A Breast Lift or Mastopexy contours sagging breasts, giving them a shapelier more youthful appearance. Breasts can lose their shape and elasticity and begin to sag after pregnancy, breast feeding, weight loss, or with age. Loss of breast volume with excess skin is the cause for the sagging resulting in a flattening of the breast and drooping of the nipple. By removing this excess skin and placing the nipple in a higher, more youthful position the breasts have a rounded, raised, and more contoured appearance. For women who have significant sagging (ptosis) and also desire larger shapelier breasts, a breast augmentation along with a breast lift might be the best option. By combining these two procedures the implant will enhance the appearance of the lift and make it longer lasting. Dr. Fedele performs Mastopexy to enhance a woman's figure by returning her breasts to a more youthful appearance thus adding to her self-confidence.
Since there are different degrees of sagging or ptosis, there are varying degrees of lifting procedures. For mild ptosis the incision may be just around the areola (the pigmented skin around the nipple). For moderate or severe ptosis the incisions are made around the areola and continue down from the areola to the breast fold and may be in the fold. These incisions fade with time and are hidden in the fold and at the border of the areola.
The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient at an ambulatory surgery center. The procedure takes about two to three hours and you will spend about one to two hours in the recovery room. The first three to four days is the most uncomfortable, but Dr. Fedele will prescribe pain medication to control the discomfort. Most women are back to work within seven days and back to exercising and full activities in three to four weeks. The recovery may be longer if you have an augmentation along with the lift.
Since the procedure is mainly concerned with the size of the breasts, deciding exactly the right size implants to use is very important. Dr. Fedele has a variety of implant sizers to "try on" in his office to narrow down the right volume to be used. By bringing a non-padded bra and a tight fitting thin shirt and placing a sizer in the bra you can get an idea of what size fits best with your body proportions giving you the best possible enhancement.
All surgical procedures carry risks and Dr. Fedele will spend time with you at your consultation to explain the procedure in detail and any risks involved. This website is designed to give you some basic information about Mastopexy and is not a substitute for a comprehensive consultation and exam with Dr. Fedele. Call the Center for Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery today for a personal consultation and learn more about the "Art of Plastic Surgery" with Dr. Fedele.
This Website and Digital Images contained herein Copyright © GM Fedele, MD, 2007 All Rights Reserved; The information contained in this website including patient digital images may not be reproduced or distributed electronically or in print without permission from Dr. Fedele.
Dr. Fedele, a native of the Cleveland area, and his staff at the Center for Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, has been serving the communities of Akron, Beachwood, Canton, Chagrin Falls, Gates Mills, Lakewood, Lyndhurst, Mayfield, Mentor, Moreland Hills, Pepper Pike, Westlake, Willoughby, and the counties of Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Summit and all of Northeastern Ohio for more than seven years.
