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Breast Lift Surgery FAQs
Q. How do I know if breast lift surgery is right for me?
A. Take a few minutes to read through this check list in order to
ascertain whether or not you are a suitable candidate for breast
uplift surgery:
• Are you happy with the size of your breasts but finding
them too pendulous?
• Do your breasts lack substance and / or firmness? This can
be shown up if your nipples and areolas point downward, not forward.
• Are your breasts completely developed?
If you answered Yes to these questions, a lift could be ideal for
you.
• Are your breasts unmatched in terms of size, firmness and
/ or shape?
• Are you breasts large and heavy?
A breast lift can be successful in these cases but Dr. Wilkinson
may recommend additional surgery. For example, while large breasts
can benefit from a lift, they tend to sag sooner than smaller breasts
so a breast reduction may be an option in such cases.
Age is rarely a factor as long as development is complete. If you
have not yet had children and plan on doing so, you may wish to
wait until after your child bearing and breastfeeding days are over.
Many women however have a breast lift before childbirth and take
further action later on if necessary.
It is usually quite possible to breast feed after a lift as the
milk ducts and nipples are left intact. To make sure, discuss this
with her.
How will I be assessed by my surgeon for the suitability
of my breasts for a successful lift?
Dr. Wilkinson will use a physical examination, measurements and
if necessary photographs to assess your breasts for surgery. She
will take into account the size and shape of your breasts,
skin quality, nipple and areola placement and general medical history,
including information about any medical conditions, drug allergies,
medical treatments, current medication and previous surgeries. In
addition Dr. Wilkinson will need to be told of your plans (if applicable)
to lose a significant amount of weight in the future. Many women
find their breasts sag / shrink with weight loss. In this instance
she may recommend that you schedule surgery once your
target weight has been achieved.
What can I do to prepare myself for surgery? Dr Wilkinson will advise you to stop smoking if you are a smoker. You will also be advised to avoid certain medications which can increase bleeding prior to surgery. It is possible that she may recommend that you undergo a mammogram before the procedure is booked; especially in cases where there are risk factors for breast cancer such as family history. Clinic staff will provide you with any additional pre-op instructions specific for your case. Enjoying a healthy eating and exercise regime before and after surgery will result in optimum results! (SEE GENERAL NOTES PREPARING FOR YOUR SURGERY)
How is the surgery performed? Your surgery will be performed at the Renaissance surgical clinic. Most patients are admitted as day cases. Occasionally, the surgery may be done as an inpatient, in which case you can plan on staying for a day or two.
Breastlifting is performed under a conscious sedation, which will make you feel drowsy and relaxed, however you'll sleep through the entire operation and not be aware of the procedure. The advantage is however that you will wake up feeling refreshed without the side effects of a general anaesthesia. Occasionally I may use a general anaesthesia, In all cases a certified anaesthetist will be responsible for your wellbeing.
Mastopexy usually takes 2-3 hours. The actual procedure may vary from person to person depending on the individual patient's breasts. The most common procedure involves a lollipop (short scar) or anchor-shaped incision following the natural contour of the breast The "doughnut" (or concentric) mastopexy is reserved for those patients with small breasts and minimal sagging.In general Dr Wilkinson will remove excess breast skin, raising, reshaping and firming up the breasts in the process. The nipples and areolas are repositioned and if necessary the areola may be resized to complement the newly enhanced breast. The nipples and areolas remain attached to underlying tissue which means that sensation and the ability to breastfeed should remain unaffected. Dr Wilkinson will discuss the actual technique that she plans on using for your specific surgery to you during consultation. Small drains may be inserted to avoid fluid build-up and you will have dressings on the breasts over the surgery site
What can I expect following surgery?
While you will be encouraged to get out of bed for short periods of time on the day after surgery, straining, bending and lifting must be avoided for several days as this could result in bleeding or swelling. Sleeping on your back will help to keep pressure off your breasts. If you have drains they will be removed within a few days and your dressings will be checked and changed or removed. It is sometimes advisable to wear a support bra for a few weeks post surgery until all swelling and bruising have subsided. Expect stitches to be removed around the tenth day. Temporary loss of sensation is common and can take up to a year to recover. In addition, do not be alarmed, your breasts may take some time to assume a natural shape and for scarring to fade – once again a complete recovery can take anywhere up to 12 months. If you are at all concerned about anything during the post-op period always contact our staff for advice and reassurance. They will be able to ascertain if there are complications.
When can I expect to resume normal activities?
In most cases it is possible for patients to resume work within a week of a breast lift surgery unless the nature of the work is excessively strenuous. You may also resume exercise, starting slowly, within a few weeks. Follow the clinics advice. It is normal to experience mild discomfort periodically but severe pain must be reported immediately. Sexual activity may be resumed after around 2 weeks but you will be advised to handle the breasts gently for the following weeks. If you have any concerns or questions regarding specific activities and time frames, check with my staff.
How long can I expect the results to last?
The new breast shape should remain constant for a number of years unless your weight changes dramatically. You should anticipate that aging and gravity will eventually impact all breasts and it is possible to undergo a second uplift in later years.
What are the risks?The good news is that major complications following breast lifts are rare. However there is always some risk with any form of surgery and it is important to make an informed decision before going under the knife. Potential complications include bleeding, infection and negative reactions to anaesthetic medication. In addition your breasts may not be perfectly symmetrical and nipple height may vary slightly between the two breasts. It is worth remembering that natural breasts also show some variation. In rare instances a permanent loss of sensation of the nipple may occur. Rarely, the nipple and areola may lose their blood supply and the tissue will die. Scarring fades but may permanently remain visible, however usually concealed by clothing. Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers. Following the pre- and post-operative advice of Dr. Wilkinson will lower your risks of complications even further.
FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING THE PROCEDURE
www.plastic surgery.org
www.cosmeticsurgeryexplained.co.uk
www.emedicine.com
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Find out if breast lift surgery is right for you with our breast lift surgery FAQs.
