Drooping breasts are a problem that almost every woman faces. If you have large breasts, you are more prone to drooping, and this can cause physical problems like neck and back pain. Apart from the discomfort, sagging breasts often make us feel self-conscious and uncomfortable. However, a mastopexy, or breast lift, can help.
What Is a Mastopexy and What Can It Do?
A mastopexy is a common breast-enhancement surgery that lifts the breasts in order to change their shape and make them firmer. In order to achieve this, excess skin from the breasts is removed and the surrounding tissue is restructured and tightened. Mastopexy surgery is common among women who suffer from excess skin due to pregnancy or dramatic weight loss.
It is important to note that breast lifts are not the same as breast augmentation with implants. A breast lift cannot increase the size of your breasts. However, it can help them become perkier, firmer, and more youthful, giving the illusion of enlargement. Although a breast lift can be done as a single surgery, many women choose to combine it with breast augmentation.
There are various types of mastopexies, depending on how you would like your new breasts to look. They vary from each other based on the incisions made. For example, the most common one, the anchor breast lift, is meant for extreme drooping. There are also the lollipop lift, the donut lift, and the least invasive option, the crescent lift.
The Procedure
Usually, a mastopexy takes around two to three hours. You will first be given a general anesthetic in order to make you comfortable and unconscious during the procedure.
Depending on the kind of mastopexy you go for, the surgeon will then make an incision. If you opt for an anchor lift, the incision will be made around the areola, down to the breast fold, and then across the fold in a curve.
However, if you opt for the donut lift, an incision is made only around the areola. Another incision is made around it.
Regardless of the type of lift you choose, after the incisions are made, excess skin will be removed. Your areolae will be repositioned and resized if necessary, and the incisions will be sutured closed.
The Breast Lift Recovery Process
Just like the procedure is dependent on the type of mastopexy, the same goes for recovery. For the least invasive breast lift, it will take the least time to recover. Anchor lift recovery takes the longest.
During the recovery period, you will be required to wear a sports bra or an elastic bandage. A tiny drain may be temporarily inserted under your skin to avoid fluid accumulation.
It is normal to feel some slight pain and discomfort in the following days. Your doctor will provide you with pain medication for this. If you get enough rest and are sure to follow your surgeon’s post-operative care directions, you should be able to resume your daily activities and work after a few weeks.
Make an Appointment
Dr. Leo Keegan, an experienced double-board-certified plastic surgeon, can tell you more about your breast lift options during a consultation at our office. Make an appointment for a consultation – contact our office today.
