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Surgery
Breast lift surgery is usually
performed under general anesthesia in an outpatient clinical setting. Some women will be
admitted to the hospital after surgery where they will stay for one to two days after the
operation. The procedure generally takes between two and four hours.
The most common breast lift involves an
anchor-shaped incision along the breast’s contour. The incision will come from both
sides of the breast and intersect above the nipple. When the excess skin has been removed,
the nipple and areola (dark pigmented region around the nipple) are moved to the higher
position. The skin around the areola is brought down and together to re-shape the breast.
Stitches are usually made around the areola in a vertical line extending down from the
nipple area and along the lower fold of the breast.
Another technique that may be performed
on women with small breasts and minimal sagging involves circular incisions around the
areola. A doughnut shaped area of skin is removed. If an implant
is also being placed during the surgery, it is set under the breast tissue or the chest
wall (pectoral) muscle. Stitches are placed were the incisions are made and gauze bandages
are usually placed over the breasts to facilitate healing.
Side
Effects
After surgery, the breasts will be
swollen and bruised for a few days. Breast pain after the procedure is usually mild and
may be treated with prescription medications. Stitches are usually removed within two
weeks. Patients should avoid heavy lifting, pushing or pulling, and strenuous sports for
at least one month after surgery to give the breasts time to heal. Serious side effects or
complications of breast lift surgery are not common.
Side effects of breast lift surgery may
include:
- Bleeding or infection
- Temporary or permanent loss of nipple
sensation
Breast lift surgery leaves permanent,
noticeable scars. Scars will appear red and lumpy at first but will become less obvious
over time. Women who smoke may have wide scars because smoking tends to interfere with the
healing process.
Breast lift surgery is not permanent.
Additional pregnancies, nursing, weight gain, and aging will cause the breasts to sag
again. The effects of breast lift surgery usually last longer in women who have breast implants placed during the operation. Breast-feeding is
possible in some cases after breast lift surgery.
Additional Resources and References
Updated: October 24, 2007
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