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Breast Lifts - Denver, Colorado
Over time there are changes in the breast that are caused by gravity, aging, pregnancy, and breast feeding. The breasts sag and the nipple position drops. The amount of sagging (ptosis) is determined by the relationship of the nipple with the crease under the breast (inframammary fold). The goal of most breast lifting operations is to move the nipple up to the center of the breast and move the underlying breast tissue up to its original position. Many times there is asymmetry with one breast fuller than the other or one nipple lower than the other. Therefore, a corollary goal is to create a greater symmetry is the breast position and size knowing that perfect symmetry is probably not achievable.
In most cases the patient is either satisfied with the size of her breasts in a bra or would like to be a little larger. If the patient wants a smaller size with the lift then this operation is call a breast reduction and is discussed below. If she would like more fullness with the lift then an augmentation procedure can be performed at the same time. There are a few surgeons who like to separate the lift and the augmentation to get a more predictable result. This may be appropriate if there is significant asymmetry or a large amount of lifting that needs to be done such that the nipples fall far below the inframammary fold. The key here is to make sure that you get the best result with the fewest operations.
Before surgery the breasts are marked with a permanent felt tip marker while the patient stands erect. These measurements are very important and they will guide the surgeon while the patient is lying on the operating table. During the surgery the patient is usually elevated so that she is in a semi-sitting position to double check the final position. The surgery is performed under a general anesthetic in most cases. The length of surgery varies between two to four hours depending on the complexity of the lift and whether an augmentation is performed at the same time.
There are two types of incisions used for removing the extra skin and tightening the tissue under the breast to give the lift. In the first type, the inverted “T� type, the incision goes completely around the nipple and then extends down under the breast with the horizontal part of the inverted “T� placed in the fold under the breast. This incision is usually chosen because there is a large amount of skin to remove. The second type, the “J� type, the incision also goes around the nipple but then rather than extending straight down, the down stroke and tail of the “J� taper toward the underarm (axilla).
At the end of surgery a sports bra is placed and occasionally drainage tubes are inserted to relieve any extra fluid during the early recovery. The tubes are gently removed after a couple of days. Most patients experience a moderate amount of soreness and pain. Activity must be limited for two weeks with no lifting over ten pounds. The scars are red for six months and then fade over the next 12 months. They may feel hard for part of this period as the collagen reorganizes around the surgical sites. Gentle daily massage can help this process. Specific care instructions should be reviewed prior to surgery.
Complications include collections of fluid or blood under the breast that require drainage, permanent alteration of sensation around the nipple, asymmetry in size and/or position, infection and scarring. Other general complications associated with any surgery include drug reactions, blood clots to the legs or lungs, and heart problems. Although the chances of these major complications are very rare they are still possible. Patients are encouraged to have general medical insurance coverage in place in case of an emergency.
For the sake of discretion, we have elected not to put pre and post op photos at this site.
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