Breast Lift with Implants

This procedure is called a Mastopexy/Augmentation in medical terms. It is combination procedure that involves placing an implant to add volume to a deflated breast, while at the same time removing extra, loose skin in order to create a more youthful, perky look to the breast. It is one of the most challenging procedures in Plastic Surgery, but can be one of the most satisfying.

Reasons for a Breast Lift with Implants

A women’s breast tissue and skin is designed to have a certain laxity. This is inherent in order to allow a woman’s breasts to enlarge during pregnancy and breast feeding. The unfortunate problem is that more often than not the breast tissue and skin will not go back to its pre-pregnancy elasticity and tightness. This often leads to a deflated and saggy appearance to the breast. In addition, weight loss, aging and gravity can all produce the same outcome, even in a women who has never been pregnant or breast-fed. In these cases, a breast augmentation alone would create a fuller breast, but one that was still saggy. A breast lift would improve the shape and position of the breast, but it may still be left smaller than desired. The solution is a combined procedure called the “Mastopexy/Augmentation”. Any patient in good physical health who has both a combination of volume loss and ptosis (medical term for sagging of the breast) may be a great candidate for this surgery.

Ideal Candidates

The ideal candidate is one in good health without significant medical problems. They should be have reasonable expectations of outcome and understand the potential risks and complications that may occur. Patients desiring increased volume and also a lifting of the breast are great candidates. Patients looking to combine two procedures in one and save money, time and recovery are the ideal patients.

Considerations

Dr. Arslanian will discuss the pros and cons of performing a lift and augmentation combined. These procedures can be performed in a staged fashion or all at once. There are certain risks and benefits to each method and you will be well informed so you can make the best decision.

Consultation

Preparation

Prior to surgery you will be given instructions on the day, time and location of your procedure. You will be given your prescriptions that Dr. Arslanian prescribes, and all of your paperwork including consent forms will be signed. In some cases you may need to obtain medical clearance from your physician or specialist, and possibly meet with the anesthesiologist and undergo additional lab work depending on your medical issues and personal situation.

Procedure

After you are asleep, Dr. Arslanian will start by making his incision on the breast. This may be a “lollipop” or ‘anchor” type incision. He will then create a pocket for the implant under the muscle. The appropriate size implant will then be placed using a “NO TOUCH” Technique and a Keller Funnel. This helps to prevent implant contamination and allows for the smallest scar possible. Once the implants are properly positioned then the mastopexy will begin. Dr. Arslanian will determine how much skin needs to be removed. Once the excess skin is removed, the breast pillars will be sewn together to create the perky, round shape you desire. The incisions are closed with sutures, dressings are applied and you will be awakened from anesthesia. You may be placed into a surgical garment and instructions on use will be given.

Recovery

You will go home the same day of surgery and rest. Over the course of the first week you will begin range of motion exercises to keep your arms and shoulders from tightening up. Dr. Arslanian will also go over breast implant massage to help prevent early capsular contracture. You will follow up within the first week at which point dressings will removed and any sutures that were placed on the skin. You will be given instructions on wearing your garment and increasing activity. Most people can be back to work within 3-7 days depending on if they work at a desk or have a more labor intensive occupation. By 2 weeks most patients are almost back to normal. You will then be able to start increasing activity, excising and start lifting heavier weight. We do not allow any heavy lifting, bench press or pushups until AT LEAST 6 WEEKS, to allow the muscle to fully heal. There will be some expected post-operative pain that typically resolves within a few days to a week, which you will be given pain medication for.

Results

After a mastopexy/augmentation, the breasts can often appear to be “upside-down”, with the full part at the top and the flatter part at the bottom. This is NORMAL and completely expected. Over the next few weeks the implants will begin to drop and stretch out the lower portion of the breast to settle into a very natural position. Final results are usually seen at the 3-6 month mark, but sometimes it may take an entire year for the breasts to fully settle to their new shape and position.

Price