It's important to know what to expect during a breast lift. A breast lift, or mastopexy, restores sagging breasts to a more youthful shape and position. It's best to wait until you are done having children before getting a breast lift, since pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause more sagging. This may keep you from having to repeat your lift, although women with large sagging breasts may need a repeat surgery eventually.
Before Surgery
If you are a smoker, stop at least four weeks before your surgery is scheduled. Smoking increases your risk of surgical complications, and slows your healing time. The longer you can go without smoking, the better. Do not take aspirin for at least two weeks before your surgery. Your doctor will give you specific instructions about eating and drinking before surgery. Be sure you have arranged for someone to drive you home.
Periareolar and Circumareolar Techniques
These methods are used for minor ptosis, characterized by the nipple being even with the breast fold, and women with small breasts. For the periareolar technique, a crescent-shaped incision is made above the areola. For the circumareolar technique, the incision goes all the way around the areola. The surgeon can then tighten the skin and remove tissue, to restore a more youthful look. These are the least invasive of the breast lift techniques.
Vertical Technique
This technique is slightly more invasive, but very effective. It can be used for women with large breasts or moderate to severe ptosis. A v-shaped incision is made under the areola, and then around the top. In addition to tightening skin and removing tissue, the areola can be repositioned. This surgery typically leaves a visible scar.
Anchor Technique
This is the traditional technique and the most invasive. The incision extends around the areola in a circular pattern, and along the bottom of the breast. It is the best choice for women with very large breasts or severe ptosis.
Surgical Prep
To prepare for surgery, the surgeon will have you sit, and will draw lines where your incisions will be. An IV will be started to administer fluids, as well as a sedative if you are anxious. You will then be transferred to the operating room. Your breasts will be scrubbed with an antiseptic solution. General anesthesia will then be administered, and you will not wake up until the surgery is complete.
The Surgery
The duration of breast lift surgery will be from one to four hours, depending on which type of surgery you are having and how much skin is to be removed. The surgeon will remove excess skin, and if you are having a vertical or anchor lift, the areola will be moved upward. The incisions will be stitched up, and surgical drains may be placed.
Post Surgery
After your breast lift, you will experience some discomfort. Since general anesthesia affects muscle function, you will have a tube down your throat to help you breathe. This will leave your throat sore, possibly for a few days. You will probably have gauze bandages covering your breasts. The bandages and drains, if you have them, will be removed after a few days, and your stitches will be removed after about two weeks. You will be given a special type of bra to wear, that will help keep swelling down. You will have to wear it for a few weeks. You may feel well enough to return to work after about a week, but you should avoid strenuous activity for three to four weeks. You will most likely experience minor pain, bruising and swelling, that will last for a week or more. Swelling may be long lasting, and it may take up to one year for the final results to be apparent.
