There are a variety of plastic surgery procedures when it comes to the breasts. Plastic surgeons perform a mastopexy, which is commonly referred to as a breast lift, when the breasts need to be raised. A mastopexy is a surgical procedure that lifts and reshapes the breasts to provide a firmer appearance to the bust line.
How Do Breasts Change As We Age?
Breasts do not remain the same throughout life. There are significant factors that can change the way breasts look. Here are some examples:
- Breast firmness often decreases with age. It is a natural occurrence as elasticity breaks down.
- Breasts undergo fluctuations with pregnancy. Hormonal changes and breastfeeding can cause the breast to stretch, sag, and alter in appearance.
- Weight gain or weight loss can cause changes to the breast and cause sagging.
- Genetics and gravity play roles in the evolution of how a woman’s breast look as she ages.
What Are The Benefits Of A Mastopexy?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast lift procedures have increased 70 percent since 2000. Compared to breast implants, demand for mastopexy is ahead by two to one.
There are a lot of reasons why a mastopexy may be beneficial. If you are unhappy with the way your breasts are shaped, a mastopexy can help with that. A mastopexy eliminates sagginess by lifting the breast. This creates a better bustline and makes the breasts look more youthful and aesthetically pleasing.
Getting a mastopexy is also beneficial to women who are dissatisfied with the size of their breasts. While a mastopexy does not involve increasing or decreasing the fullness or size of the breast, surgeons can enlarge the breast with augmentation during the same procedure. A woman’s breast size can also be reduced during a mastopexy if she is unhappy with the size of her breasts.
Before Surgery
Before a mastopexy, the surgeon will set ground rules for you to follow. As with any surgery, you will be instructed to stop taking certain medications, including blood thinners. Do not stop taking other medications without the doctor’s advice or consent. Smoking can cause complications to any surgery. Prior to a mastopexy, you will be instructed to stop smoking.
During Surgery
During your mastopexy, you will be given anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable during the procedure. It can take 2 to 3 hours to complete surgery.
The surgeon will make an anchor-like incision to open up the breast and perform the procedure. The incision is made under the breast to limit the visibility of the scar after surgery.
After the procedure is done, you will remain in the hospital to be monitored for any complications or issues. When it is determined that you are good to go, you can return home. Some patients stay at the hospital overnight, while others are able to return home on the same day as the procedure.
After Surgery
Following the surgery, you will need some time to rest and heal. Make sure to take adequate time off work and other commitments.
You can expect to have swelling, soreness, and bruising in the breasts following the surgery. It will take several weeks for these symptoms to gradually subside. Your doctor will provide prescription medications to help control pain symptoms and reduce the risk of infection.
You must avoid strenuous activities, including exercise, heavy housework, and lifting heavy objects for several weeks following surgery. You will also need to wear a special bra after the procedure. An underwire bra is not beneficial to healing and should be avoided.
Plastic Surgery Services in Rapid City, South Dakota and Gillette, Wyoming
If you are interested in learning more about how a mastopexy can help you achieve the look you desire, contact the experts at Black Hills Plastic Surgery. We have a wealth of experience helping women look their best through surgical and non-surgical treatments. Call (605) 343-7208 to schedule a consultation or request a consultation online.
