Mastopexy is a surgical procedure incorporating excision of excess skin and re-suturing of the tissue to literally lift the breast and give it a more youthful, perky appearance.  The anchor incision used to be the only option and still may be your only option should you have excessive ptosis (or sag) to lift your breasts to their former appearance.

Only a qualified plastic surgeon can assess your needs and discuss with you the options that you may have involving a breast lift.  Be sure that you consult with several surgeons as not all doctors choose to offer their patients the newest of options or any options for that matter.

Are You a Candidate For Mastopexy?
First and foremost, an individual must be in good health, not have any active diseases or pre-existing medical conditions and must have realistic expectations of the outcome of their surgery.  Communication is crucial in reaching one's goals.  You must be able to voice your desires to your surgeon if he/she is to understand what your desired results are.  Discuss you goals with your surgeon so that you may reach an understanding with what can realistically be achieved.  If you are planning to still have children it is a good idea to wait until you no longer wish to have any additional children.

You will also discuss the available anesthesia that will be used for your procedure. Most Mastopexy procedures are performed under Light Sleep Sedation or General Anesthesia.  Either way, discuss this beforehand as most people are hesitant to go under General Anesthesia.

You must be mentally and emotionally stable to undergo an cosmetic procedure.  No surgeon would agree to work on a mentally unstable person.  At least he or she should not.  Surgery is not getting a cavity filled.  This is an operation which requires patience and stability in dealing with the healing period.  You must also realize that cosmetic plastic surgeons are not miracle workers.  You must understand that if you have heavy, large breasts # they may sag again perhaps several years after your Mastopexy.  Understand that you must wear a properly fitting bra to delay sagging.

Your Consultation Appointment
Once you have researched several surgeons, you will make consultation appointments.  The consultation  appointment is ultimately designed to interview the surgeon and discuss, in his/her opinion, what your options are.  Not all surgeons are going to offer the same techniques, have the same opinions, nor have the same aesthetic preferences.  It is usually best to get at least 3 opinions.

At this appointment you will possibly bring a list of questions you have prepared to ask the surgeon, photos of what you like or do not like, and discuss any concerns you may have.  You will also discuss the available anesthesia that the surgeon prefers for this procedure. 

You will also discuss the available anesthesia that will be used for your procedure.  Most mastopexy procedures are performed under either General or Light Sleep Sedation.  Either way, discuss this beforehand as many people are not aware of the risks of Anesthesia.  If you do go under Deep General, ascertain that the anesthesiologist is certified. 

You may or may not choose to book a surgery with this surgery but if you do, you are more than likely expected to place a deposit down to hold your surgery date.  You will then possibly make an appointment for preliminary blood work, and probably even a pre-operative appointment.

Risks, Complications & Contraindications of Mastopexy 
There are risks you need to know about so that you are fully informed. There are great benefits in getting a mastopexy to those who need it, but everything comes with risks.  There may be an allergic reaction to the anesthesia or medications. Most risks usually come from anesthesia unfortunately.  Please read the All About Anesthesia Section for more information.

There may be asymmetry, hyper-pigmentation (permanent dark spots) from the bruising. Also, hematoma and seroma are possible, leading to additional surgeries to remedy.

A big fear is tissue necrosis (tissue death). Tissue Necrosis happens when either you smoke and/or you have poor oxygen-tissue saturation or the surgeon did not use a pedicle to keep blood flowing to your nipple or other skin sections that were reattached. It also could be just bad healing or infection. This is an issue and by far the most worrisome and dangerous so do all that you can to keep this from happening # like stop smoking several weeks beforehand!
Infections, although rare can happen when bacteria such as Staph, which naturally lives on your skin, gets into your incision area and multiply or develop.  That is why it is important to wash your breasts, neck and torso with an anti-bacterial soap like

Hibiclens or even Dial anti-bacterial soap for several days up until your surgery. This can reduce the amount of Staph on your skin.  Infections can also develop intra-operatively from unsterile equipment used by a surgeon or staff of the surgeon. Infections can also result from the introduction of bacteria post-operatively through improper dressing changes, bathing or swimming in water which contains infectious agents.  

Numbness and lack of sensation can be problematic # although usually temporary.  Unfortunately this can be a permanent problem in some cases.  It is a complication we must be aware of before undergoing mastopexy or mastopexy with breast augmentation.

Keloidal & hypertrophic scarring is possible in those who are prone to such. This is when the scar tissue forms outside of the area of the wound.  It can result in thick, ropey scars. There are many studies which report that keloid scars were prevented (and lessened in existing cases) with the use of silicone sheeting and gels. One such scar treatment is made by BioDermis (www.BioDermis.com). 

Just make sure that you have a qualified plastic surgeon to perform your Mastopexy. And if you smoke, quit before the surgery. Since Mastopexy leaves relatively noticeable scars you should try everything in your power to lessen the risk of even more scarring. When one smokes, their oxygen and blood flow to the skin diminishes considerably. Please abide by your surgeon's instruction for a smoother, more pleasant recovery and results.

Breast Lift With Breast Augmentation
Just putting a larger implant inside of a severely sagging breast without a lift (if you need it) is not a good idea.  You will eventually just have a larger, sagging breast.  Just lowering your natural crease will result in lower breasts, although your nipples will appear to be pointing higher up.  If your breasts are already low on your chest you will have even lower, bigger breasts.

Scar Therapy After Breast Lift
For help with keloid prevention and scar flattening some surgeons suggest silicone gel sheeting such as depicted below from www.BioDermis.com (these gel shapes are generally used for mastopexy, or breast lift, but are suitable for common breast reduction with lift incisions). 

Tags: breast augmentation, breast lift, mastopexy,