BREAST LIFT

MEDICAL NAME: MASTOPEXY

BREAST LIFT

DR. EFFIE POLITIS

TAMPA, FL

WHAT IS A BREAST LIFT?

ABreast Lift, or Mastopexy raises the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour.

breast lift, mastopexy

THE WHAT

ARE YOU A CANDIDATE?

Candidates are those who are bothered by the feeling that their breasts sag, have lost shape and volume, have a flatter, elongated shape or are pendulous, have nipples that fall below the crease and/or point downward, have stretched skin and enlarged areolas, and or/ have one breast lower than the other.

THE HOW

breast lift

HOW IT'S DONE:

This procedure is done in the OR under general anesthesia. Dr. Politis begins with a few different incision options: around the areola, around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease or around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease and horizontally along the breast crease. She then works to reshape the breast by either lifting and reshaping the underlying breast tissue, repositioning and potentially reducing the nipple and areola to a natural, more youthful height and size and removing excess breast skin.

RESULTS, RECOVERY, FREQUENCY

It takes 3 weeks to recover from this procedure. You can expect results to last 10-15 years. You are welcome to come back during or after that time to receive another lift.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

You may experience temporary pain, soreness and numbness of breast skin and/or incision discomfort.

Maximum discomfort will occur the first few days. You will have bruising and swelling of the breasts.

The majority of bruising and swelling will subside in 6-8 weeks. You will leave the operation with an ACE bandage or bra around your chest.

breast lift

THE AFTER

PRE-OP INSTRUCTIONS

Have all prescriptions filled prior to your surgery. Do not take any Aspirin, Plavix, Ibuprofen, Vitamin E, Fish Oil, Coenzyme Q10 or medications containing these compounds for 14 days before your procedure.

Begin your stool softener on the day prior to surgery to avoid constipation.

If you have implants: You will need to shower twice daily using antibacterial soap for the three days leading up to your procedure and the morning of your surgery for a total of 6 showers.

If you do not have implants: Wash with Hibiclens or antibacterial soap the night before surgery, as directed. Cleanse your belly button area with a Qtip and the antibacterial soap while showering.

Do not shave the surgical site within 2 days of surgery. This includes under arms for breast procedures and the pubic area for abdominal procedures. Hair may be trimmed with an electric clipper.

Avoid using body lotions, deodorants or perfumes on the day of surgery.

Do not wear any jewelry, piercings or contact lenses.

Refrain from vigorous exercise on the day before your surgery.

Have a regular meal on the evening before surgery, and drink plenty of water. Avoid alcoholic beverages on the evening before surgery. Do no eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery.

POST-OP INSTRUCTIONS

You may shower 24-48 hours after your operation, but no soaking in a bathtub. Lukewarm water.

Do not remove steri-strips. They may come off naturally at 2 weeks. When they start to peel off, they are easier to remove in the shower.

Keep incisions clean and inspect daily for signs of infection.

May pad incision with dressings/gauze for comfort.

Avoid exposing scars to sun for at least 12 months.

Always use a strong sunblock, if sun exposure is unavoidable (SPF 30 or greater).

Begin scar therapy approximately 2 weeks after your operation

Start walking as soon as possible, as this helps to reduce swelling and lowers the chance of blood clots.

Do not drive until you are no longer taking any pain medications (narcotics).

No lifting greater than 8 lbs. for 4-6 weeks.

Sleep in a recliner or with multiple pillows

Avoid strenuous exercise and activities for approximately 6 weeks.

Return to work in 1-2 weeks.