Breast Lift
Anesthesia
On the cutting edge and preferred by Dr. Fodor is TIVA, which is a combination of the two. It diminishes bleeding and post-operative nausea. Dr. Fodor has used this method for many years.
What is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift, or Mastopexy, is designed primarily to elevate and re-contour rather than increase the size of the breasts – although a breast lift can be performed in conjunction with breast augmentation if greater breast volume is desired. Candidates for breast lift surgery are women who have droopy or saggy breasts and would like to have them restored to a more youthful appearance. Additionally, almost all breast reductions operations also combine an element of breast lifting.
A breast lift removes the excess skin that is responsible for the droopy look, placing the breast in a higher position on the chest wall and with a more youthful shape. Implants alone may help temporarily by filling out a ‘deflated breast,’ but the sagging returns rapidly, leaving the patient with a larger drooping chest. Several operations are available to lift the breast, with or without the addition of implants, and the procedure chosen is based on desires and the needs of each patient.
What are the different types of breast lift?
There are three different types of breast lifts and vary according to placement of the incisions on the breasts. Each type of breast lift depends on each patient’s specific situation and desire cosmetic goals.
- The Inverted T Breast Lift – The Inverted T Breast Lift is also known as the “Anchor Mastopexy.” This type of breast lift includes a circular incision around the nipple, a vertical incision that extends from the nipple to the breast crease, and another incision along the inframammary crease under the breast. Other names for this type of breast lift include full breast lift, Wise Pattern Lift, and Inverted T Lift.
- The Vertical Breast Lift – This type of breast lift is also known as the “Lollipop lift.” This type of breast lift includes an incision around the nipple and another incision that vertically extends from the bottom of the nipple to the inframammary fold, or breast crease.
- The Periareolar Breast Lift – This type of lift is often considered to be the most conservative type of breast lift and is limited an incision around the nipple.
Preparing for Mastopexy Surgery
Dr. Fodor’s and his staff will give you specific instructions about how to prepare for surgery. You can expect guidelines to include eating, drinking, and medications, such as avoiding aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications that promote bleeding.
Breast lift surgery will not increase your risk of developing breast cancer. However, based on your age and whether you have a family history of breast cancer, Dr. Fodor will recommend a mammogram before surgery. Following surgery, Dr. Fodor recommends routine mammograms and breast self-examination, neither of which will be affected by breast lift surgery.
Mastopexy Recovery
Following your breast lift surgery, your breasts will be covered in a surgical dressing that will include gauze and a post-operative compression garment. Your breasts will be bruised and swollen, and you will experience some discomfort for a few days. Pain medications will be prescribed to help you as needed. You will be able to move around but should avoid lifting over 25 poutns for three weeks following surgery.
Any stitches will be removed approximately one to two weeks after surgery. You may notice a temporary change of sensation in your nipples and areolas. This should dissipate as the swelling subsides. This numbness is usually temporary but may take several weeks, months, or up to a full year until feeling returns to normal.
The healing process is gradual, and your final result won’t be evident until your scars have matured. For this reason, it is vital to protect your incisions from sun exposure during this healing process. Incisions will appear reddish or pinkish before they flatten and pale.
Following surgery, Dr. Fodor recommends continuing getting yearly mammograms and self examination.
View Dr. Fodor’s abdominoplasty before and after photo gallery
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