Mastopexy (Breast lift) Surgery

THE BREAST LIFT PROCEDURE

In order to lift and tighten your breast the operation also lifts the nipple and increases the fullness in the upper pole of the breast. The procedure is not simply removing excess skin, but also redistributing the breast tissue internally to support the shape for as long a time as possible. The resultant scars are 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.

WHAT DOES A BREAST LIFT INVOLVE?

The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic usually as a day case (so you will go home on the day of surgery). 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 A Mastopexy Offer?

In addition to lifting the breast and nipple, a breast lift aims to restore some of the lost fullness to the upper pole of the breast. Unless an implant is also used (an augmentation mastopexy) a mastopexy will not change the volume of your breast

HOW LONG DOES THE OPERATION TAKE?

Mastopexy surgery takes around 2-hours.

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY PERIOD AFTER SURGERY?

Mastopexy surgery is normally performed as a procedure day case and 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 MASTOPEXY SURGERY?

Breast lift surgery 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 around 5-years or more.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF BREAST LIFT 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
• 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