What Is Mastopexy Plastic Surgery To Lift Sagging Droopy Breasts Minneapolis Cosmetic Boob Job

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Breast Lift Or Mastopexy

Mastopexy is a procedure to elevate the nipple-areolar and tighten the breast skin envelope. The procedure is used when the nipple height is approximately at or a bit below the breast crease. Ideal candidates are women with moderate-sized breasts who are finished having children.

If there ever was a procedure that has to be tailored to the individual, it´s mastopexy. Every patient´s anatomy varies, so it is extremely important not only to be aware of all your options but also to discuss your procedure extensively with your surgeon. Your surgeon will do a breast examination and take careful measurements of your nipples in relation to other parts of your breasts and your torso. Listen carefully to your surgeon´s recommendations. When it comes to breast lifts, the most important element in patient satisfaction is realistic expectations. Remember that the results aren´t permanent. Gravity, aging, and weight fluctuations can take their toll on your breasts again. Scarring will be considerable, even in "minimal incision" breast surgery. Be prepared for these outcomes before going ahead with a mastopexy.

The Procedure

This is a same-day procedure usually done under general anesthesia. The procedure takes about one and a half to three and a half hours. Depending on the nipple level and amount of excess skin, incisions can range from a small crescent above the areola to the classic incision pattern that looks like an anchor. I have created a procedure that uses a wavy incision around the areola, which can better camouflage the scar (published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2002, p. 1778, "´Zigzag´ Wavy-line Periareolar Incision"). Any of the mastopexy procedures may be done in combination with breast implants.

Crescent Mastopexy: The most limited procedure involves removing a crescent of skin horizontally along the top of the areola. Crescent mastopexy can be used when the nipple needs to be raised about half an inch. It works well in combination with breast augmentation because the implant´s volume also supports the nipple in an upward direction.

Doughnut Mastopexy: Doughnut mastopexy involves a circular incision around the nipple. A ring of skin anywhere from one-half to two inches is removed. Upon closure the breast skin is tightened around the open doughnut as the nipple is elevated. This procedure is appropriate in a limited number of patients with smaller breasts and minimal sagging. It may flatten the breast slightly and can cause radiating folds of skin but avoids more extensive scars.

Classic Mastopexy: Classic mastopexy follows the natural contour of the breast, with skin removed around the nipple, down the breast front, and horizontally along the crease. Internal tacking often is placed to support breast tissue higher on the rib cage. The nipple and areola are moved higher. Surrounding skin is pulled tight to shape and support the breast. A variation, known as minimal incision surgery, eliminates the incision across the breast crease. The smaller the breasts, the more minor the incisions.

After Surgery

Your breasts will be bruised and swollen after surgery. Swelling will be minimal to moderate and last several weeks. Avoid salty foods to diminish excess swelling. Pain is moderate. Your surgeon will order pain pills and possibly an antibiotic. Stitches are buried and can be dissolvable, so no removal should be necessary. Some surgeons use permanent sutures which must be removed. Drains are rarely necessary.

Immediately after surgery, you may wear an elastic wrap or surgical support bra with gauze bandages. When you switch to a good support bra, wear it around the clock for 3-4 weeks. Avoid lifting objects over your head, vigorous exercise, direct contact and sleeping on your stomach for 3-4 weeks. Sexual activity that causes pain in the surgical area should be avoided. Mild depression following surgery is normal, and is the result of the anesthesia. Massive swelling on one side compared to the other, fever, redness, or unusual drainage are causes for alarm. Call your surgeon immediately. In rare cases, mastopexy could affect your ability to breast-feed. Subsequent pregnancies also may stretch your breasts to their pre-procedure sagging,so many surgeons avoid performing a mastopexy until a woman has finished child bearing.

Risks and Limitations

There is a chance of numbness in the nipple or scattered areas of the skin. Bleeding can occur. As in any surgery, infection is possible. Incisions also could separate in high-tension areas. This usually requires cleansing and antibiotic ointment as these areas heal. Mastopexy leaves noticeable scars, which will be covered by your bra or bathing suit. If you smoke or don´t follow recovery instructions, you´re at risk for tissue death and scars that widen or become infected. The major problem with breast lifts is that gravity keeps working, especially with women who have larger breasts. With newer techniques of suturing, longer-lasting results are available.

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