Breast Lift and Augmentation

As time passes, the breasts may lose their youthful contour, become less firm, and loose volume. In addition, the skin may loose its elasticity. These changes may result from gravity, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, breastfeeding and/or genetics.

Breast lift

A Breast Lift with Augmentation, also termed an Augmentation Mastopexy, procedure involves placing breast implants for volume at the same time that skin is excised both around the areola and along the lower pole of the breast to lift the breast. The procedure attempts to reduce the size of the areola and create a more youthful, uplifted breast profile.

Preparing for a Surgery

Preparation for a Breast Lift with Augmentation includes:

  • Visit her general practitioner for a medical evaluation.
  • Have lab tests, including blood work and a baseline mammogram. Women over 40 should have a mammogram before surgery:
  • Take specific medications or adjust current medications.
  • Avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin and herbal supplements: These products can increase the incidence of bleeding.
  • Stop smoking
  • This is performed as an outpatient procedure. Patients will need someone to drive them home on the day of their surgery. Furthermore, patients should have someone remain with them for the first night following surgery.

Anesthesia

During a Breast Augmentation with a Lift, patients receive medication to ensure they remain comfortable throughout their procedure. Breast lifts with augmentation are usually performed with IV sedation.

Types of Procedures

The procedure used is determined by the degree of ptosis of the breasts, the size of the implant the patient desires, and the anatomy of the patient.

The incisions used vary from a simple crescentic incision around a part of the areola, to a full Wise pattern incision that goes around the areola, down to the inframammary fold, and across the fold.

Once the incision is made, dissection proceeds to create a pocket for the implant. An implant sizer is placed that gives an idea of what the best implant size would be for your particular anatomy.

It is imperative that an excessively large implant not be used as this could put undue tension on the nipple-areola, resulting in wound healing problems.

Once the final implant size is decided, the breasts are lifted with the implant in place using the technique decided on previously.

Recovery

Recovery following a lift with augmentation takes approximately 3-4 weeks. During this period there is a gradual return to normal activities.

Results

Breast Lift results are dramatic in the first few months and then as the skin stretches and swelling subsides, the breasts settle to a more natural shape. You will require support in the form of bras to ensure your results last for many years, specially if a large implant size was chosen.

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