Mastopexy - Surgery to Raise and Reshape Sagging Breasts
Over time, the effects of gravity and the loss of the skin’s natural elasticity can affect the appearance of a woman’s breasts. These factors, combined with weight changes, pregnancies, and nursing will often cause the breasts to lose their youthful shape and firmness.
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts. The procedure can also reduce the size of the areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple) for a more symmetrical appearance. Breast implants inserted in conjunction with a breast lift can increase both firmness and size, though are not required for those uninterested in having implants.
There are a few different breast lift options which range from small correction to larger corrections. Dr. Rodgers will recommend the right procedure for each patient. A small lift can be done around the nipple complex, while some patients need a larger lift (sometimes called lollipop or anchor) which is generally around the nipple and vertically down the lower portion of the breast. During the recovery phase we provide instructions to reduce the appearance of scarring.
Before and During Surgery
All of our breast patients must have a mammogram before the surgery to be sure that their breasts are healthy. It is important to know the health of the breasts before operating on them. Dr. Rodgers will request blood work and an EKG also depending on a patient’s medical history.
Time to recover, time back to work
Recovery Time
Patients are given time to recover in the PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit), and then can be taken home after a couple hours. It is important for patients to have someone they trust be with them during the surgery process as they will be groggy, and unable to drive or completely care for themselves after surgery for a few days. Patients are given medication for pain and nausea, as well as antibiotics.
We advise patients not to lift or push anything over 15 pounds for five weeks. This also includes playing sports and vigorous exercise. Most patients return to work within 4-5 days, though it is important to remember that patients still taking prescription pain medicine cannot drive or work so the amount of medicine required can dictate when work can be resumed.
Post-operative follow up
We see patients 3-5 days following surgery to remove the surgical dressing and check the healing process. The stiches will be removed at 2-4 weeks. Typically, there are weekly appointments for the first five weeks to make sure everything is progressing well. For long term follow-up, there are appointments at six months and one year. Obviously, care is tailored to the needs of the patient so appointment frequency might vary slightly.
Costs
Breast lift costs vary depending on the procedure required to provide the best results. Dr. Rodgers performs all of her breast procedures in the safest environment possible, the operating room in the hospital. She also used board certified anesthesiologists to provide anesthesia for each procedure. She uses a certified surgical assistant to be an extra set of skilled hands to help make the surgery a success. Implant selection (if applicable) can also be another factor in determining costs as silicone gel is more than saline. At the time of the consultation Dr. Rodgers will recommend the best procedure for your desired results, and our patient coordinator will estimate the costs involved as they are customized for each surgery. Please call our patient coordinator at 303-320-8618 for more information.
Breast Augmentation - Before And After Photos
To learn more about surgical options to lift sagging breasts, contact a patient coordinator at 303-320-8618, or click here.
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