|
|
|
 |
Loss of skin elasticity, gravity and other factors such as
weight loss, pregnancy and breast-feeding ultimately affect
the shape and firmness of your breasts. Patients who are generally
satisfied with the size of their breasts can have a breast lift
to raise and firm them, resulting in a more youthful breast
contour. Some patients may be unhappy that they have lost a
significant amount of breast volume over time. In such cases,
implants inserted in conjunction with a breast lift can increase
breast size at the same time as the shape and position of the
breasts are enhanced.
Am
I a good candidate for a breast lift?
| You may be a good candidate for breast lift
surgery if you have one or more of the following conditions: |
| • |
breasts that are pendulous, but of satisfactory
size |
| • |
breasts that lack substance or firmness |
| • |
nipples and areolas that point downward,
especially if they are positioned below the breast crease |
Sometimes these conditions may be inherited traits. In certain
cases, the breasts may have developed differently so that one
breast is firm and well positioned while the other is not. There
may be differences in the size of your breasts as well as their
shape. Breasts that are large and heavy can be lifted, but the
results may not be as long-lasting as when the procedure is
done on smaller breasts.
A breast lift can be performed at any age, but plastic surgeons
usually recommend waiting until breast development has stopped.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding may have significant and unpredictable
effects on the size and shape of your breasts. Nevertheless,
many women decide to undergo breast lift surgery before having
children and feel that they can address any subsequent changes
later. Since the milk ducts and nipples are left intact, breast
lift surgery usually will not affect your ability to breast-feed;
however, you should discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Your Personal Consultation
During the consultation, you will be asked about your desired
breast shape and size. Your plastic surgeon will discuss with
you how your nipples and areolas will be repositioned. You should
mention anything else about your breasts that you would like
to see improved. This will help your surgeon to understand your
expectations and determine whether they realistically can be
achieved.
How
will my plastic surgeon evaluate me for breast lift surgery?
Your plastic surgeon will examine your breasts, taking measurements
and perhaps photographs for your medical record. The size and
shape of your breasts, the quality of your skin, and the placement
of the nipples and areolas will be carefully evaluated.
You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your
medical history. This will include information about any medical
conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments you have received,
previous surgeries including breast biopsies, and medications
that you currently take. It is important for you to provide
complete information.
You should tell your plastic surgeon if you plan to lose a significant
amount of weight, particularly if you have noticed that your
breasts sag or become smaller with weight loss. Your surgeon
may recommend that you stabilize your weight before having surgery.
Will
my insurance help cover the cost of surgery?
Breast lift surgery, as an aesthetic (cosmetic) procedure, generally
is not covered by insurance.
Under certain circumstances, however, insurance coverage may
be available. For example, if a breast reconstruction after
mastectomy is performed, the opposite breast may need to be
modified for symmetry. Many factors determine your eligibility
for coverage, including the specific terms of your insurance
policy. A letter of predetermination may be required by your
insurance company prior to surgery. Your plastic surgeon or
a staff member in your surgeon's office will discuss these matters
with you.
Where
are the incisions placed?
Individual factors and personal preferences will determine the
specific technique selected to lift your breasts.
A common method of lifting the breasts involves three incisions.
One incision is made around the areola. Another runs vertically
from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease underneath
the breast. The third incision is horizontal beneath the breast
and follows the natural curve of the breast crease.
 |
 |
| Incisions following the breast's natural
contour define the area of excision and the new location
for the nipple and areola. Skin in the shaded area is
removed, and the nipple and areola are moved to a higher
position. |
Skin formerly located above the areola
is brought down and together beneath it to reshape the
breast. |
After the plastic surgeon has removed excess breast skin, the
nipple and areola are shifted to a higher position. The areola,
which in a sagging breast may have been stretched, can be reduced
in size. Skin that was formerly located above the areola is
brought down and together beneath it to reshape the breast.
The nipples and areolas remain attached to underlying mounds
of tissue, and this usually allows for the preservation of sensation
and the ability to breast-feed.
What
are some variations to the common breast lifting technique?
There are many variations to the design of the incisions for
breast lift surgery. The size and shape of your breasts, size
of your areolas, and extent of sagging are factors that will
help your plastic surgeon determine the best technique for you.
In some instances, it may be possible to avoid the horizontal
incision beneath the breast. Sometimes a technique may be used
that avoids this horizontal incision as well as the vertical
incision that runs from the bottom edge of the areola to the
breast crease.
If you are a good candidate for a modified technique, your plastic
surgeon will discuss this with you.
If you and your plastic surgeon have decided that it is desirable
to enlarge your breasts at the same time as they are lifted,
this will require insertion of breast implants. If this is an
option that you wish to consider, your surgeon will review the
necessary information with you and may provide you with a brochure
on breast augmentation.
I
understand that every surgical procedure has risks, but how
will I learn more so that I can make an informed decision?
Fortunately, significant complications from breast lifts are
infrequent. Every year, many thousands of women undergo successful
breast lift surgery, experience no major problems and are pleased
with the results. Anyone considering surgery, however, should
be aware of both the benefits and risks.
