Monday, January 29, 2007

All About Breast Lift Surgery or Mastopexy

What is a Breast Lift surgery or Mastopexy?

Loss of skin elasticity, gravity and other factors such as weight loss, pregnancy and breast-feeding ultimately affect the shape and firmness of our breasts. Breast lift surgery or Mastopexy, which is a group of elective surgical operations, is therefore done to lessen the degree of the "droop" of the breasts (or breast ptosis). Mastopexy procedures reshape the skin 'bra', by adding volume with implants, or by altering the structure of the breast tissue.


Who can have a breast lift surgery?

You are a good candidate for a breast lift surgery if:

  • You have breasts that are pendulous but of satisfactory size, breasts that lack substance or firmness, nipples and areolas that point downward, especially if they are positioned below the breast crease. Note that sometimes these conditions may be inherited traits.
  • The breasts may have developed differently so that one breast is firm and well positioned while the other is not. There may be differences in the size of your breasts as well as their shape.
  • You are generally satisfied with the size of your breasts but you want to raise and firm them, resulting in a more youthful breast contour.
  • You are someone who has lost a significant amount of breast volume over time. In such cases, implants inserted in conjunction with a breast lift can increase breast size at the same time as the shape and position of the breasts are enhanced.

What is the right age for a breast lift surgery?

A breast lift can be performed at any age, but plastic surgeons usually recommend waiting until breast development has stopped. Pregnancy and breast-feeding may have significant and unpredictable effects on the size and shape of your breasts. Nevertheless, many women decide to undergo breast lift surgery before having children and feel that they can address any subsequent changes later. Since the milk ducts and nipples are left intact, breast lift surgery usually will not affect your ability to breastfeed; however, you should discuss this with your plastic surgeon.

How will my breasts look after the surgery? Will the incisions be visible?

Breast lift surgery will make your breasts firmer and more uplifted. The position of your areolas and nipples will be enhanced, and the size of your areolas will be aesthetically pleasing. The incisions from your breast lift surgery will heal and fade over time. It is important to realize, however, that the incision lines will be permanently visible. In some instances, they will eventually be only faint lines. Fortunately, the incisions for your breast lift are in locations easily concealed by clothing, even low-cut necklines.

How long will the results last?

Unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight or become pregnant, your new breast shape should remain fairly constant. However, gravity and the effects of aging will eventually alter the size and shape of virtually every woman's breasts. If, after a period of years, you again become dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts, you may choose to undergo a second breast lift procedure to restore their more youthful contour and appearance. However, women who have implants along with their breast lift may find that the results last longer.

Will my insurance help cover the cost of surgery?

As it is an aesthetic (cosmetic) procedure, breast lift surgery is generally not covered by insurance. Under certain circumstances, however, insurance coverage may be available. For example, if a breast reconstruction after mastectomy is performed, the opposite breast may need to be modified for symmetry. Many factors determine your eligibility for coverage, including the specific terms of your insurance policy.

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