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Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
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Women are candidates for breast lifts if their breast gland is too low on the chest, if the gland folds over and rests on the chest, or if the nipples are too low.
Child bearing with or without breast feeding is the most common cause for these changes in breast shape, however weight loss, genetic "soft collagen" and advancing age can all cause or contribute to breast sagging.
Several procedures for the correction of breast and/or nipple sagging exist and can be tailored to your specific needs. |
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Dr. Gordon will discuss the variety of surgical procedures, depending upon what changes are desired. Prior to surgery, pre-medication to relax the patient is administered and breasts are carefully marked to indicate where the incisions are to be made.
 When a woman has breasts which are shaped like sweet potatoes (tubers) this condition is
termed tuberous breasts and is treated by a type of lift, which circles the areola and is
termed a circumareola lift. A circumareola or "C" lift is also good for the treatment of
mild forms of nipple asymmetry or malpositions such as low-lying nipples.
In cases in which there is good nipple position on the breast mound, but poor gland position, then a lift of the gland without disturbing the nipple position can be done using a vertical incision, which passes between the bottom edge of the areola and the inframammory fold. We call this lift an abbreviated vertical scar mastopexy. (AVSM)
In the typical advanced cases of nipple and gland malposition we need to lift both the nipple and the gland. The incision circles the areola, (often reducing the areola to a more appropriate size) and continues down to the inframammary fold. We call this lift a vertical scar mastopexy or VSM lift. This is the most common lift we do and in our hands provides the best results for the common varieties of breast and nipple sagging as well as a method for reducing large breasts.
Some women have back pain and bra strap shoulder grooves from very large
and heavy breasts. In the course of reducing their breasts, a lift will
take place as an added benefit. The incision for
breast reduction circles
the areola drops vertically to the inframammary fold and then passes
along the entire fold in both directions. We call this breast reduction/lift
an inverted "T" lift. However, it is very rare with today's techniques
that this method will be used. In most cases, we can now reduce the
breast with nominal incision (VSM Approved).
BEFORE
SURGERY Prior to
surgery, a complete medical history is taken in order to evaluate the
general health of the patient.
Dr. Gordon will do a thorough examination
of the entire patient as well as the breast to determine the most
effective surgical approach. He will describe the type of anesthesia to
be used, the procedure, what results might realistically be expected,
and the possible risks and complications.
Mammograms or x-rays may be taken as well as digital photography.
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FOLLOWING
SURGERY
After surgery, the patient may temporarily have a drain and will need to wear an absorbent pad for a day or two. A bra may be worn but is not necessary, unless you are instructed to do so to aid in breast shaping.
Pain connected with the procedure is moderate, but is controlled with
oral medication. Daily showers and Antibiotics will be continued to
prevent infection. Instructions for the day of surgery include bed rest
and limited activities. Dr. Gordon will determine when normal activities
can be resumed; however, weight training and aerobic exercise must be
avoided for several weeks.
Sutures, if necessary (most cases use dissolvable suturess), are removed
in about seven to fourteen days at which time
Dr. Gordon may recommend
massage to keep the breast supple. Numbness around the treated area
may occur, but this condition is usually temporary. Swelling and discoloration
disappear in a few days, and scars from incisions, although permanent,
fade significantly with time.
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