Breast Lift

Posted: November 14, 2008

Genetics, pregnancy, nursing, aging and weight loss are major culprits why your once shapely and youthful looking breasts lose their shape and begin to sag. Weight loss can also cause the loss of tone and volume of a woman’s breasts. If you are considering cosmetic surgery, Breast lift (or Mastopexy) is the procedure for you.

“Breast lift does not only give you uplifted, firmer and youthful looking breasts, but can likewise results to an over-all improved upper body figure. However, this procedure is not advisable for women who are planning to have more children, because pregnancy may again stretch your breast’s skin and can therefore offset the result,” Dr. Firmalino points out.
 
Consultation
Before you go ahead with the surgery, Dr. Firmalino will initially evaluate your suitability for Breast Lift. To do this, he will take photographs for your medical record, examine your breasts and measure your breast’s size, shape and skin quality. He may also ask for your previous and current mammogram (or breast x-ray) and biopsies results. He will also ask you about any medications you are currently taking and any health conditions you have.

Should you qualify, he will discuss to you in detail the procedure including the location of incision, type of anaesthesia that will be used, as well as its likely outcomes, risks and complications, etc. He will also give you instructions on how to prepare for your surgery, among others.

“Results of any breast surgery should be based on the patient’s desired breast size, breast anatomy, and body type or figure. Surgeons should also take into consideration the patient’s goal, lifestyle, job and personal preferences,” Dr. Firmalino stresses.

Procedure
The surgeon will make a small anchor-shaped incision underneath (along the natural contour of) your breasts, and then the extra fat, skin and glandular tissue are removed. It is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia with sedation with or without overnight stay in the hospital. Surgery may lasts up to 2 hours or more depending on the amount of excess skin, fat and glandular tissue that has to be removed. Finally, the nipple and areola are placed in a new position. After surgery, your breasts will be wrapped with an elastic bandage for support and protection. The surgeon may also put a small, thin tube under the skin to help drain some of the excess blood or fluid. You will also be advised regarding wound care, bra selection and follow up care instructions. Before you return home you will also wear a surgical bra to help minimize swelling and hold your new breasts in the correct position.

Post Surgery and Recovery
Expect swelling, tenderness, bruising and some minor pain so it is important that you take the medications prescribed to you to alleviate you with these discomforts. You will be asked to go back to the clinic after 2 days for the removal of bandage, but continue wearing the surgical bra around the clock for a few weeks until the bruising, swelling and marks are gone. You will go back to the clinic again within 1 to 2 weeks for the removal of stitches. Stretching of the arms for 7 days is strictly prohibited. You can go back to work and resume light activities within 7 to 10 days. You will also be instructed to avoid sex for at least 2 weeks because sexual arousal can cause prolong swelling. Avoid strenuous activities such as exercise and contact sports for at least 6 weeks. Swelling, bruising or skin discoloration normally subside after 2 to 4 weeks. Incision lines will fade over time as your healing progresses. Our surgeon and staff will contact you from time to time to monitor your healing and post surgery recovery progress. Final outcome can be seen within three to four weeks.

Possible risks and complications
May include asymmetry, infection, unfavorable  scarring, bleeding, blood clots, loss of sensation, altered nipple or breast sensation which maybe temporary or permanent, delayed wound healing, excessive firmness of the breasts, fluid accumulation, but these can be reduced and/or avoided if you follow Dr. Firmalino’s instructions closely before and after surgery. 
 
For optimal results, Breast lift is usually done alone or at the same with Nipple or Areola reduction and/or Breast Augmentation.