Are you concerned about the shape of your breasts? Let's talk about Breast Lift (Mastopexy) surgery.

As you get older, after having a baby, after breastfeeding, or after losing a lot of weight, have you noticed that your breasts have changed shape and become more saggy than they used to be? This is a common experience for many women. It is also common for these changes to cause anxiety and a loss of self-confidence. So, today we are going to talk about a solution that can give your breasts a youthful, firm look again. That is the 'breast lift' surgery.

Simply put, what is a Breast Lift?

A Breast Lift, or Mastopexy in medical terms, is a surgical procedure performed by a plastic surgeon to change the shape and appearance of your breasts, giving them a more youthful, firmer appearance. Here are some things you can expect from this procedure:

• Lifting sagging breasts up on the chest.
• Making the breasts on both sides symmetrical so that they look the same.
• The dark skin around the nipple (areola) is reduced in size and repositioned so that it faces forward instead of downward.
• Removing excess skin that has sagged over time.
• Giving the breasts a more rounded shape .
• Tightening the breast tissue and providing good support to the nipples and the skin around them.

Why do breasts sag? Who is tempted to have this surgery?

Our breasts change over time. As the skin loses elasticity, they begin to sag. There are several main reasons for this.

• Aging: As we age, collagen in the skin decreases, causing the skin to lose its elasticity.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: During these times, the skin may stretch as the breasts enlarge and then shrink again.
• Genetics: Sometimes this can be hereditary. If your mother or grandmother had sagging breasts, you may also have the same symptoms.
• Gravity: Over time, breasts also sag due to the force of gravity.
• Significant weight loss: When you lose a lot of weight all at once, the skin that was stretched can sag.

Does a breast lift change the size of the breasts?

This is an important question for many people. Breast lift surgery alone will not change the size of your breasts. It only lifts and reshapes the existing breasts.

However, if you also want to change the size of your breasts, you can do that at the same time as this surgery.

• If you want to enlarge your breasts: Breast Augmentation (insertion of implants) can be performed at the same time as a Breast Lift.
• If you want to make your breasts smaller: Breast Reduction surgery can be performed at the same time as a Breast Lift.

You can discuss this with your plastic surgeon and choose the best solution based on your needs.

What happens before the surgery?

Once you decide to have this surgery, the plastic surgeon will have a long conversation with you. The following things will be discussed:

• Your expectations: What kind of look you want, what your goals are.
• Your health history: About other illnesses you have, allergies, previous surgeries, and mammogram reports.
• Family history: Does anyone in your family have breast cancer?
• Medications you take: Blood thinners, vitamins, and any other medications.
• Your lifestyle: smoking, alcohol use, etc.

The doctor will then examine your breasts, take measurements, mark them with a pen, and take photographs. He will also explain the anesthesia and the risks of the surgery.

Once you are determined to be a good candidate for surgery, your doctor will ask you to sign a consent form. You may also be asked to do the following before surgery:

• Get some blood tests done.
• Get a mammogram .
• If you smoke, definitely stop. (This is very important for wound healing)
• Stop taking blood thinners like aspirin and some vitamins.

During and after surgery

This surgery is usually done in a hospital or operating room. It takes about an hour and a half to two hours, depending on the amount of work that needs to be done. You can usually go home the same day after the surgery. However, it is essential to have someone to drive you home and stay with you the first night.

How is the recovery time?

It is very important to follow medical advice during recovery.

• A special bra (Surgical Bra): This must be worn to reduce swelling and provide support for the breasts.
• Activities: You can start light work like office work in about a week. However, things like lifting weights and exercising will need to be stopped for about 6 weeks.
• Sleep: Your doctor may advise you to sleep on your side for the first few weeks.

What are the benefits and risks?

Like any surgery, breast lift surgery has its benefits and risks.

When to see a doctor immediately

If you experience any of these symptoms after surgery, call your surgical team immediately :

• A fever of more than 100.5 degrees Celsius (Fahrenheit).
• Severe pain, redness, swelling, or a feeling of warmth in the breasts.
• Bleeding or pus from cuts.
• Chest pain or difficulty breathing.
• Dizziness, nausea, or vomiting.

Results usually last for several years, but keep in mind that changes over time, such as aging, pregnancy, or weight changes, can occur again in the future.

Breast sagging, breast lift, mastopexy, breast surgery, cosmetic surgery, plastic surgery, women's health