Beverly Hills Female Plastic Surgeon Dr. Mary Powers Performs Breast Lift Surgery
If you are considering a breast lift in Southern California including Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and Long Beach from a Board Certified Female Plastic Surgeon continue reading …
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What is a breast reduction? Also known as reduction mammaplasty, this is an operation intended to reduce the size of a woman’s breasts and improve their shape and position. Frequently, the areola (dark skin around the nipple) is also made smaller. Functional symptoms (medical disorders) caused by excessive breast weight may be relieved or improved by this operation.
What is a breast lift? A breast lift, or mastopexy, is designed to improve the shape and position of the breasts without reducing their size. It is used for breasts which sag but are not large. Sagging of the breasts may occur with normal development for some women or as part of aging. Pregnancy, breastfeeding and weight loss are other conditions which increase breast ptosis (sagging). Some patients will have a better shape to their breast if an implant is used at the time of mastopexy. This procedure is not covered by insurance.
Where are the incisions? There are a variety of techniques for these operations. Most commonly there is an incision around the areola, another between the areola and breast crease, and the third within the crease under the breast. This is an “anchor –shape” or inverted “T” incision. Occasionally, especially with mastopexy, these incisions may be modified and more limited. Some operations may require only the incision around the areola.
Will insurance pay for my surgery? Large breasts (macromastia) or breast hypertrophy can occur in a variety of conditions (family trait, post pregnancy, excessive adolescent growth). When the excessive size causes functional problems, insurance will generally pay for the operations. These problems may include neck pain, back or shoulder pain, hygiene difficulty and breast pain. Other problems that are less likely to be covered by insurance include: skin irritation, skeletal deformity, breathing problems, psychological/emotional problems and interference with normal daily activities. Pre-authorization by the insurance company is required prior to surgery, and the process takes approximately one month. Each insurance policy has different guidelines and exclusions.
Special note on reduction of extraordinarily large breasts: In extraordinarily large or bulky breasts, for technical reasons, we sometimes remove the nipples completely and put them back as “free grafts”. The sensory nerves are all cut, and even though a certain amount of sensation returns after healing, it will never be normal and erotic sensation is lost completely. The milk ducts are interrupted in this operation, so nursing would be impossible. You will be informed in advance if your breasts are in this category.
How long is the patient hospitalized? For a reduction mammaplasty, one day of hospitalization is usually needed if there are no complications. A mastopexy can be done as an outpatient procedure, requiring no hospitalization. Usually suction drains (plastic tubes) are left in place after surgery with breast reduction, and possibly with a mastopexy.
What kind of anesthesia is used? A general anesthetic is used on all reduction mammaplasties and some mastopexies. Some mastopexies can be performed using local anesthesia and intravenous sedation.
Who is on the surgical team? Generally, two board certified surgeons will perform the operation. There may be a separate bill for the assistant surgeon’s fee.
What can I expect post-operatively? Discomfort, swelling and discoloration of the breasts are to be expected for several weeks. Usually, our patients return to almost normal activity within two weeks. The scars at the incision lines typically become reddish, raised and firm a few weeks after surgery, but after many months become pale and soft. After 8-12 months, the scars are relatively inconspicuous. The nipples and some areas of the skin may be numb or sensitive after surgery. Sensation frequently returns within a few weeks or months but may be diminished or overly sensitive.
Will the breasts start to sag again? Gravity continues to have its effect, and there is a tendency for the skin of the breast to stretch over long period of time. Women vary a great deal in this respect. In general, the smaller the breasts, the less tendency for sagging to recur. If the breasts sag further, excision of the skin on an outpatient basis can be used to correct the problem. If we try to lift heavy breasts without making them smaller at the same time, sagging will return soon. One key to a satisfying result is realistic expectations – a wide based large breast will not look like a smaller, but firm narrow based breast.
What are the alternatives to surgery? Occasionally patients respond to weight loss. Some patients can be improved with liposuction or liposuction and surgery. Patients with small amount of sagging may do well with breast implants alone.
Leave a Reply