Loss of skin elasticity, gravity, the weight loss, pregnancy and breastfeeding affect the form and firmness of the breast. Patients who are pleased with the size of their breasts, may benefit from a breast lift to raise and strengthen them, improving the general appearance. Some patients may be dissatisfied that they have lost a significant part of their breast volume. In these cases, the breast lift, together with breast implants are indicated.
You can be a good candidate if you meet the following conditions:
- – The breasts are loose, but the size is satisfactory;
- – The breasts have lost the firmness and elasticity;
- – The areolas and the nipples are pointed down or positioned under the submammary ditch.
Sometimes these conditions are hereditary; sometimes your breasts may develop differently; there may be differences in size and shape. The breasts which are large and heavy can be lifted but the result does not last as long as when the surgery is carried out on smaller breasts.
Breast lifting can be done at any age, but it is recommended after the growth maturity of the breast has been reached. Pregnancy and breastfeeding influences the shape and size of the breasts. However many women decide to be the subject of breast lifting before having children, and correct the possible effects later via surgery. Because the lactiferous glands and the nipples are left intact, the surgery does not affect the ability of lactation.
YOUR CONSULTATION
During the consultation, you will be asked about the size and the desired shape of the breasts. The surgeon will discuss with you how the areolas and nipples will be repositioned. You will need to mention all that you wish to improve about your breasts; this will help the surgeon to understand your expectations and to determine if they can be realistically achieved.
The surgeon will examine your breasts, measuring and photographing them. The size, form of the breasts, skin quality and areolas and nipples positions will be assessed.
You will come to the consultation ready to discuss your medical history: medicinal or any other type of allergies, medical treatments, other surgery and breast biopsy.
You should tell your surgeon if you are going to lose weight especially if you have noticed a reduction in breast size after weight loss. Your surgeon will recommend you to stabilize your weight before surgery.
WHAT IS THE SURGERY INVOLVING?
One of the methods involves three incisions: an incision is made around the areola, the other falls to the lower edge of the areola into the submammary ditch and the third is horizontal under the breast. After the surgeon has removed the excess skin, the areola and the nipple are moved to a higher position. The areola which in a large breast can be stretched out, may be reduced in size. The skin which originally was located above the areola it’s pulled down and brought together, in order to remodel the breast.
The nipples and areolas remain attached to the underlying tissues allowing thus maintaining the sensitivity of the areola and the ability of breastfeeding.
WHICH ARE THE TECHNICAL OPTIONS OF THE BREAST SURGERY?
In certain situations, it is possible to avoid horizontal incision under the breasts. Sometimes, a technique that avoids both horizontal and vertical incisions can be used, depending on the particular aspect of the breasts. If the surgeon decides that it is appropriate to have a breast augmentation at the same time with the lifting, breast implants are needed.
SURGERY RISKS
Fortunately there are no major risks for this surgery. Each year many women undergo surgery successfully without having major complications. However who wants to have the surgery should be aware of both the risks and the benefits.
The risks will be discussed individually with each patient, taking into account their particular characteristics.
The complications include hemorrhage, the infection and the reactions to the anesthesia. After the surgery, it is possible that your breasts or the position of the areolas may not be symmetrical. It is possible that a touch-up intervention be necessary at a later time. Rarely, it may occur loss of sensitivity at the level of the areola. Scars may be revised at a later date if the patient is dissatisfied with the appearance.
HOW IS THE SURGERY GOING TO BE PERFORMED?
Depending on age, the family history, you will be advised to do a mammogram before and another at a few months after surgery. This will help you detect any change in your breasts later. After the surgery will you examine your breasts constantly.
Breast lifting does not increase the risk of breast cancer.
If you are a smoker you need to quit. The use of aspirin and other anti-inflammatory increases the risk of bleeding, so that it will be necessary to avoid their consumption before the surgery.
The surgery is usually done outpatient. In this case, make sure that you have someone who will take care of you after the surgery and during the first night.
HOW WILL BE THE FIRST DAY AFTER SURGERY?
On the first day after the surgery you will be encouraged to get out of bed for short periods of time. After a few days you can move more comfortably. Bending down, lifting weights will be avoided because these activities may cause edematous tissue or blood. You will sleep on your back in order not to press the breasts.
Possible drain tubes will be removed a few days after surgery, while the dressings will be also changed. You will wear a medical bustier until the edema and redness of the breasts will disappear. The wires will be out in 3 weeks, gradually as from the first week.
HOW DO YOU GO BACK TO NORMAL?
After the surgery it is possible resume your activity in a week or 2 depending on your work. In most cases you should avoid physical effort, up to a few weeks. You can feel a slight discomfort during this time, but it is normal. If you are in pain get in touch with your surgeon!
Sexual activity will be avoided for a minimum of 2 weeks or more, after which you will take care of the breasts for several weeks.
POST SURGERY RESULT
Breast lifting will make your breasts more firm. The position of the areolas and nipples will improve, and the size and appearance of the areolas will be satisfactory in appearance.
Postoperative scars will attenuate in time. It is important to carry out that these scars are permanent. In some cases they will look like some fine lines . Some people may develop more visible scars , but they can be surgically retouched.
HOW LONG WILL THE RESULT LAST?
If you do not have important weight changes, or a possible pregnancy, the form of the new breasts will remain constant. Anyway, gravitation and ageing will change the shape and size of the breasts of any woman. If after a few years, you are no longer satisfied with the appearance of the breasts, you can have a second breast lift performed.
POSTOPERATIVE CONDUCT
You will come to periodic checks after surgery, respecting the surgeon’s indications to assess the result in time.
Do not forget! Patient surgeon relationship does not end at the surgery room exit!