Breast Lift or Mastopexy is a surgical procedure to reshape sagging breasts as a result of pregnancy, nursing or age.

BEST CANDIDATES

Women with small, sagging breasts
Women whose breasts have stretched skin and less volume due to pregnancy and nursing

PREPARING FOR SURGERY
You may have to have a mammogram prior to surgery. You will be advised to quit smoking several weeks prior to surgery. Arrange for someone to drive you after surgery and to help you out for a few days.

ANESTHESIA
Breast Lift surgery is performed at an outpatient surgical facility - you will go home the same day. General anesthesia will be used so you will not be awake during the surgery. The surgery takes about 2 - 4 hours.

THE SURGERY
Several variables affect the breast lift procedure: your age, the size and shape of your breasts, and the condition of your skin. Dr. Efird will make an anchor-shaped incision following the natural contour of the breast. This incision outlines the area from which the breast skin will be removed and defines the new location for the nipple. After 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. Stitches are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line extending downwards from the nipple area, and along the lower crease of the breast.

RECOVERY
After surgery, you'll wear an elastic bandage or a surgical bra over gauze dressings. Your breasts will be bruised, swollen and uncomfortable for a few days, but this can be alleviated with medication. After a few days, the bandages or surgical bra will be replaced with a soft support bra which you will wear around the clock for 3 - 4 weeks. Stitches are removed in 1 - 2 weeks.

HEALING
The swelling after surgery can cause loss of feeling in your nipples and breast skin, but this usually fades after six weeks. Wait at least a week before returning to work, and avoid lifting anything over your head for 3 - 4 weeks. If you become pregnant, the operation should not affect your ability to breast-feed.

Breast lift scars are permanent. They may remain lumpy and red for months, then gradually fade to thin white lines.