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- BREAST
LIFT (MASTOPEXY)-
Location:
ISTANBUL / TURKEY
Breast lift, or mastopexy,
is a surgical procedure to raise and recontour sagging breasts.
In some cases, it can be performed in conjunction with surgery
to enlarge the size of the breasts with breast implants.
 A
consultation with a plastic surgeon is the first step an
individual should take it considering inastopexy. You should
discuss candidly your expectations about looking and feeling
better after surgery, while keeping in mind that the desired
result is improvement, not perfection.
We will conduct a
routine breast examination and, depending on your age and
family history, may determine that mammograms, or breast
x-rays, are required. After examining you, we will discuss
other variables that influence the decisions involved in
the procedure, such as your age, the size and shape ot your
breasts and the condition of breast skin. A patient considering
breast-feeding following mastopexy should discuss the matter
with us at this time.
 During
the initial visit, we will explain the specific details
of your case, including the surgical technique to be used,
the anesthesia, where the operation will be performed and
what the surgery realistically can accomplish.
Thousands
of breast lifts are performed successfully each year. Nevertheless,
you should be aware of the potential risks of surgery and
specific complications associated with mastopexy. Postoperative
complications such as infection or blood clots are rare.
Poor healing may necessitate subsequent scar revision. Smokers
should be made aware that nicotine can delay healing. Risk
of complications can be minimized by closely adhering
to your surgeon's advice on follow-up care.
The
Surgical Procedure
Mastopexy
typically is performed to lift sagging, loose breasts or
breasts that have lost volume and elasticity after childbearing.
It also can reduce the size of the areola, the dark pink
skin surrounding the nipple. (Fig. I) The extent of the
procedure depends on what changes are desired and what we
deem appropriate.
Mastopexy
usually is performed under general anesthesia, although
local anesthesia may be used in particular cases.
In the operation
a keyhole-shaped incision is made above the areola to define
the new location for the nipple. Working through incisions,
excess is removed skin from the the breast. The nipple,
areola and underlying breast tissue are moved up to a new
higher position, after the nipple is relocated, flaps of
skin formerly above and to the sides of the nipple are brought
down, around and together to reshape the breast. (Fig.3)
Sutures close the wounds under the breast and around the
nipple area. In patients with only minimal sagging, a modified
procedure may be used to excise only skin from the large
areola and the area immediately surrounding it. When breast
augmentation is performed in conjunction with the lift,
a breast implant, is placed, in a pocket created either
directly under the breast tissue or underneath the chest
wall muscle. The prosthesis is a flexible plastic envelope
that contains a silicone gel. (Fig. 2). Following surgery,
a bulky gauze dressing is wrapped around the breasts, or
the patient may be placed in a surgical bra.
Depending
on the extent of the surgery, the procedure usually lasts
about two hours.
Postoperative
Recovery
After surgery,
pain that is controlled easily by medication will subside
in a day or two. If you have been operated in a hospital,
you will be released in the same day. Within the first week,
the dressing will be replaced by a soft bra which you will
be advised to wear for several weeks.
Swelling and discoloration
around the incisions generally will subside in a few days.
After surgery, there may be temporary loss of sensation
in the nipples and breast skin. If it occurs, this condition
will improve with time. Sutures will be removed within two
weeks of surgery.
The objective
of mastopexy is higher, well-contoured breasts. (Fig.4)
Although we make every effort to keep scars as inconspicuous
as possible, mastopexy scars are permanent. They often remain
highly visible for a year following surgery, then fade to
some degree. However, since incisions are made around and
below the nipples, scars should not be noticeable even in
low-cut clothing.
If you have
any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us E-MAIL
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