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Procedures of the Body - Breast Lift

Breast Lift Procedure (Mastopexy)

Over the years many of the body parts begin to sag or droop due to aging and loss of elasticity in the skin or significant weight loss. The breasts are no exception and, in fact, are often the first to go due to pregnancy and nursing.

A breast lift or series of lifts can be performed to give the breasts a more youthful and "perky" appearance. This procedure raises and reshapes sagging breasts by removing excess skin and repositioning the remaining tissue and nipples to a more perky position. If desired, the size of the areola can be reduced during the procedure. In some cases, breast implants are inserted at the same time to give the breasts a more rounded and natural appearance.

The dangers of breast cancer are no greater after this type of breast surgery, and self examination of your breast post-operatively is still possible and important.

Breast Lift Recovery :

DRESSINGS:
Pads or fluffs will cover the incision lines. Because the incision lines are usually quite long, some oozing of blood may occur (this is normal). You may be instructed to shower the next day and then replace the surgical bra, the pads will not be needed.

BLEEDING:
Small amounts of oozing and bleeding are very common. If this entails more than slow staining of the gauze, apply firm pressure for 20-30 minutes before calling the office. Should heavy bleeding occur (very rare), apply firm pressure and call the office immediately at (480) 464-8000.

WEARING YOUR BRA:
A bra may be placed at the time of surgery or a day or two after. The bra acts as a "dressing," holding the breasts in perfect position. If the bra feels too tight or hurts, switch immediately to any bra that feels comfortable. A bra that is too tight can cause ulceration of the skin, and you must not let this happen! We want you to wear the bra at all times for at least 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, if you are healing without difficulty, you may sleep without the bra. You should not go braless during the day for 3 weeks after surgery. You will probably be more comfortable if you do not wear an underwire bra.

SHOWERING AND BATHING:
Water does not hurt healing incisions. You may shower or bathe when instructed. You may leave the adhesive strips (steri-strips) in place if they are adherent. If they come loose, cut away curling edges.

DRIVING:
You may drive when driving does not cause pain and you are no longer taking pain medication. This usually occurs in 4-6 days if you have a car with power steering.

EXERCISE:
You may take gentle walks within a few days. Do not return to aerobic exercise for 6 weeks.

SPECIFIC “AS YOU HEAL" INSTRUCTIONS

POSTOPERATIVE SAGGING:
The breast skin and tissue will continue to sag with time. No "lift" is forever. If and when sagging occurs, a small skin excision or tightening will usually solve the problem. Also, it is quite common for the two breasts to heal differently. One may swell more, one may feel more uncomfortable, or their shapes may differ initially. After complete healing, they will look remarkably similar and natural. You must be patient, but if you are concerned, ask questions of the nursing staff.

HEALING OF SENSORY NERVES:
Tingling, burning, or shooting pains accompany regeneration of the sensory nerves. These pains will disappear with time and are nothing to be alarmed about.

ACTIVITIES:
If your work keeps you sedentary, you may return whenever you feel up to it. If your work is strenuous, wait until your work activity does not cause any superficial pain. Do not begin aerobic or strenuous exercise for 3 weeks. Let your body tell you what it can tolerate.