An Enhancing Breast Lift (Mastopexy) in Pennsylvania

There are many factors as to why women choose to have a breast lift, also known as mastopexy, including weight-loss, pregnancy, breast-feeding, and gravity. Because of these reasons, women often choose to have breast lift surgery so that their breasts are raised and firmer. Sometimes breast augmentation is performed in conjunction with breast lift surgery.

Our plastic surgeon at Radiance Plastic Surgery in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area can discuss breast lift procedures with you.

Surgical Breast Lift Risks

Using the standard technique for this breast lift procedure, you will have scars around the areola, in a vertical line from the areola to the crease below the breast, and horizontally in the crease. The scars usually flatten and fade with time, but thicker and heavier scars can persist and require subsequent treatment, including surgery. For some reason, the scars extending toward the axilla (underarm area) are frequently thicker and heavier than those elsewhere. Redness of the scars may continue to fade for up to 2 years.

This recent advance in the treatment of thick scars will be used, if appropriate. Kenalog (steroid) injections can also help to minimize scars due to a breast lift surgery.

Mastopexy operations involve very careful planning and execution in order to achieve complete symmetry and a natural look for each breast. Because the planning of this operation combines "art" and "science," it is not always possible to predict perfect and equal breast shapes. Should you have slight asymmetry after healing, a small subsequent operation usually solves the problem.

During the breast lift operation, skin flaps are undermined, and the skin envelope around the breast tissue is tightened. The remote possibility exists that small or larger areas of skin or breast tissue or even the nipple can suffer from decreased circulation and can be partly or completely lost. Should this unlikely event occur, you may require extra time for healing or further surgery for closure and/or reconstruction. Talk to Dr. Cherup for more information about further surgeries at one of her practices in or near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Although uncommon, partial or complete loss of sensation to small or larger areas of breast skin or nipple can occur. This usually, but not always, improves with time.

Postoperative breast lift scarring within the breast tissue may cause areas of hardness. Occasionally, areas of hardness, when discovered later, may cause worries about cancer. Mammography or even biopsies are occasionally indicated.

Asymmetry, unhappiness with breast size, poor healing, unequal nipple height, etc. may occur. Minimal differences are usually acceptable. Larger differences frequently require revisional surgery.

Smokers have a greater chance of skin loss and poor healing because of decreased skin circulation. (See Preparing for Breast Implant Surgery)

Not having surgery, using support bras, weight loss and reduction mammoplasty are all potential alternatives. The surgical alternatives also have potential complications.

Consult with plastic surgeon Lori Cherup on any further questions regarding breast lift surgery risks. Contact her at one of her offices - main location in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Postoperative Breast Implant Instructions

Gauze pads or fluffs will cover the incision lines. Because the incision lines are usually quite long, some oozing of blood may occur (this is normal). We will change these dressings the day after the breast lift surgery. Thereafter, feel free to change them as needed at home.

Small amounts of oozing and bleeding are very common after breast lift surgery. If this entails more than slow staining of the gauze, apply firm pressure for 20 30 minutes before calling the office. Should heavy bleeding occur (very rare), apply firm pressure and call the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania office immediately at (412) 220- 8181.

A bra may be placed at the time of breast lift surgery or a day or two after. The bra acts as a "dressing," holding the breasts in perfect position. If the bra feels too tight or hurts, switch immediately to any bra that feels comfortable. A bra that is too tight can cause ulceration of the skin, and you must not let this happen! We want you to wear the bra at all times for at least 3 weeks following breast lift surgery. After 3 weeks, if you are healing without difficulty, you may sleep without the bra. You should not go braless during the day for 6 weeks after breast lift surgery. You will probably be more comfortable if you do not wear an underwire bra.

Water does not hurt healing incisions. You may shower or bathe once the gauze dressings are removed. You may leave the adhesive strips (steri- strips) in place if they are adherent. If they come loose, remove them.

You may drive when driving does not cause pain. This usually occurs in 4-6 days after breast lift surgery if you have a car with power steering.

You may take gentle walks within a few days of having breast lift surgery. Do not return to aerobic exercise for 3 weeks.

If you have further questions on postoperative instructions for breast implant surgery, contact plastic surgeon Lori Cherup at one of her practice locations - main office in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Healing from Breast Lift Surgery Information

The breast skin and tissue will continue to sag with time. No "lift" is forever. If and when sagging occurs, a small skin excision or tightening will usually solve the problem. Also, it is quite common for the two breasts to heal differently after a breast lift. One may swell more, one may feel more uncomfortable, or their shapes may differ initially. After complete healing, they will look remarkably similar and natural. You must be patient, but if you are concerned, ask questions of Dr. Cherup or the nursing staff.

Tingling, burning, or shooting pains accompany regeneration of the sensory nerves. These pains will disappear with time and are nothing to be alarmed about.

If your work keeps you sedentary, you may return whenever you feel up to it. If your work is strenuous, wait until your work activity does not cause any superficial pain. Do not begin aerobic or strenuous exercise for 3 weeks. Let your body tell you what it can tolerate.

For more information on the surgical risks, postoperative instruction or healing information for the breast lift plastic surgery procedure, contact surgeon Lori Cherup at her main office in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.