Breast Lift with Augmentation

Technique

There are many variations to the design of the incisions for a breast lift that depend on the excess skin. In most cases, the incision runs from the base of the areola to the inframammary fold (LeJour Mastopexy technique). Then, excess skin is removed and the remaining breast tissue is drawn together, eliminating any skin wrinkling around the nipple. Finally, breast incisions are closed with the use of dissolvable sutures and the breast is supported with a surgical bra. In small breasts, the lift involves an incision around the edge of the areola (peri-areolar mastopexy). In cases of bigger breasts an incision from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease may also be necessary for achieving the best possible results (inverted “T” mastopexy).

In breast augmentation surgery, the implant is placed in accordance with the surgical technique chosen: either under the breast (inframammary), under the arm (transaxillary) or around the areola (periareolar).

The most popular technique is called Subfascial, whereby the implant is placed below the fascia and above the pectoral muscle.

On the other hand, the Dual Plane technique is highly recommended to patients with relatively small or atrophic and saggy breasts; this time, the implant is placed under the pectoral muscle up top and below the breast tissue on the bottom.

What to expect after surgery:

• Sutures are removed in 12 days.
• During the first 24-48 hours post-operatively, it is not uncommon to feel pain and itchiness.
• Scars on your breasts will eventually soften and fade over time to a satisfactory degree.
• Strenuous exercise and activities are restricted for about 10-15 days postoperatively. During the second postoperative week, however, you may return to your everyday activities.
• The use of a surgical bra is required in order to stabilize the implants and provide adequate support.
• Loss of sensation in the nipples or breasts is often temporary, lasting only a few months postoperatively.
• It can take 5 to 6 months to fully see the outstanding results of your surgery; however the first results are noticeable right after the procedure.

Risks and Side Effects

There rarely are any complications following a breast lift (mastopexy). Scarring, loss of sensitivity and numbness around the nipples are possible side effects that usually fade over time.

There are usually no complications following breast augmentation surgery. In rare cases, local complications and adverse outcomes are associated with breast implants and capsular contracture, which eventually leads to their removal and re-augmentation surgery, or –even rarely- implant rupture, a few weeks after surgery. In such cases, the implant has to be removed and replaced in a few months’ time.

More rarely, the body might reject the implant within the first few weeks postoperatively. In that case also, the implant has to be removed and replaced in a few months’ time.

Useful Information

• The longevity of the results is permanent. However, pregnancy, weight gain/loss, along with ageing factors, may affect the results.
• With new implant technology, the chances of capsule formation and postoperative complications are very low. The results are more natural and the breasts are stable.
• Before undertaking any breast surgery, it is advisable to have at least one mammography or breast ultrasound to be used as a reference point.
• Loss of nipple sensation and being unable to breastfeed following a breast surgery are two problems very rarely associated with this type of surgery.