Breast Reduction

Factors such as pregnancy, nursing, and the force of gravity can cause the breasts to fall. As the skin loses its elasticity, the breasts often lose their shape and firmness and begin to sag. Breast lift, or Mastopexy, is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts -- at least, for a time. (No surgery can permanently delay the effects of gravity.)

A breast lift can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple; and lift it to a more satisfactory position, if it is too low. If your breasts are small or have lost volume, for example, after pregnancy, breast implants inserted in conjunction with Mastopexy can increase both their firmness and size. If you're considering a breast lift, a consultation with Dr. Grenley will give you a basic understanding of the procedure--when it can help, how it's performed, and what results you can expect.

Many women seek breast lift because pregnancy and nursing have left them with stretched skin and less volume in their breasts. However, if you're planning to have more children, it may be a good idea to postpone your breast lift. While there are no special risks that affect future pregnancies (for example, Mastopexy usually doesn't interfere with breast-feeding), pregnancy is likely to stretch your breasts again and offset the results of the procedure.

About Breast Lift Surgery

Breast lift surgery usually takes two to three hours. Techniques vary, but the most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision following the natural contour of the breast.

The incision outlines the area from which breast skin will be removed and defines the new location for the nipple. When the excess skin has been removed, the nipple and areola are moved to the higher position. The skin surrounding the areola is then brought down and together to reshape the breast. Incisions are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line extending downwards from the nipple area, and along the lower crease of the breast.

Some patients, especially those with relatively small breasts and minimal sagging, may be candidates for modified procedures requiring less extensive incisions. One such procedure is the "Pariaseolar Mastopexy," in which circular incisions are made around the areola, and a doughnut-shaped area of skin is removed.

If you're having an implant inserted along with your breast lift, it will be placed in a pocket directly under the breast tissue, or deeper, under the muscle of the chest wall.

Recovery Following Breast Lift

After surgery, you'll wear an elastic bandage over gauze dressings. Your breasts will be mildly bruised, swollen, and uncomfortable for a day or two, but the pain shouldn't be severe. Any discomfort you do feel can be relieved with medications prescribed by Dr. Grenley.

Within a few days, the bandages or surgical bra will be replaced by a soft support bra. You'll need to wear this bra around the clock for six weeks. The stitches are absorbable and beneath the skin so they will not need to be removed.

Healing is a gradual process. Although you will be up and about in a day or two, don't plan on returning to work for a few days, depending on how you feel. And avoid lifting anything over your head for three to four weeks.

Dr. Grenley will make every effort to make your scars as inconspicuous as possible. Still, it's important to remember that breast lift scars are permanent and everyone heals their scars differently. They will remain pink for months, and then gradually become less obvious, sometimes eventually fading to thin white lines. Fortunately, the scars can usually be placed so that you can wear even low-cut tops.

For more information about breast lift at Seattle Plastic Surgery, please call 206-324-1120.