Breast uplift
Contents
WHAT IS A BREAST UPLIFT PROCEDURE?
A breast uplift procedure (Mastoplexy) can help women
of all ages overcome the concern and embarrassment of drooping
pendulous breasts. The procedure involves the surgical tailoring
and tightening of breast skin, under general anaesthetic. Customers
undergoing this procedure usually stay in hospital just one night
to recover. The objective of surgery is to produce a pert, firm,
more youthful breast shape, that is in proportion to the rest of
the body.
WHAT KIND OF WOMEN REQUEST THIS PROCEDURE?
- Women of all ages who are unhappy with the general shape of
their breasts.
- Women who have been affected by the effects of gravity
following ageing, pregnancy or weight increase or loss.
- Women who suffer with uneven (asymmetrical) breasts.
- Women who are embarrassed by the way their pendulous breasts
interfere with their self confidence or deter them from choosing
certain items of fashionable clothing.
- Women who feel that their self esteem, social confidence or
relationships are affected by concerns about their breast
appearance.
WHAT ARE THE RESULTS LIKE?
This particular procedure can provide dramatic results, freeing
women from the considerable physical and emotional difficulties
that drooping breasts can cause. In some instances where
significant weight loss or pregnancy has occurred, this procedure
can also be performed in conjunction with breast implant surgery.
Combining breast uplift surgery with implant surgery will boost
both the size and shape of the breast.
This advanced corrective procedure is reasonably lengthy and
complex and needs to be performed by a Consultant Surgeon who is
fully qualified and experienced to skilfully perform this type of
breast surgery.
In order to re-tailor the breast tissue to its new shape,
visible scarring is unavoidable. The appearance of surgical scars
(which generally fade progressively after surgery) are a highly
individual matter. Usually, scarring matures and begins to fade to
a cosmetically acceptable level within 12 months following surgery.
Very occasionally, customers can develop red, unsightly, firm
scars, which do not fade easily, this condition is known as
Hypertrophic (or Keloid) scarring, which may require further
corrective treatment.
HOW IS A MASTOPEXY PROCEDURE PERFORMED?
This procedure involves a rearrangement of soft tissue,
repositioning of the nipple and tightening of the surrounding
breast skin. Occasionally, breast augmentation (enlargement) can be
incorporated into this procedure to also provide a fuller breast in
addition to the mastopexy (uplift) procedure.
This procedure can take an average of around 1.5 – 2 hours to
perform under a general anaesthetic.
Techniques for breast uplift vary between surgeons and according
to the individual needs of each case. However, the most common
incision method is shaped in an "anchor-like" appearance, leaving a
scar which extends around the darker tissue surrounding the nipple
(aureola) and extending down the midline of the lower segment of
the breast and then following the natural crease line beneath the
breast.
Another popular technique involves an S-shaped incision, leaving
a scar which extends around the aureola and across the lower
outside aspect of the breast, which finishes in the natural crease
line beneath the breast. The advantage of this method is that it
avoids the appearance of a visible scar line in the cleavage area,
which can be especially important to women who wish to be able to
wear clothes with a low or revealing neck line after surgery.
HOW WILL YOU FEEL AFTER SURGERY?
Whilst the operation of breast uplift is obviously a relatively
major procedure, the operated area is often quite numb following
surgery and customers often express that they experience a
surprising lack of post operative pain. However, analgesic tablets
(pain killers) are provided for any discomfort.
The return of nipple sensitivity following surgery is an
entirely variable one from patient to patient. The sensation in the
nipples is often preserved, but may be temporarily reduced or
enhanced whilst the scars heal. One in ten women will lose some or
all feeling in one or both of their nipples and breast feeding is
usually not possible if a future pregnancy were to occur.
In the early days following discharge, customers are strongly
advised to stay mobile at home, but to avoid any level of activity
that would put undue strain on the new surgical wounds.
Whilst surgical scars are going through their early healing
stage customers are advised to wear a soft, supportive bra, ideally
one that does not have an under wire. Good support of the breast
area following uplift surgery is considered important, as it can
help reduce the risk of Keloid scaring, as well as reduce post
operative swelling and breast discomfort.
Customers will be advised to take a specific amount of recovery
time away from work. This advice will be dependent on the type of
work individuals perform, but it is usual to take at least a
fortnight away from work and to refrain from any strenuous exercise
for at least 8 weeks following surgery.
ARE THERE ANY RISKS INVOLVED IN BREAST UPLIFT
SURGERY?
All surgery involves an element of risk from developing
complications. However, cosmetic surgery is usually undertaken
voluntarily and only when a patient is in good health. Therefore,
the probability of experiencing complications with this kind of
surgery are substantially lower than those who undergo surgery for
ill health reasons.
Risks such as pain, discomfort, bruising, swelling, bleeding,
alteration in sensitivity, infection and scaring will all be
discussed quite openly at consultation, as well as our scrupulous
efforts to manage and minimise these risks to their lowest possible
potential.
Smoking may adversely affect wound healing and heavy smokers may
be precluded from having this type of surgery as a result.
WHAT NEXT?
The importance of a thorough pre-operative consultation with the
Consultant Surgeon who will perform your operation cannot be over
stressed. You need time to consider all the benefits and risks of
breast uplift surgery, as well as the opportunity to reflect and
consider all the information your surgeon offers you before you
make a decision regarding potential surgery.
At Vive Life Care, each consultation is tailored to an
individuals needs, but the process will always involve a thorough
evaluation of your present and past medical history and a physical
examination of the problem area. Your surgeon will take time to
listen to your concerns regarding your present breast shape and
will take care to ensure that you have a thorough understanding of
what can be done to help, the procedure itself, the varying
recovery stages and a clear explanation of the risks involved.