BREAST LIFT

WHAT IS A BREAST LIFT?

A breast lift, also commonly known as Mastopexy, is a procedure that is used to lift and restore a woman's breasts. Sometimes a woman's breasts will begin to droop, lose volume or both, due to pregnancy, childbirth, or simply the ravages of time. For women that seek a more youthful figure, a breast lift can help restore self-confidence and self-esteem.

WHO ARE IDEAL CANDIDATES FOR A BREAST LIFT?

Ideal candidates for the breast lift procedure are women who want to restore the shape and position of the breasts. Women who have drooping breasts are often self-conscious about their appearance; a breast lift can help improve a patient's self-esteem, and often their clothes fit better as a result.

For women that have lost significant breast volume, Dr. Solomon will sometimes recommend that patients have breast augmentation (implants) in addition to the breast lift.

HOW IS THE SURGERY PERFORMED?

Dr. Solomon first gives each patient a customized consultation. On the day of surgery, Dr. Solomon will mark and measure the breasts - the markings are used as guidelines for the incisions during the procedure.

The actual surgical procedure involves making the incision, removing some of the skin of the breast, moving the nipple up and reshaping the breast so that it is higher and firmer. If the patient is also having breast augmentation, then the implants are also inserted.

ARE THERE ANY RISKS?

As with any surgery, there are risks involved with plastic surgery procedures. Thankfully, complications are rare and any problems usually respond well to treatment.

Here are some possible complications:

Bleeding - a rare occurrence.
Infection - rarely occurs and is treatable by antibiotics.
Loss of nipple sensation -  Complete or partial loss of sensation in the nipple is extremely rare - sensation almost always returns but on occasion can be permanent.

Occasionally, scar revision is necessary in order to obtain optimum aesthetic results. These revision procedures are usually minor and are done in Dr. Solomon's office.

WHAT ABOUT SCARRING?

Scarring depends on the amount of lift desired and the type of incision that is made during the surgery. Dr. Solomon is very experienced in the breast lift procedure - as such, he is one of the few plastic surgeons to utilize the Benelli Technique. The main advantages of this technique are:

. Less noticeable scarring
. More natural look
. Faster healing time
. Fewer risk of complications

In the Benelli technique, the incision is made around the areola and excess skin is removed in a purse string shape. A permanent suture is placed around the skin surrounding the areola to prevent the scar from spreading.

WHAT ABOUT RECOVERY?

After the surgery, you can expect to be sore and experience mild to moderate swelling and pain, which are easily controlled with medications.

Most of Dr. Solomon's patients resume their normal routines within 1 week.

Women don't have to accept sagging and drooping breasts as a natural sign of getting older. If you want to do something about it, call Dr. Solomon in his office for an individual consultation.