Francois J Duminy

PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGEON

MASTOPEXY (BREAST LIFT)

What is Mastopexy (Breast Lift)?

Mastopexy is the firming and lifting of the breast by the tightening of the tissues and removal of excess skin.

The volume of the breast is not significantly changed, only a thin layer of skin is removed.

sometimes, patients ask for an enlargement as well as a lift. Our advice is always, that, unless it is a very small enlargement (less than 150ml) we would prefer to do the lift first, let everything heal, then do the enlargement 6 to 8 months later.

 

Benefits of Mastopexy

An improved self-image leading to greater confidence.

A feeling of restored youth and vigour in those who have experienced loss of breast substance and consequent sagging due to pregnancy and lactation.

 

Negative aspects.

At present you are free of scars, after surgery scarring is inevitable. Development of scars varies from person to person. Our aim is to finally achieve mature scars that are thin, soft, pale lines which are hidden from view as well as possible. To help you in this, please refer to our page on scar care.

The scars required for mastopexy are usually around the areola and then vertically downwards below the areola. There may also be a horizontal scar near the inframammary crease (the fold under your breast).

We always try to limit the scarring and to help you to choose the smallest scar that will work for your problem.

Because these scars have been made to tighten your breast, one must remember that they themselves are under tension. This means that they require excellent support from both the tape and a well-fitting bra. If unsupported, they will tend to spread out. and also to thicken.

If you allow the same pre-operative environmental conditions to act on your breasts after the operation, the skin and soft tissues will respond in the same way as before, they will stretch out and sagging will recur. One therefore needs to change the environment by ensuring good support which is best achieved by a well-fitting underwired bra.
 

Many patients experience either increased or decreased sensitivity in the nipple post surgery. In the vast majority of patients this returns to normal within six months

 

Complications

We try at all times to avoid complications by taking every precaution available to us and by employing meticulous techniques. Complications, however, will sometimes occur even in the hands of the most careful surgeon.
 

As with any surgical procedure the wounds may become infected which may prolong your treatment which might include drainage,
dressings and antibiotics.

A bleed may occur after surgery and it may be necessary to return to the operating theatre to stop such a bleed and remove the
excess blood.

Pain is sometimes experienced in the first few post-operative days. Sometimes very sharp pains of a very short duration occur. These pains are known as "lightning pains" and their occurrence is infrequent but they can last up to a few years before finally disappearing.

 

The Choices you must make

Local or General anaesthetic, Remember that local anaesthetic procedures can be carried out in our own procedure room
and that they have lower risks in terms of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism.

 

How to Prepare for the Procedure

Arrange a consultation with the surgeon (Make a consultation booking)
 

At Consultation you will find out if you are a suitable candidate fort the procedure (not everyone is )
 

Obtain a quote for the procedure so that you can plan finances.
 

When you are ready, schedule an operation date and pay your booking deposit
 

Prepare your body:

Keep fit

Stop smoking!

Prepare your breast skin by using a pregnancy cream such as Dermastine regularly to help prevent stretch marks

Stop taking anticoagulant medications such as Disprin, Aspirin, Ginko Biloba, Evening Primrose oil, Omega 3 Salmon Oil, Flaxseed Oil, Arnica and Vitamin E at least 10 days before your procedure. (If these substances have been prescribed by your doctor, then please discuss with your surgeon and the prescribing doctor whether they should be stopped) .

Do not sunburn/sunbathe your breasts pre-operatively

Buy an inexpensive underwired bra of the desired size and another one which is one cup size larger to accommodate early swelling.
 

Schedule an appointment with one of our Registered Nurse Practitioner Consultants who will

Re-discuss the details of the procedure with you.

Give you an opportunity to ask questions

Give you a pack containing useful items for the peri-operative period.

Give you an appropriate prescription for post-operative medication.

Go through the informed consent document with you

 

Pay the remainder of the procedure fee at least one week before the procedure to facilitate ordering of special materials, drapes and instruments

 

 

Immediate Pre-Op Checklist

Arrange to be transported too and from the procedure

Make a note of accompanying person's contact details to hand to us

Stay "Nil Per Mouth" for 6 hours before your scheduled procedure time

Shower head to toe with medicated shampoo to reduce the bacterial load on the skin

Wear loose clothing

Pack your Bras

Give yourself enough time for a relaxed approach.

 

Post-Operative Care

Wear your Underwired Bra day and night for one month - This keeps your breasts stable and well positioned during the critical early healing period

After 1 month, you can stop wearing the bra at night, but you must continue to wear it every day when you are up and about.

When exercising, wear a Sports Bra such as a "Triumph Shock Absorber " over your underwired bra.Good support of the healing internal "scars" is vital.

Waterproof dressings will allow you to shower from day 1. Bathing and swimming allowed only after 7 days

Attend your "dressing change" consultation with the Registered Nurse Practitioner and pay careful attention to the "scar taping" instructions that you will be given.

Tape your scars correctly for 4 to 6 months ("if we support the scars, they will not need to support themselves" and they will therefore remain as thin flat lines rather than becoming ridges) See Our "Scar Care" page

Enjoy your new appearance with confidence.