polskiniemieckiangielski

BREAST LIFT
SYN. MASTOPEXY, BREAST LIFTING

Preparing for surgery


  • Required laboratory tests: blood cell count, clotting profile (coagulogram), blood group, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, fasting blood glucose, blood ion levels, urea, creatinine, ECG, chest X – ray, hepatitis B vaccination, breast ultrasonography.
  • For one week prior to the surgery aspirin, other acetylsalicylic acid products and other blood thinning products should be avoided. Drugs that enhance coagulation and decrease blood vessel wall permeability such as vitamin C and Rutinoscorbin (rutin and ascorbic acid tablets) are recommended.
  • No smoking is recommended for 14 days before the surgery. Food, drinks, chewing gum, chewing sweets (including Tic Tac) are forbidden for six hours before the surgery.
  • Recommended: good health, make – up removal before the surgery.

    • Description of procedure

    Anaesthesia: general.

    Length: 1,5 – 3 hours.

    Discharge from clinic: 1 – 2 days after procedure.

    Mastopexy involves raising and reshaping the breasts making them look more youthful and more attractive. Moreover it can reduce and even out areolas of the nipples. In practice, different techniques are used to achieve desirable results:

    McKissoka – a scar in the shape of reversed letter T is left
    Lejour – a vertical scar is left
    Benelli – a scar around the nipple is left

    A technique to be used depends on the extent of breast sagging, body constitution and patient's preferences. All the details will be discussed by your plastic surgeon at the consultation preceding the surgery.
    In patients with small breasts mastopexy can be combined with breast augmentation and in patients with large breasts it can be combined with breast reduction.

    Recovery

    1. Drains are removed one day after the surgery.
    2. A special protective bra will have to be worn for 30 days after the surgery.
    3. Stitches are removed 7 days after the surgery.
    4. Physical exercise, heavy lifting, sauna and solarium must be avoided for 2 – 3 weeks after the surgery.
    5. When stitches are removed the scar should be oiled with baby oil. Do not use scar – reducing products at that moment.
    6. Usually there are: pain which requires pain – killer medications, swelling, discharge from drains, transient loss of feeling in the nipples and areolas.
    7. Possible complications: haematoma requiring repeat surgery, infection, persistent swelling, hypertrophied scars requiring surgical removal.

    Duration of results

    The full results are seen not earlier than 4 – 6 weeks after the surgery. In most patients the result is permanent. However aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations may result in the need for repeat surgery.

    Frequently asked questions

    Two years have passed since I had my baby. I was breastfeeding for 12 months. My breasts have become very saggy and their volume has decreased. I have been thinking about breast lift but am afraid of possible problems with breastfeeding of my second baby that my husband and me are going to have.

    If you are planning your next baby I would advise to put off the breast lift procedure because of possible problems with lactation and further breast sagging.

    What laboratory examinations should be performed as a screening for breast cancer and how often?

    Breast ultrasonography should be repeated every year and in women over the age of 40 mammography is necessary.