Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Women who have experienced sagging of the breast due to aging, pregnancy, breast feeding, nursing, gravity, or weight loss may desire to raise and reshape sagging breasts (mastopexy). A mastopexy also allows the physician to decrease the size of the areola at the time of surgery. It may be necessary to use an implant to achieve the desired size and shape. If an implant is needed, the style and size is made in a bio-dimensional approach individualized for each patient and based upon chest measurements and patient desires. The pattern of incisions used depends upon the amount of loose skin the patient has or whether an implant is being used or not.
Types of Mastopexy
- Donut - This is often referred to as a "nipple lift". The surgeon makes an incision around the areola and removes excess skin.
- Lollipop - For this type of lift, the surgeon makes an incision around the areola and a vertical incision that extends from the base of the areola to the bottom of the breast. This allows the surgeon to remove excess skin from around the areola as well as any loose skin in the middle of the breast.
- Anchor - This lift involves an incision around the areola, the vertical incision from the base of the areola to the bottom of the breast, as well as an incision in the breast fold. The lift is only used when necessary but can give the patient very pleasing results.
Best Candidates for a Mastopexy
Women with small, sagging breasts are wonderful candidates for a mastopexy. A mastopexy may be done regardless of the breast size, but results may not last as long with heavy breast tissue.
For those women who are considering having more children, it may be a good idea to wait since pregnancy and weight gain may stretch the breast tissue.
Likewise, women who intend to lose a lot of weight should postpone the surgery, as weight loss can lead to a loss of skin elasticity and sagging of the breasts.
Anyone considering a mastopexy is a better candidates if they are near their "goal" weight.
Surgical Planning
Dr. Samuels will discuss with you the types of lift incisions that are required based upon the amount of loose skin that exists in the breasts. Dr. Samuels' philosophy is to use incisions incrementally and only if necessary to achieve the best shape.
Dr. Samuels may require patients to have a mammogram prior to surgery, based upon their age and family history of breast cancer. Surgical Preparation
Dr. Julene Samuels and her office staff will give you specific instructions regarding surgical preparation. This includes medications to avoid, eating and drinking, as well as smoking.
If you smoke be prepared to quit 6 weeks prior to your surgery and not resume for at least 6 weeks after surgery. Medications to avoid include Aspirin, Advil, Aleve, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and any vitamins or herbs.
The surgery will be done under a general anesthetic in an outpatient surgical facility, with the option of an overnight stay. Patients should arrange to have someone assist them during their immediate recovery period of two to ten days.
Hospital Options
The surgery may be performed at Jewish Hospital Downtown, Baptist Hospital East, Jewish Hospital Medical Center East (no overnight stay), Alliant Medical Pavilion, or Norton Suburban Hospital.
Post-operative Care
Recovery time varies from two to ten days. Patients may resume normal activities at 4 weeks but no strenuous physical activity for 6 weeks.
Patients should be able to return to work within a week, depending upon the level of activity required for their job.