Aging, weight loss, pregnancy and breast feeding, may cause breasts to droop. Breast lift (mastopexy) is a surgical technique to lift and reshape the breasts.
It is common for breasts to droop. If the breast volume is adequate the breast may simply be lifted to reestablish the breast shape, which also involves lifting the nipple and areola. However, after weight loss or breast feeding some breast volume may be lost. In such cases, the lift procedure may be combined with augmentation/enlargement to obtain the desired result. Differences in breast size and projection can also be corrected.
There are several different surgical techniques available to lift the breasts. After a full medical and breast history review and a thorough examination, Dr Kippen will explain all the techniques and outline the advantages and disadvantages of each. To a degree, however, choice depends on the amount of lift and desired outcome.
Recovery depends on complexity of surgery. By two weeks most activities of daily living can be completed and sedentary work can be started at about this time. Exercise can be gradually reintroduced from about 4 weeks. You will be given a detailed individualised care plan.
All surgery leaves scars, and mastopexy is no exception. The resulting scar pattern differs depending on which surgical technique is used. Usually there is a scar around the areola and there may be a vertical scar; sometimes a horizontal scar in the lower breast fold is required.
Caring for your incisions and scars will be explained. You should be aware that bleeding, bruising and infection may occur, and that nipple sensation and the ability to breast feed may be altered. All risks will be carefully explained, but in general the procedure is well tolerated and the results are very favourable.
If a breast lift procedure is completed between 1 and 7 years from a pregnancy some Health Funds and Medicare may contribute to the costs.
At the time of consultation, Dr Kippen will give a far more comprehensive explanation of the procedure and likely recovery. He will give you brochures to read as well as showing before and after photographs.
You should read the information presented here in conjunction with the information contained on the Frequently Asked Questions page of the website.
