In order to remove excess skin from the breasts and
reposition the nipple and areola, incisions must be made in the lower part of
the breast. These incisions produce scars that are visible, but improve
significantly over 6-12 months. The scars are usually located around the
nipple, from the lower center of the areola to the fold beneath the breast, and
sometimes in the fold beneath the breast. The extent and location of the scars
depends to some degree on the size and shape of your breasts, and the procedure
necessary to correct them.
For some patients, performing breast augmentation at the
same time as the lift may help to improve the result, by adding more fullness
and improving the aesthetic appearance of the breasts
Limitations and Risks
Differences always exist between your two breasts -- they
are different sizes, shapes and the nipple locations are also different. After
mastopexy, these differences will be less, but will always exist to some
degree.
In order to reposition the nipple upward onto the new breast
mound, some of the surrounding breast tissue must be detached. The nipple is
left attached to a stalk of tissue within the breast. This is designed to
include blood supply and nerve supply, and it is almost unheard of for a
patient to lose sensation after a mastopexy.
Risks common to all surgical procedures such as bleeding,
infection and scar tissue formation occur in a very small number of patients.
As previously mentioned, there will be differences in the size and shape of
your breasts following the procedure, even given the fact that Dr. Morris
strives to minimize these as much as possible.
The Operation
Prior to your mastopexy, Dr. Morris will make several
measurements and mark specific areas of your breasts with you sitting. These
markings are guidelines that are used when your breasts shift when you lie
down. Dr. Morris will also refer to your pre-operative pictures during surgery
to assure the best possible result.
During the procedure, the excess loose skin (in the lower
portion of the breast) is then removed. On occasion, excess breast tissue and
fat are removed if this is necessary to provide better symmetry or improve the
result. To reposition the breast mound upward, the skin of the lower portion of
the breast is tightened, tailored, and then sutured. The nipple-areola complex
is then repositioned upward into the proper position on the new breast mound
and sutured in place. Dr. Morris sits you up on the operating table, and
carefully compares your breasts to assure as much symmetry as possible.
After surgery you will wear a special bra for a few days.
You may then wear or not wear a bra as you desire. All of your incisions will
be carefully closed with sutures placed beneath the skin, so there is no chance
of you having "railroad track" type marks, but fine line scars.
You'll be able to shower or bathe in a few days.
Recovery
Following a mastopexy, patients have minimal discomfort but
may experience nuisances such as tightness or fullness. This will resolve
rapidly in a few days. Many patients do not even need to take the pain
medication we prescribe for them.
Your breasts may feel tight to you for 48-72 hours, and this
sensation will gradually resolve over the next several days as the swelling
decreases. You may develop slight bruising on the breasts that will resolve in
approximately one or two weeks.
