A perkier, more “shapely”
silhouette can be yours
As we age we lose skin elasticity due to gravity and other factors such as weight loss or pregnancy and breast-feeding. These changes ultimately affect the shape and firmness of breasts. Mastopexy (more commonly referred to as a breast lift) can restore a more youthful, perky appearance to the breast as well as address asymmetries in size, shape, and nipple position. Breast lift surgery with Dr. Karl Schwarz is best suited to patients who desire an improvement in the shape and position of their breasts. Other patients might also be unhappy with the loss in volume, or breast size, that often accompanies sagging. In such cases, a combination of breast augmentation (using implants) and breast lift can help achieve more fullness along with shape improvement.
The right candidate for mastopexy surgery
We recommend a breast lift to some patients who are concerned about sagging breasts, breasts that lack firmness or appear “deflated,” or nipples that are too low or point downward. A mastopexy is usually performed only once breast development has ended, with some exceptions. While some women opt to have a breast lift after experiencing the changes associated with pregnancy, breast-feeding, or menopause, many decide to undergo the procedure at a younger age. Since the milk ducts and nipples are left intact, breast lift surgery will not usually affect your ability to breast-feed. Dr. Karl Schwarz will be able to discuss with you the type of breast lift you are best suited for and whether or not breast implants should be considered.
The procedure of mastopexy or breast lift
Mastopexy surgery takes about 1.5 – 2.5 hours to perform, and is usually an outpatient procedure. The first step in the breast lift surgical procedure involves making an incision. The choice of incision shape depends on several factors which Dr. Karl Schwarz will discuss with you during your consultation appointment. There are three possible incision shapes: around the areola, reaching downward from the areola to the breast creases, or horizontally along the breast creases. The breast tissue is lifted and reshaped via the incision, the nipple and areola are also lifted, and any excess skin is removed.
Types of anesthesia used in breast lift surgery
Clinique K is equipped with state of the art technology to perform mastopexies using either general anesthesia (where the patient is completely asleep) or local anesthesia with sedation (where the affected area is completely numb and the patient is in a twilight state). Both techniques can be performed safely, and patients are monitored using the latest technology. Patients can choose the technique which best suits their needs.
Days following a breast lift and recovery
time after breast surgery
Our nurse at Clinique K will give you a list of dos and don’ts prior to going home. But here are some general details. After waking up from surgery you will spend a couple of hours recuperating in the recovery suite. You will then be sent home (accompanied by a friend or family member) with pain medication and antibiotics, as well as further instructions for post-op care. We recommend you have someone to look after you for the first few days following surgery.
You may experience mild to moderate discomfort and swelling in your breasts for about two weeks, but this will fade as you heal. In order to help your breasts settle in the correct shape you will have to wear a support bra for up to three weeks. Full results will take up to several months to appear.
Using 3D imaging in breast
lift surgery
The VECTRA 3D imaging system that we use at Clinique K allows us to capture a patient’s face, breast, and body images in ultra-high resolution and show them the possibilities of their aesthetic procedure. This is a very personalized treatment approach because we use each patient’s images to visualize their potential future outcomes (simulating what their breasts may look like after surgery), educate them about their options, explain limitations, and set appropriate expectations. It is a tool that has earned rave reviews from our patients!