| BREAST LIFT (MASTOPEXY)
Breast lift (mastopexy) is a surgical procedure to raise and re-shape sagging breasts. A breast lift is performed to resculpt the breasts and remove excess or stretched out skin. After surgery the breasts will have a more lifted and youthful appearance. Most women find that they look and feel better after a breast lift, both in and out of clothes. They find that clothing and bras fit better and they often can wear clothing that they have not been able to wear for years! The exact procedure and incisions depends on how low the breasts are. The procedure also reduces the size of the areola (the dark tissue around the nipple). Dr. Mausner performs breasts lifts on patients who have lost volume in their breasts because of pregnancy, weight change, age or loss of firmness. If you have lost considerable volume in your breasts, breast implants may also be inserted at the time of surgery to give the breast a fuller look. The breast lift will restore a youthful appearance to the breast.
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A good candidate is a
woman who
- has sagging or droopy breasts
- has lost the youthful contour of the breast after pregnancy or nursing
- has lost breast volume due to weight changes
- has breast asymmetry
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If you considering mastopexy
(breast lift)...
The best candidates for breast lift are women who have stretched skin and less volume in their breast due to pregnancy, nursing, age or weight loss. Although, you can still get pregnant, the result may stretch out after subsequent pregnancies.
The incisions for a breast lift are dependent on how low the breasts sag. The extent of scars are often related to the droop: the greater the droop the more extensive the incisions. Often for only a small lift, the incision can be made just around the areola with no other visible scars. A modified lift is an option when the breast is fairly small and the sag is minimal. For a complete breast lift in the patient who has significant loss of volume and "droopiness," the incision often has to be made in the standard "anchor" shape.
Your Consultation
Dr. Mausner will carefully evaluate your breasts to determine if a breast lift is appropriate or if a simple breast augmentation can be performed. He will discuss the eventual breast shape and size, and give you an idea of what you can realistically expect after surgery.
The Surgery and beyond
The breast lift procedure is usually performed as an out-patient procedure. The procedure usually takes about 1-3 hours, and you will return home after a short stay in the recovery room suite. You will be placed in a support dressing which can be removed in two days to shower. During follow-up visits to our office Dr. Mausner will guide you through the healing process. Because Dr. Mausner usually places dissolvable stitches under the skin, there are usually no stitch 'track marks' and no sutures to remove! Patients report that there is only mild discomfort that can easily be controlled with medication and most patients can often get back to work in about 4-5 days after the surgical procedure. Dr. Mausner will discuss your lifestyle and adapt the post-operative care to your needs.
Although you will see significant positive results immediately, the final result takes about 3 - 6 months to appreciate.
What About Scars?
Dr. Mausner is able to perform breast lift in most patients with minimal scarring! Depending upon your needs and the procedure chosen, a variety of incisions can be used for the breast lift procedure. Dr. Mausner always attempts to use the smallest incisions possible and place them in body creases. There is typically a scar placed where the dark edge of the nipple meets the lighter color of the skin. At times there may also be a short scar from the nipple down to the breast crease and a scar under the breast within the crease. The scars usually lighten with time.
How Long Does It Take?
The procedure will take about 1- 3 hours! You will spend a while in the care of the recovery room nurses and be discharged home when you have met all health and safety criteria. Postoperative instructions will be provided and you will be able to go home and rest.
And Follow Up...?
You will be seen in our office by Dr. Mausner within 3-4 days. Pain is usually well controlled with the pain medication provided to you. Plan to take about a week off from work although you can drive a car about 4-5 days after surgery. All your routine follow-up care is included in the original surgical fee and covers one year of routine visits.
In summary, we believe that the best results can be obtained when the procedure, location of scars and possible use of breast implants are individualized to meet your specific body type and desires! So
if you would like to improve the size, shape or look of your breasts,
call Mausner Plastic Surgery Center at 301-564-4466 to schedule your
complimentary consultation with Dr. Mausner today!
CARING. COMPETENT. CONFIDENTIAL.
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