Breast lift or mastopexy is a procedure used for changing the shape of breasts and simultaneously lifting the breasts. During the procedure, the breasts are reshaped so that the areola can be positioned in a more visible and higher level. Excess skin is removed from below the breast and from the side.
Also, if the areola has grown excessively following the overall laxity of the breast, it will be reduced to match the size of the new breast. After surgery, which is performed with general anaesthesia, the patient remains in hospital for one night.
Scars, which usually heal well, are seen around and under the areola, in an inverted-T shape. Scars are also visible along the inframammary fold. Sometimes the procedure may be performed through an incision around the areola and a vertical incision under the areola. Depending on the size and shape of the breast, the procedure may be performed through only one vertical incision. The large horizontal incision can be avoided.
Scars are permanent. Straight after surgery they are reddish and develop hard tissue, but they are smoothed out within a few months and their colour changes to match the skin’s tone. After a while they will only be slightly visible. Also, in some cases, if this is considered necessary, mastopexy can be combined with breast implant placement. The surgeon must co-operate with each patient in order to identify the appropriate technique.
After surgery, the patient is advised to wear a strong support bra for a month. Straight after the procedure, the breasts are bruised, swollen and a bit painful. The pain is easily managed with painkillers. Another complication, although rare, is haematoma that usually occurs the first hours after surgery. Another procedure is necessary to manage the situation.
Inflammation is also a rare complication that is treated with appropriate antibiotics. Also, some patients may experience hypoesthesia in the area of the breasts, and oedema which usually subside over time. In very rare cases these complications may remain. Moreover, interested patients must know that after breast reduction it is possible that they will not be able to breastfeed although their breasts will continue to react (becoming bigger or smaller) to any changes occurring in their body (pregnancy, weight fluctuations, menopause).
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