Augmentation Mastopexy

BREAST LIFTS WITH IMPLANTS

An augmentation mastopexy (breast lift with implants) addresses both volume deficiency and droop in a breast. Typically this is in post-pregnancy breasts or in breasts after weight loss. It is in effect two contradictory operations in one – a breast enlargement to stretch out and fill the breast, and a breast lift to tighten the breast. In addition to this the nipple must be carefully re-positioned at the optimum place. All of the above mean it can be challenging surgery, but when done well, can achieve excellent outcomes.

The scars are similar to a breast lift and run around the outside of the areola and down towards the breast crease (a vertical scar that fades significantly over time). Sometimes a transverse scar in the breast crease is also needed. Increasingly nowadays we will also consider using fat to increase the volume of the breast instead of an implant.

WHAT DOES A BREAST LIFT WITH IMPLANTS INVOLVE?

The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic usually with an overnight stay in hospital. After surgery you will have surgical tapes on the scars (which stay in place for 2-weeks) and you will wake up wearing your post-surgical bra.

WHAT BENEFITS DOES AN AUGMENTATION MASTOPEXY OFFER?

In addition to lifting the breast and nipple, a breast lift with implants aims to restore the lost volume, and particularly the fullness to the upper pole of the breast. How long does the operation take?

Augmentation-mastopexy surgery takes 2-3 hours.

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY PERIOD AFTER SURGERY?

Augmentation mastopexy surgery is normally performed as with an overnight stay. You should wear the post-surgical bra for at least 6-weeks after surgery, and sometimes for 3-months.

HOW LONG BEFORE GETTING BACK TO NORMAL?

You should not over do it for 2-weeks after surgery and then you can gradually increase activity until 6-weeks after surgery, when you should be able to go back to all sporting activity. Avoid heavy lifting for 6-weeks and do not drive for 2-weeks.

HOW SUCCESSFUL IS AUGMENTATION MASTOPEXY SURGERY?

Breast lift surgery with implants provides satisfying results and has a high patient satisfaction rate. With age and the effects of gravity, there will be some recurrence of breast droop, but this may not happen for several years.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF BREAST LIFT WITH IMPLANT SURGERY?

• As in any surgery, there is a risk of wound infection & wound breakdown
• Bleeding (a haematoma) can occur in the breast, and may require a return to the operating theatre to deal with
• Poor scarring (hypertrophic or keloid scars) can occur
• Changes in nipple sensation, even a completely numb nipple can happen
• Very rarely, nipple death can occur. This can be treated using either dressings or surgery and is likely to need revision procedures in the future if it occurs.
• Internal fat necrosis (dying of some areas of fat within the breast) has been described, and if it occurs it can usually be treated as an outpatient with dressings (if the wound has opened) or with massage of any lumps
• Complications associated with breast implants can occur, such as capsular contracture and implant failure. These would require further surgery in the future (at further cost).
• Breast asymmetry – no woman has identical breasts (sisters, not twins) and whilst Mr Pacifico strives to make both sides as symmetrical as possible, there will inevitably be differences between them
• Bottoming out describes a process in which the bulk of the volume of the breast falls below the nipple and would require further surgery to correct. Fortunately with careful surgical planning it is a rare occurrence.
• Blood clots – deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolus (PE) can occur but are not common in breast lifting surgery.
• Revision surgery can be required to make adjustments after the initial surgery