Albany Breast Lift
Breast Lift (Mastopexy) Overview
Breast lift surgery (mastopexy) at The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany, New York offers women who have lost volume in their breasts or whose breasts have stretched and sagged after childbirth and breast feeding the opportunity to enjoy fuller, perkier, more shapely breasts once again.
In most cases, women who have smaller breasts realize longer lasting results from breast lift surgery because their breasts weigh less, but breasts of all sizes can be successfully lifted. Some women with smaller breasts and relatively little breast sagging may be able to undergo procedures that do not require as many incisions. One of these less-invasive procedures is called a doughnut mastopexy.
You have probably thought about having breast lift surgery for some time. You've noticed when you look at your breasts that they are not as full as they used to be. They may look shrunken or saggy. You probably also wish you could look better in clothing and in a swimsuit. Breast lift surgery at The Plastic Surgery Group can help restore the look of your breasts to a more youthful, fuller appearance.
The first step towards realizing your goal of fuller, shapelier breasts is to contact the plastic surgeons at The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany, New York and arrange for your private consultation. Call them at 518-438-0505.
The Procedure
In most cases, breast lift surgery takes several hours. There are several surgical techniques for breast lift surgery, but the most commonly used involves an incision around the natural shape of the breast defining the area of excess breast skin that will be removed. After the removal of the excess breast skin, repositioning of the areola to a higher spot on the breast occurs, followed by the skin being positioned around the areola and the new breast shape created. Stitches will be placed following the boat anchor shape of the incision around the areola, down from the nipple and below the breasts.
Patients with only slight breast sagging and particularly small breasts can often undergo a doughnut (concentric) breast lift. This type of breast lift surgery involves circular incisions around the areola and a piece of skin in the shape of a doughnut is removed. The breast skin that was around the nipple is then repositioned and brought together to form the newly shaped breast. In the cases of an implant insertion during breast lift surgery, the implant will be inserted either directly below the breast tissue or beneath the muscle of the chest wall. Your plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany, New York will discuss these options during your consultation.
Recovering
After your breast lift surgery you will most likely experience some discomfort in your breasts because of the bruising and swelling caused by the surgery. This shouldn't be extremely uncomfortable and your plastic surgeon will prescribe pain-relieving medication.
The first few days following your surgery you will be wearing a special elastic bandage or a surgical bra over the bandages on your breasts. In two or three days, you will have your bandages removed and you will wear a support bra over a light layer of gauze. Stitches will come out in one to two weeks following your breast lift surgery. You might notice some loss of sensation in your nipples and the skin of your breast. This is usually caused by the swelling following the surgery and, in most cases, disappears over five to six weeks. In some cases, however, it may last several months or a year, and in rare instances can be permanent.
You should plan not to return to work for at least a week or longer following your surgery. That will really depend on how you feel. You should also be careful not to do any lifting above your head or participate in sports for about a month. Your Albany plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Group will give you detailed instructions to follow before and after surgery. It is important to the recovery process to follow these instructions closely.
Potential Risks and Complications
After breast reduction surgery, some patients might experience a temporary infection, some bleeding or have a reaction to the type of anesthesia used during the operation. These conditions are very rare and your plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Group will give you detailed instructions to follow to help avoid these.
Scars are inevitable with breast lift surgery, although your plastic surgeon will make every effort to conceal the scars as much as possible. These scars will fade over time, but they will be permanent. It is very important to follow your plastic surgeon's directions both before and after your breast lift surgery to promote optimum scar healing.
If you are considering getting pregnant, you may not want to have your breast lift surgery until after giving birth because your breasts are apt to sag and stretch again negating the positive outcome of your breast lift surgery.
Common Questions About Breast Lift Surgery
Where does the surgery take place?
In most cases breast lift surgery is conducted on an outpatient basis in a hospital, surgery center or at your plastic surgeon's own surgical center. In the rare instance of hospital admission, your stay will be limited to a day or two.
Will I be awake during the surgery?
In most cases, breast lift surgery is conducted using general anesthesia and you will be completely asleep through the surgery. Sometimes, the plastic surgeon will use a local aesthesia and sedatives to cause drowsiness if smaller incisions are going to be made. Discuss this with your plastic surgeon during your consultation at The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany, New York.
Can I breast feed after breast lift surgery?
Breast lift surgery doesn't usually stop a woman from breast feeding. But, if you are considering getting pregnant, it is recommended that you have your breast lift surgery after you give birth so as not to negate the positive outcome of the surgery.
To find out more about breast lifts in the Saratoga, Albany and Schenectady area, contact The Plastic Surgery Group at 518-438-0505 or send us an email today. Fill our our online form for a complimentary cosmetic consultation.
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