What is Breast Uplift (Mastopexy)?
Droopiness of the breast is a common legacy of motherhood,
nursing and the force of gravity taking their toll. The
effect of pregnancy and a distension of the breasts with milk
causes the fibrous bands which support the breasts in their
youthful shape to break down and the skin to stretch. With the
subsequent shrinking the unsupported breasts settle into the
stretched skin and gravity pulls them down. Putting on weight and
then losing it can have the same effect. So too does the ageing
process, which is why women dislike the appearance of their droopy
breasts.
Whilst it is not possible to recreate surgically the natural
supporting structure of the breast, it is possible to reshape the
breast into one which looks more youthful and feels firmer.
The cohesive silicone gel breast implants that we use at
CircleBath for reconstruction and cosmetic surgery are manufactured
to the highest standards by reputable companies. The companies are
Allergan and Nagor. The breast implants manufactured by these
companies have a lifelong guarantee against the risk of leak or
rupture. CircleBath has never used PIP breast implants.
What does this involve?
This surgery is normally carried out under a general anaesthetic
and will involve a one to two night stay in hospital depending on
the extent and size of the procedure.
There are various techniques that can be used to perform this
operation and your surgeon will advise which is the most
appropriate in your case, and will explain how your breasts will
appear afterwards. Your surgeon will need to mark the size and
shape of the breast while you are standing and the operation itself
involves removing excess skin through incisions on the lower part
of the breasts and the nipples are repositioned. Your breasts
are then remodelled into a tighter cone and the nipples are
repositioned at a higher level so that they lie at the points of
the tightened breasts.
Once surgery is complete, the incisions are closed with
stitches. Mastopexy can also reduce the size of the areola
(the darker skin surrounding the nipple). If the breasts are too
small as well as droopy, their size can be increased during the
operation by placing silicone breast implants underneath the
tightened breasts. The best results are achieved in women with
small sagging breast although breasts of any size can be
lifted.
Following the operation you may find that you have two small
tubes emerging from each of your breast so that any collection of
blood can drain. These will remain in place for a short period of
time
Following the procedure you will be taken from the operating
theatre into the Recovery Suite where you will be looked after
until you are fully awake following the anaesthetic. After this,
you will return to your room, where nursing staff will check your
dressings and monitor your pulse and blood pressure at regular
intervals.
Your anaesthetist is likely to prescribe painkillers to reduce
any potential discomfort and you should take these regularly for
the first few days. Pain can slow down your recovery, so it is
important to discuss any discomfort with the nursing staff.
You will have wound dressings in place and a supportive dressing
around your breasts. You may also be wearing your support bra.
Until the affects of the anaesthetic have passed, you will need
to rest. In the meantime you will be visited by your surgeon who
will assess your progress and answer any questions or concerns you
may have. Your nurses will also give you advice on getting out of
bed, personal hygiene, and diet.
Hospital contact details will be provided should you require any
advice once you have returned home, and a post-operative follow-up
appointment with your surgeon will be arranged.
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When will I recover?
Your surgeon may encourage you to wear a firm bra or dressing
following surgery which will continue until the stitches are
removed ten fourteen days later. You should refrain from strenuous
physical exercise including swimming, for a month and you will
probably require at least two weeks off work.
Over the next six to twelve months the scars will gradually fade
from red to pale. Your surgeon will make every effort to make your
scars as inconspicuous as possible but it is important to remember
that the scars are extensive and permanent.
Breast lift will not last forever and the effects of gravity,
pregnancy and weight gain will take their toll, as will time. The
results may not last as long with heavy breasts.
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What risks should I know about?
As with any major operation under general anaesthetic, there is
a small risk of chest problems particularly if you are a smoker and
a small risk of thrombosis of veins in your legs, particularly if
you are taking a contraceptive pill. In addition there is a small
risk of one or more of the following complications.
Rarely heavy bleeding from the broken blood vessels can occur
after the operation, which requires treatment in theatre under
another anaesthetic. Occasionally, infection (usually from germs
that are lying dormant in the ducts of the breast) can cause part
of the wounds to break down which prolongs the healing period and
worsens the quality of the final scars.
Some people have an inborn tendency for scars to stretch and
some people produce scars which remain thick, red and irritable for
a long time.
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Circle care
Mastopexy is carried out at CircleBath, our state of the art
hospital, which provides you with the best facilities and superb
patient care. We have a dedicated team of Cosmetic Surgeons
and Nurses who will guide you through the process from first
consultation to after-care and will be available to answer any
questions or queries you may have.
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