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Lifespan’s A - Z Health Information Library |
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Breast liftDefinitionA breast lift, or mastopexy, is cosmetic breast surgery to lift the breasts. Alternative NamesMastopexy; Breast lift with reduction; Breast lift with augmentation DescriptionCosmetic breast surgery is surgery you choose to have. You do not need it for medical reasons. It can be done at an outpatient surgery clinic or in a hospital. You will probably receive general anesthesia before this procedure. This will make you unconscious and unable to feel pain. Or, you may receive medicine to help you relax and local anesthesia to numb the area around the breasts to block pain. You will be awake but unable to feel pain. Your surgeon will make 1 to 3 surgical incisions (cuts) in your breast. Your surgeon will remove extra skin and may reposition your nipple and areola. Sometimes, women have breast augmentation (enlargement) when they have a breast lift. Why the Procedure Is PerformedWomen usually have breast lifts to lift sagging, loose breasts. This surgery is best for are women who have stretched skin and decreased breast volume caused by aging. You should not have a breast lift if you are planning to lose weight or are pregnant or still nursing a child. Talk with a plastic surgeon if you are considering cosmetic breast surgery. Discuss how you expect to look and feel better. Keep in mind that the desired result is improvement, not perfection. RisksRisks for any surgery are:
Risks for any anesthesia are:
Risks for breast surgery are:
The emotional risks of surgery may include feeling that your breasts don't look perfect, or you may be disappointed with people's reactions to your “new” breasts. Before the ProcedureIf you smoke, you must stop. Women who smoke after breast surgery have a higher risk for delayed wound (incision) healing, infection, and scarring. You must even avoid breathing in secondhand smoke. Always tell your doctor or nurse:
During the days before your surgery:
On the day of your surgery:
After the ProcedureAfter you have a breast lift, a bulky gauze dressing (bandage) will be wrapped around your breasts and chest, or you might wear a surgical bra. Drainage tubes may be attached to your breasts. These will be removed within 3 days. Schedule a follow-up visit with your doctor. Your doctor will want to check your healing, remove sutures (stitches), and discuss special exercises or massaging techniques with you. Outlook (Prognosis)You are likely to have a very good outcome from breast surgery. You may feel better about your appearance and yourself. You may need to wear a special supportive bra for a few months to reshape your breasts. Scars are permanent and often remain very visible for a year after surgery. After a year they fade some. Your surgeon will try to place the cuts so that scars are as hidden as possible. Your scars should not be noticeable, even in low-cut clothing. Incisions are usually made on the underside of the breast. Normal aging, pregnancy, and changes in your weight may all cause your breasts to sag again. ReferencesBurns JL, Blackwell SJ. Plastic surgery. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 73. Review Date: 3/2/2009
Reviewed By: David A. Lickstein, MD, FACS, specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, Palm Beach Gardnes, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. The information provided herein should not be used during any
medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical
condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for
diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911
for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for
information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those
other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the
information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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