Over time, different factors, including
pregnancy, nursing, and the forces of
gravity effect the appearance of the breasts. Loss of skin elasticity
causes the breasts to lose their shape and firmness, and begin to sag.
Patients who are generally satisfied with the size of their breasts can
have a breast lift, or mastopexy, to raise and firm them. This results
in a more youthful breast contour. Some patients may be unhappy that
they have lost breast volume over time, or following pregnancy. In such
cased, implants inserted in conjunction with a breast lift can increase
the size at the same time as the shape and positions of the breasts are
enhanced.
In general, patients with any of the
following conditions may be good candidates for a breast lift:
- Breasts that
are pendulous, but of satisfactory size.
- Breasts that
lack substance or firmness
- Nipples that
point downward, especially if they are positioned below the breast
crease.
Breast lift is designed to reposition the
nipple and areola in a higher position, typically at the breast crease
level. The surgery is performed at the Institute of Aesthetic Surgery
and Medicine at Northern Westchester Hospital, a state-of-the-art
facility approved by the Joint commission for the Accreditation of
Hospital Organizations. A superb staff of board-certified
anesthesiologists provides anesthesia. Services range from the latest
twilight sedation techniques to make you comfortable while local
anesthesia is used, to general anesthesia if that is your preference.
Either way, one is assured a safe, comfortable surgical experience.
Patients begin to resume their normal activities within a day or two, at
which point they are allowed to shower. Most of the visible signs of
surgery will have faded by two weeks. Patients go home the day of
surgery, and the sutures are removed one week later. Although some
bruising is present, any discomfort usually resolves within a day or
two.
Most people return to work after a week
or two, and have resumed all normal activities by the end of four weeks.
