What is Breast Lift Surgery?
Women’s breasts sag over the years with the effects of pregnancy, breastfeeding and gravity. As the skin loses its elasticity, breasts often lose their shape and firmness; starts to sag. Breast lift or medical name ‘mastopexy’ It is a reshaping surgery by removing sagging breasts for at least a long period of time. The dark area around the nipple at the same time as mastopexy (= ‘areola’ ) can also be collapsed. If your breasts are small or if they become loose and smaller after pregnancy, as well as mastopexy, breast ‘implants’Breast volume and firmness can be increased by placing (= prostheses).
WHO ARE SUITABLE CANDIDATES FOR BREAST LIFT SURGERY?
‘Over time, every woman’s breast begins to sag and her ‘areola’ enlarges.’
The most suitable candidates for mastopexy are women who are healthy, emotionally stable, and have a realistic view of what can be done with this surgery. Generally, the best results are achieved in women with small, saggy breasts. Any size breast can be lifted, but the results may not be long-term or permanent in heavy breasts.
Many women request mastopexy after pregnancy or breastfeeding because they experience sagging skin and breasts with reduced volume. If you want more children, it may be appropriate to postpone breast lift surgery. Mastopexy does not pose any special risks that may adversely affect future pregnancies. For example, breast milk does not affect breastfeeding. But it should be known that the breast skin will be stretched during subsequent pregnancies and this will negatively affect the good results obtained with the surgery.
Preoperative Evaluation:
At the initial evaluation, it is very important to openly discuss your expectations with your surgeon and to listen to their thoughts. Every patient and every surgeon has a different opinion on the ideal breast size and shape.
Your surgeon will perform breast examination and measurements. Photos will be taken to compare before and after the surgery. Your surgeon will discuss with you the variables that can affect the outcome, such as your age, the shape and size of your breasts, and the condition of your skin. Your surgeon will also inform you about this if a breast prosthesis is planned to be placed. You should also discuss the new location of the nipple and areola; because this structure will be taken higher during the operation and should be at the same level as the line behind the breast.
Do not hesitate to ask your doctor, especially if you have questions about your expectations and results.
What Kind of Preparations Should Be Made Before Breast Lift Surgery?
Your surgeon will perform a pre-operative ‘ mammogram’ (= breast x-ray). For pre-operative preparation, your surgeon will give you some special instructions, including points such as eating, drinking, smoking, taking or not taking certain medications and vitamins.
While you are preparing, do not forget to find someone who will drive you home after the surgery and help you for a few days if needed.
What Kind of Anesthesia Is Used in Breast Lift Surgery?
This operation is usually performed under general anesthesia; In this case, you will be completely asleep during the entire operation.
In some cases, especially a small ‘incision’ If ( = incision ) is to be made, your surgeon may prefer local anesthesia combined with a sedative drug that makes you slightly intoxicated. In this state, you will be alert but relaxed and experience little discomfort.
How Long Does Breast Lift Surgery Take?
It usually takes between 1.5 and 3.5 hours to perform the surgery.
What are the Surgical Methods Used in Breast Lift Surgery? How is it applied?
Mastopexy techniques are very different, but most of the procedures are in the form of a downward trace with the nipple circumference following the natural contours of the breast. ‘incision’( = incision line). In very large breasts, this scar may be in the form of an inverted t.
This incision surrounds the area of breast skin to be removed and defines the new localization of the areola, surrounds the areola, extends downward and follows the natural line behind the breast. The surgeon removes the excess skin and moves the nipple and areola up to their new location. Then, while combining the breast tissue on both sides around the areola and the midline, it shapes the new contours of the breast.
Incisions surround the area of skin to be removed and determine the new location of the nipple. In some patients, especially those that are relatively small and show little sagging, procedures with fewer and limited incisions can be performed.
If a breast implant is to be placed in addition to breast lift, this implant is placed in a prepared pouch just behind the breast tissue or sometimes behind the muscle in the chest wall.
How Does Healing Happen After Breast Lift Surgery?
After the surgery, an elastic bandage will be wrapped over the thin dressing or a surgical bra will be put on. Your breasts may appear slightly purple, swollen and uncomfortable for the first 1-2 days; but it does not cause serious pain. In case of any discomfort you may feel, your surgeon will recommend the necessary medications to reduce the pain.
Bandages are removed after 4-7 days; A soft support bra is put on. You will continue to wear this bra day and night for 3 or 4 weeks, and up to 6 months you will wear this bra during the day.
If your mammary skin is very dry after surgery, you can use a moisturizer several times a day, but you should keep the suture lines dry.
During the first menstruation you see after the surgery, your breasts may swell and cause pain. Some loss of sensation may occur in the nipple and breast skin due to post-operative tissue swelling. This condition usually disappears within 6 weeks.
Your surgeon will do his best to make your scars as obscure as possible. Scars after mastopexy surgery are permanent. These scars remain puffy and red for several months. It becomes less obvious afterwards; it may even fade completely, sometimes as pale white streaks. The placement of these scars is adjusted to allow you to wear even a slim-fit bikini.
What Should Be Considered After Breast Lift Surgery?
Although you can get up in 1-2 days, you can return to work in 1 week at the earliest. You should avoid lifting or pushing anything towards the top of your head for 3-4 weeks. If you encounter anything unusual, do not hesitate to call your surgeon.
Your surgeon will give you information and directions that summarize your normal activities. You will be faced with a 1-week no-sex directive as sexual stimulation can cause your incisions to swell. You should stay away from sports activities that require strength for a month. Since the milk ducts and nipple are not touched, there is no adverse effect from this operation related to breastfeeding from the breast when you become pregnant.
