Breast lift (mastopexy)
Mastopexy is a surgery performed to lift the breasts to enhance their appearance. According to the law this procedure is only approved for women over 18. It is recommended to perform this procedure after finishing breastfeeding, diet or weight loss.
Process of breast lift
The scope of works performed during surgery depends on the degree of breast ptosis. If ptosis degree is insignificant and the skin is not overstretched a surgeon may prefer to use endoprosthesis replacement technique and correct the breast shape with implants.
In case the breast skin is overstretched the excess tissues should be removed. A complex method can be used which combines correction by suturing at definite points and placing implants.
If a patient has a noticeable asymmetry in the breast volume a surgeon removes a part of breast tissue and and lifts a breast using a vertical suture.
Preparation to breast lift surgery:
A patient is prescribed a full course of preoperative examination to avoid possible contraindications and select the most appropriate surgery method. During the examination a patient should tell a surgeon about any current diseases, taken medicines and previous breast surgeries.
Within the scope of the clinical blood examination the general and biochemical blood test is carried out, the blood clotting ability, Rh factor, blood sugar level are determined, hidden blood-borne and sexually transmitted infections are identified. Furthermore, electrocardiography, X-ray examination, and ultrasound imaging of breasts and lower limb veins are performed. Consultations with a breast physician, general practitioner, vascular surgeon and anesthesiologist are held.
If a patient smokes she must stop smoking two weeks before surgery. Smoking is also prohibited for 3 weeks after surgery. Taking drugs especially those affecting the blood clotting ability (aspirin, acetylsalicylic acid) should be ceased 2 weeks before surgery. 8 hours prior to surgery the intestines are purged using purgatives. Absolutely no eating and drinking is allowed during this period as well.
Surgery/procedure duration: 2.5 hours
Anesthesia: general anesthesia
Postoperative period:
After lift surgery a patient stays at the clinic for 1 day. A patient is allowed to get out of bed in a few hours after surgery. Eating is allowed as well. A doctor prescribes analgesics and antibiotics for this period to relieve pain and prevent infections. Pain subsides in about 3 days and painkillers are canceled.
During the whole month after surgery a patient must wear special compression garments. It will secure the implants in a correct position and reduce load on the postoperative sutures.
There is no need to remove sutures as in most cases surgeons use state-of-the-art self-absorbable threads to close cuts. The cosmetic stitches get brighter and disappear over time.
A patient should pass examination each month for a half a year. Despite the fact the full recovery after mastopexy takes a month the final result will be seen and enjoyed only in 4 or 5 months. By that time the cuts will heal fully, the tissues will recover completely, and the breast will gain the desired shape.