The subject of risks and potential complications of surgery
is best discussed on a personal basis between you and your plastic
surgeon, or with a staff member in your surgeon's office.
Some of the potential complications that may be discussed with
you include bleeding, infection and reactions to anesthesia.
Following a breast lift, sometimes the breasts may not be perfectly
symmetrical or the nipple height may vary slightly. Minor adjustments
often can be made at a later time. Permanent loss of sensation
in the nipples or areas of breast skin may occur rarely. Revisionary
surgery may sometimes be helpful in certain instances where
incisions may have healed poorly.
You can help to lessen certain risks by following the advice
and instructions of your plastic surgeon, both before and after
surgery.
How
should I prepare for surgery?
The goal of your plastic surgeon and the entire staff is to
make your surgical experience as easy and comfortable for you
as possible.
Depending on your age, or if you have a history of breast cancer
in your family, your plastic surgeon may recommend a baseline
mammogram before surgery and another mammographic examination
some months after surgery. This will help to detect any future
changes in your breast tissue. Following a breast lift, you
will still be able to perform breast self-examination. Breast
lift surgery will not increase your risk of developing breast
cancer.
If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well
in advance of surgery. Aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory
drugs can cause increased bleeding, so you should avoid taking
these medications for a period of time before surgery. Your
surgeon will provide you with additional preoperative instructions.
Breast lift surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis.
If this is the case, be sure to arrange for someone to drive
you home after surgery and to stay with you at least the first
night.
What
will the day of surgery be like?
Your breast lift surgery may be performed in a hospital, free-standing
ambulatory facility or office-based surgical suite.
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical
procedure. Often, a general anesthetic is administered, so that
you will be asleep throughout the procedure.
Alternatively, a breast lift may be performed using local anesthesia
and intravenous sedation. When surgery is completed, you will
be taken into a recovery area where you will continue to be
closely monitored. Sometimes, small drain tubes will have been
placed in your breasts to help avoid the accumulation of fluids.
Gauze or other dressings may be placed on your breasts and covered
with an elastic bandage or surgical bra.
You may be permitted to go home after a few hours, unless you
and your plastic surgeon have determined that you will stay
in the hospital or surgical facility overnight.
How
will I look and feel initially?
The day after surgery, you will be encouraged to get out of
bed for short periods of time. After several days, you should
be able to move about more comfortably. Straining, bending and
lifting must be avoided, however, since these activities might
cause increased swelling or even bleeding. You may be instructed
to sleep on your back to avoid pressure on your breasts.
Any surgical drains will be removed within a few days of surgery,
at which time your dressings may also be changed or removed.
You may be instructed to wear a support bra for a few weeks,
until the swelling and discoloration of your breasts diminish.
Generally, stitches will be removed in stages over a period
of approximately three weeks, beginning about one week after
surgery.
You may notice that you feel less sensation in the nipple and
areola areas. This is usually temporary. It may, however, take
weeks, months or even more than a year before sensation returns
to normal. Your breasts may also require some time to assume
a more natural shape. Incisions will initially be red or pink
in color. They will remain this way for many months following
surgery.
When
can I resume my normal activities?
After breast lift surgery, it is often possible to return to
work within a week or so, depending on your job. In many instances,
you can resume most of your normal activities, including some
form of mild exercise, after several weeks. You may continue
to experience some mild, periodic discomfort during this time,
but such feelings are normal. Severe pain should be reported
to your doctor.
Any sexual activity should be avoided for a minimum of one or
two weeks, and your plastic surgeon may advise you to wait longer.
After that, care must be taken to be extremely gentle with your
breasts for at least the next several weeks.
How
long will the results last?
Breast lift surgery will make your breasts firmer and more uplifted.
The position of your areolas and nipples will be enhanced, and
the size of your areolas will be aesthetically pleasing.
The incisions from your breast lift surgery will heal and fade
over time. It is important to realize, however, that the incision
lines will be permanently visible. In some instances, they will
eventually be only faint lines. Certain individuals may have
incision lines that are more noticeable. Fortunately, the incisions
for your breast lift are in locations easily concealed by clothing,
even low-cut necklines.
Unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight or become
pregnant, your new breast shape should remain fairly constant.
However, gravity and the effects of aging will eventually alter
the size and shape of virtually every woman's breasts. If, after
a period of years, you again become dissatisfied with the appearance
of your breasts, you may choose to undergo a second breast lift
procedure to restore their more youthful contour and appearance.
Maintaining a Relationship with Your
Plastic Surgeon
You will return to your plastic surgeon's office for follow-up
care at prescribed intervals, at which time your progress will
be evaluated. Once the immediate postoperative follow-up is
complete, many surgeons encourage their patients to come back
for periodic checkups to observe and discuss the long-term results
of surgery.
Please remember that the relationship with your plastic surgeon
does not end when you leave the operating room. If you have
questions or concerns during your recovery, or need additional
information at a later time, you should contact your surgeon.
|
Content provided by The American Society
for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).
For advertising info, please contact Terry McGovern terry.mcgovern@latimes.com
at (213) 473-2599
Top |
|
|
