, as will your nipples. Breast lifts are sometimes permanent, but the breasts may droop again as you get older, or if you become pregnant or put on weight.

The risks:?

The surgery leaves permanent scars which initially may be lumpy and red but which normally fade close to your natural skin colour over several months. These scars may be more noticeable, eg wider, if you smoke. The procedure may also leave you with breasts that are not both the same size, asymmetrical nipples, or a permanent nipple loss, or loss of feeling in your nipples or breasts. Whilst the surgeon will tell you if it is possible to correct any existing asymmetry, this may not always be possible.

Preparing For Your Surgery

Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking and avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Carefully following these instructions will help your surgery go more smoothly. If you smoke, it's especially important to stop at least a week or two before surgery; smoking inhibits blood flow to the skin, and can interfere with healing.You should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery. Plan to take it easy for a day or two after the procedure and arrange for assistance if you think you'll need it.

Types of Anesthesia

Any surgery, no matter what technique is used, is usually performed using a local anesthesia along with sedation to make you relaxed and comfortable. Your scalp will be insensitive to pain, but you may be aware of some tugging or pressure.General anesthesia may be used for more complex cases involving tissue expansion or flaps. If general anesthesia is used, you'll sleep through the procedure.

After Your Surgery

How you feel after surgery depends on the extent and complexity of the procedure. Any aching, excessive tightness, or throbbing can be controlled with pain medication prescribed by your physician.If bandages are used, they will usually be removed one day later. You may gently wash your hair within two days following surgery. Any stitches will be removed in a week to 10 days. Be sure to discuss the possibility of swelling, bruising, and drainage with your surgeon.Because strenuous activity increases blood flow to the scalp and may cause your transplants or incisions to bleed, you may be instructed to avoid vigorous exercise and contact sports for at least three weeks. Some doctors also advise that sexual activity be avoided for at least 10 days after surgery.To make sure that your incisions are healing properly, your doctor will probably want to see you several times during the first month after surgery. It's important that you carefully follow any advice you receive at these follow-up visits.

Getting Back to Normal

How soon you resume your normal routine depends on the length, complexity and type of surgery you've had. You may feel well enough to go back to work and resume normal, light activity after several days.

Cost

The national average surgeon's fees might vary depending upon the condition