Cosmetic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Roger T. Brill, MD, FACS PA
352-331-7987 800-428-8419
Breast Enhancement Procedure
Breast Lift
Breast Lift, also known as Mastopexy, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to lift and reshape the breasts to support a new contour. As a woman ages, skin loses some elasticity which can cause the breasts to lose their natural shape and firmness. This procedure is designed to elevate the breasts and give them a more youthful appearance.
Breast lifts are becoming more popular for women interested in rejuvenating their figure with a breast profile that is youthful and uplifted. Women may request the breast lift because of unattractive genetic features or changes in the breasts that result from pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, aging and gravity. The benefits of the breast lift include reshaping tubular misshapen breasts, improve breast droopiness, and improve breast sagging.
It is important for the patient to be clear and precise about the desired outcome in order for Dr. Brill to apply the right technique and procedure. The breast lift will not change breast size or necessarily create fullness in the upper portion of the breasts. In some cases, patients choose to undergo the breast lift and breast augmentation. Dr. Brill will help you decide on the best treatment plan at the time of initial consultation.
Consultation:
At the initial visit, Dr. Brill will ask you to describe in detail what you would like improved. Be specific about what you would like done. If he fully understands your expectations, he'll be able to determine whether your goals are realistic. Dr. Brill will examine your breasts and talk to you about what size you want your breasts to be. During your breast lift consultation at our Gainesville practice, we will show you a variety of examples of other patients’ results. Dr. Brill will use the mirror to demonstrate a moderate degree of improvement and the probable location of incisions. If you are also choosing breast implants, you will use a bra and sizers to demonstrate the degree of fullness. You will also be given specific instructions about surgical preparation and your recovery. To achieve and maintain the best results from this procedure, it is best to postpone it until after any future pregnancies you may be planning, even though there are no hindrances to breast feeding.
A Good Candidate:
Wants to elevate the breasts due to sagging caused by the effects of aging and gravity
Wants to bring back natural suppleness
Has good skin tone and elasticity
Has loose or saggy skin
Women that have excessively large breasts (liposuction normally only provides a 30-50% reduction in size)
Women before menopause (during menopause fat replaces glandular tissue)
Has realistic expectations and is emotionally stable
Understands the risks and benefits of surgery
Procedure Details / Expectations:
This procedure is done on an outpatient basis. Local anesthesia is usually used for your safety and comfort. The procedure reduces, lifts and reshapes the breasts. It can also reduce the size of the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple). Many women seek breast reduction to alleviate painful discomfort and other conditions (back pain, shoulder pressure, rashes, skin tags, etc.) as well as to improve the appearance of their breasts. Surgery is completed in two to three hours under general anesthesia.
In the picture below the outlined areas show where skin, breast tissue, and fat are typically removed and how the areola and nipple are repositioned. The arrows show how skin formerly above the nipple is brought down and sutured together to reshape the breast. After surgery, scars will appear around the areola and in the crease under the breast.
Figure 1
In some cases, the nipple and areola are transferred as a skin graft to their new position. This is only done when absolutely necessary, since nipple sensation is almost completely lost. Drains are then placed on the sides of the breasts to drain blood and excess fluid. The drains are not removed for 1-2 days. The incisions are then sutured closed and taped.
After a short stay in our Surgery Center recovery area you’ll return home. Medications are given for post-operative pain. Plan light activities at home the first few days, then typically resume most activities in about a week. You will have several office follow-up visits to ensure the recovery process is going smoothly. Possible risks and complications will be discussed and given to you in written form prior to surgery. We’ll give you a soft bra to wear for a few weeks before you shop for new ones. Early over-correction will decrease. The improvement is significant, but the results will change with age and gravity.
Recovery:
In your recovery after the breast lift/mastopexy surgery, you can expect the breasts to be swollen and sore due to bruising caused by the removal of skin and repositioning of the surrounding tissue. You will wear bandages or a surgical bra for a few days, after which a soft support bra should be worn for three or four weeks around the clock. Stitches are normally removed a week or two after surgery. The pain from breast lift surgery will not be severe, and any discomfort can be relieved by prescription medications. If the breast skin becomes dry, a moisturizer can be applied taking care to avoid the incision areas. Swollen breasts after surgery may result in some temporary loss of feeling in the nipples, but will fade along with the swelling over the next few months. Most patients can return to work within a week or so, but instructions from Dr. Brill will be given before normal activities are allowed.
Once your stitches are removed, usually in one or two weeks, you should be able to return to work, depending on the demands of your job. Be sure to limit your physical activity-you may feel diminished sensitivity or no feeling at all in your breasts and nipples, but sensation should return after several weeks.
Surgical scars are usually minimal and are permanent. To keep scar tissue soft and minimize their appearance, massage them and keep them out of the sun. Massage them with scar minimizing/reduction creams.
For Faster Recovery:
Drink adequate amounts of liquids to prevent dehydration.
Avoid alcoholic beverages for 48 hours before and after surgery.
Wear compression garments as suggested to prevent slow healing and excessive drainage.
Do NOT soak in a bath, Jacuzzi, swimming pool, or the ocean for at least 7 days after surgery in order to minimize the risk of infection.
Reduce your risk of fainting at home by: standing up slowly after urinating, remove compression garments slowly, have assistance for your first shower and sit down if you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
Do not shower or bathe until the drains are removed
Wear loose clothing-NO underwire Bras
Drink plenty of water and be sure to get adequate nutrition
Cost / Insurance:
Approximate Cost Range: $4,000-$8,000
** This is only an Average. Fees vary according to patient needs.**
This procedure is considered cosmetic and therefore is not covered by insurance. The patient is responsible for payment.
Risks / Complications:
The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are rare. Risks common to all surgical procedures such as bleeding, fluid collections, infection and scar tissue formation occur in a very small percentage of cases. We will give you more detailed information about these and other rare risks in our written information, and encourage you to discuss any which concern you during your consultation.
Notes:
You are at increased risk for complications from surgery if you have diabetes, poor circulation, heart, lung or liver disease, smoke, have a family history of blood clots, take certain medications, etc. You'll want to discuss your medical history thoroughly with Dr. Brill before you choose to undergo surgery.
352-331-7987 or 1-800-428-8419
The information on this web site is only intended as an introduction to this procedure and should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor as a guarantee of the result. The best method of determining your options is to consult with Dr. Brill to answer specific questions related to your situation. For our Disclaimer Page and Privacy Policy.
