What is a breast lift?

Loss of skin elasticity, gravity and other factors such as weight loss, pregnancy and breast-feeding ultimately affect the shape and firmness of your breasts. Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy lifts droopy, pendulous breasts that often occur following weight loss, pregnancy and breast-feeding. Patients who are generally satisfied with the size of their breasts can have a breast lift to raise and firm them, resulting in a more youthful breast contour. Some patients may be unhappy that they have lost a significant amount of breast volume over time especially in the upper portion of their breasts. In such cases, implants inserted in conjunction with a breast lift can increase breast size at the same time as the shape and position of the breasts are enhanced.

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Consulting with Dr. Mezrow:

During the consultation, Dr. Mezrow will ask you about your particular concerns regarding your breasts and desired breast size. This will help determine your expectations and determine whether they can be realistically achieved.

You should tell your plastic surgeon if you plan to lose a significant amount of weight, particularly if you have noticed that your breasts become smaller with weight loss. Your surgeon may recommend that you stabilize your weight before having surgery.

After obtaining a comprehensive medical and surgical history, Dr. Mezrow will examine your breasts and chest wall. The breast volume, asymmetries, breast skin tone, presence of masses, nipple position and sensation will be assessed. . Dr. Mezrow will also take measurements that will guide him in surgical planning.

How is the procedure done/Where will I have scars?

There are different incision options depending on the distance the nipple-areola need to be raised and the amount of excess skin that needs to be removed. . The incisions range from limited incision around the areola only (periareolar), to classically described as an anchor, around the areola extending vertically from the bottom of the areola to the breast fold, then horizontally along the curve of the breast fold. Other options may include the anchor design with no scar or limited scar along the breast fold. Dr. Mezrow will discuss which technique you are a candidate for. After making the incisions the excess skin is excised and breast tissue with the nipple –areola are raised to a higher position. Typically, the areola which are enlarged are reduced in size. As previously mentioned, an implant may be placed at the time of the mastopexy or as a secondary procedure if you desire larger, fuller breasts (breast augmentation) in addition to your breast lift surgery.

The procedure is performed as an outpatient. The procedure typically takes approximately 2-3 hours to perform depending on the technique of mastopexy. Most patients recover within 1 to 2 hours after surgery and are discharged home.

What are the potential complications?

Fortunately, significant complications from mastopexy are infrequent, however, all surgery has risks. Dr. Mezrow will discuss with you, the risks, benefits and alternatives and answer all your questions.

Some potential complications include infection, bleeding, delayed healing, loss of skin, altered nipple sensation, nipple loss, areola and breast asymmetries, inability to breast feed and poor scarring. A complication, which delays healing and prolongs recovery, is more common in diabetic patients and those who smoke.

Preoperative and postoperative instructions will be given to you by Dr. Mezrow in attempt to reduce the likelihood of complications and make you as comfortable as possible with the whole process. Smokers will be instructed to stop smoking 4-6 weeks prior to surgery and not resume smoking to reduce the risk of delayed healing, wounds, infections and compromised outcome. Aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications as well as agents that cause bleeding should be discontinued two weeks prior to surgery (or as otherwise instructed by Dr. Mezrow and your primary physician) to reduce the likelihood of bleeding Mastopexy is usually performed as an outpatient basis, It is important to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you for at least the next day or two.

What kind of medications will be given to me?

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. Typically, a general anesthetic is administered, so that you will be asleep throughout the procedure.

What happens after surgery?

When surgery is completed, you will be taken into a recovery area where you will continue to be closely monitored. You will be placed in a surgical bra and have gauze dressings over your incisions. You may be permitted to go home after recovery, unless you and Dr. Mezrow have determined that you will require a short stay in the hospital or post surgical facility.

You will be instructed to get out of bed for short walks to promote blood circulation and decrease the risk of blood clots. Strenuous activities should be avoided for the first several days, since these activities might cause compromised results including but not limited to increase swelling or even bleeding.

Sutures will not be removed, as they are resorbable. You will be instructed on taping of incisions to optimize healing of the scars.

You will have swelling and bruising, which will resolve with time. It is not uncommon to have some altered sensation of the breast skin and nipples. The incisions will be initially be reddish and then slowly fade over months resulting in permanent scars.

When can I return to work?

Depending on your physical condition, you may be able to return to non-strenuous work in approximately one week after surgery.

How long is the healing process?

During healing you may experience some mild, periodic discomfort and swelling, such feelings are normal. Severe pain should be reported to Dr. Mezrow.

Mastopexy will enhance breast shape, lifting droopy – saggy breasts. It is not uncommon to feel more comfortable in your clothing, bathing suits and be more confident about your appearance.

Healing from your surgery is a process that takes up to a year for final result. You will be instructed to return to Dr. Mezrow’s office for follow-up care at prescribed intervals to monitor your progress and optimize your outcome.

If you have any questions or concerns prior to surgery or during your recovery, you should contact Dr. Mezrow.