BreastLift and Breast Reduction are surgical procedures that involve theremoval of breast tissue and reshaping of the breast. Breast liftsurgery is an option for women who, although satisfied with the size oftheir breast, are unhappy about sagging and loss of firmness. Theprocedure is called "mastopexy".
Breast reduction surgery is an option for women who are trying to easethe physical symptoms caused by the weight of excessively largebreasts. The procedure is called "reduction mammaplastry".
Healthy women of any age can have a breast lift or breast reduction.Dr. Breidahl generally recommends waiting until breast development,childbirth and breastfeeding have stopped.
The Main Reasons for a Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
To reshape sagging breasts and improve contour.
To increase the firmness of soft breasts
To increase the volume of breasts, in combination with the insertion of an artificial implant
To raise the position of downward pointing nipples
To reduce the size of the areolas.
The Main Reasons for Reduction Mammaplasty
To reduce breast size in a woman whose breasts are heavy and pendulous
To improve posture and ease pain in the back, neck and shoulders
To relieve pain in breast tissue
To allow a greater range of physical activity
To raise the position of downward pointing nipples
To reduce skin irritation in the breast folds
To improve self-confidence
The Decision to have Mastopexy or Reduction Mammaplasty
It is important to decide on the breast size and shape you would likeand to discuss this in detail with Dr. Breidahl. Also mention anythingelse about your breasts that you would like to see improved.
To predict the exact outcome of breast size and shape is not possible.Other factors such as weight gain, weight loss, or hormonal factorswill continue to affect the breast tissue.
Anaesthesia
Modern anaesthesia is safe and effective, but does have risks. Rarely,side effects from an anaesthetic can be life threatening.
Breast Reduction: The procedure is nearly always done under generalanaesthesia. The surgery can take between two to four hours, but maytake longer.
Surgery
All breast lift and breast reduction procedures leave permanent scars.These will be red initially and take six months to one year to fade.
Surgical Techniques
Two methods that may be used to lift breasts or reduce breast size, as follows:
1. Robbins (inferior pedicle) Method
This involves incisions:
Around the areola
Vertically down from the lower edge of the areola to the crease under the breast (inframammary fold)
Horizontally, along the natural curve of the breast crease. After excess skin, fat and breast tissue are removed, the nipple and areola are moved into a higher position.
2. Lejour Method
The Lejour method is similar to the Robbins method but does not use thehorizontal incision along the breast fold. The vertical scar ispuckered and takes several months to smooth out.
Recovery After Surgery
Going home:Arrange for a friend or relative to drive you to and from the hospitalor clinic. A responsible adult should stay with you for at least 24hours. After breast-reduction surgery, most patients stay in hospitalbetween two and four days.
Pain:During the first few days after surgery, pain and discomfort arecommon, particularly when moving or coughing. Your doctor willprescribe painkillers. Gradually, pain should ease to becomediscomfort.
Dressing: After surgery you will wear a surgical bra to provide support for your breasts.
Wound Drainage:A plastic tube may be inserted into each breast to drain off excessfluid. They remain in place until the drainage is minimal and are thenremoved usually a few days after surgery.
Incisions: These will heal over the next 10 to 21 days. Bathing and showering must be done carefully.
Scars:These will remain red and raised for several months. They willgradually fade and flatten. Protect your scars from direct sunlight orsuntan lamps for at least one year.
Smoking: Do not smoke. Smoking contributes to wound breakdown and delayed healing, as well as causing other health problems.
Resuming Normal Activities
For about three to four weeks, avoid lifting anything heavier than onekilogram. Most women can return to work after two weeks, if work is nottoo strenuous.
Your breasts may initially feel firm and appear to be quite high onyour chest. Although much of the swelling and bruising will disappearin the first few weeks, it may be several months before your breastsacquire a more natural shape and position.
