Breast Procedures
Dr. Vasisht’s Approach:
Fall From Grace
One of the challenges of breast rejuvenation surgery is deciding who needs a mastopexy, or a breast lift. There are many factors to consider. Pregnancy and weight loss can change the location of the breasts on the body. Most women remember before pregnancy when their breasts were youthful and graceful. Then things change after pregnancy as the breast tissue falls. « I call it the fall from grace, my job is to restore their graceful appearance « says Dr. V.
It is NOT gravity that’s at fault. When the breasts are young, there are ligaments of strong tissue called Cooper’s Ligaments that function to hold them in their normal higher position. As women age or pregnancy engorges the breasts, the breast volume dissipates over time, the Cooper Ligaments become weak and are no longer able to hold the breasts in a higher position on the chest.
The logical question would be « can you just repair the tired Coopers ligaments and tighten the ligaments ? » Unfortunately, that is not a possibility. Unlike ligaments that hold bony joints together, these ligaments cannot be strengthened or tightened. Mastopexy is the best way to restore their rightful place on the chest.
Dr Vasisht has honed his cosmetic surgery skills to assess for this issue for each patient. A breast lift is a powerful tool to help restore the shape and contour of the breasts. Dr. V will always find a solution that best fits your need.A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is a procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts. As a woman ages, skin loses some elasticity which can cause the breasts to lose their natural shape and firmness. This procedure is designed to elevate the breasts and give them a more youthful appearance. A breast lift may also be completed in conjunction with breast enlargement surgery (augmentation). This can involve the use of an implant.
Reasons for considering a breast lift:
- Elevate the breasts due to sagging caused by the effects of aging and gravity.
- Firm the breasts if they have lost substance due to pregnancy and subsequent breast-feeding.
- Re-align your nipples/areolas if they point down or to the side.
- Bring back natural suppleness after weight loss.
General procedure
The breast lift surgical procedure usually takes about 2 hours. There are many techniques for breast lift procedure. The main goal is to achieve excellent results with the least amount of scarring. The most common procedure involves an anchor-like incision along the underside of the breast. The incision goes around the area where skin will be removed, thus defining how the nipple will be relocated. When the excess skin has been removed, the nipple and areola are moved into a higher position. The skin surrounding the areola is brought down and together to reshape the breast. Occasionally, an implant can be used to actually lift the breast.
For some patients, especially those with relatively small breasts and minimal sagging, Dr. V may use a modified procedures requiring less extensive incisions. One such procedure is the “doughnut (or concentric) mastopexy” in which circular incisions are made around the areola and a doughnut-shaped area of skin is removed. Recent innovations in breast lift techniques include minimal incision techniques and nipple sensation reducing procedures. Dr. V will help you decide which procedure is best for you.
Recovery process
Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time. Bandages are applied right after surgery to aid the healing process and to minimize movement of the breasts. Once the bandages are removed, the patient will need to wear a specialized cupless sports bra for several weeks. Dr. V will leave an On-Q pain pump into the surgical site. This contains numbing medicine that will help prevent pain for about 3 days post surgery. Patients sometimes report minor pain associated with surgery after the pain pump is removed, which can be treated with oral medication. While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the post-operative directions given by the surgeon.39 year old with grade 3 ptosis. She is post circumvertical mastopexy augmentation with 350 cc memory gel implants.