BREAST LIFT

In breast lift surgery, also called mastopexy, the breasts are raised, the nipples are repositioned and the areolas (the darker skin around the nipples) may be reduced in size. If you have lost breast volume over the years and you want to add more fullness, implants may be inserted during breast lift surgery to increase breast size.

You will find basic information about breast lift surgery in this brochure. However, the best way to get complete answers to specific questions that relate to your individual needs is to have a personal consultation with Dr. Srinivasa Rao Surapaneni Cosmetic Surgeon well trained abroad in this field under the guidance of world famous Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon Prof. Ivo Pitanguy of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Is a breast lift right for me?

A breast lift can be performed at any age, but your Cosmetic surgeon usually recommends waiting until breast developing has stopped. Pregnancy and breast feeding may affect the size and shape of your breasts, so you may wish to postpone surgery until after having children. Still, many women elect to go forward with the surgery before having children, knowing that they can address any pregnancy related changes later. The milk ducts and nipples typically are not affected during breast lift surgery, so usually the procedure will not alter your ability to breast feed.

You may be a good candidate for breast lift surgery if you have any of the following conditions:

• breasts are pendulous, but are a size that is satisfactory to you
• breast lack substances or firmness
• nipples and areolas point downward, especially if they are positioned below the breast crease

In many cases, women seek breast lift surgery to correct inherited traits or asymmetry- one breast may be firm and well developed while the other is not. Breast of any size can be lifted. However, the results are more long lasting for women whose breast are smaller and lighter.

What should I expect from the consultation?

A personal consultation is the first step for every patient considering a breast lift. During this meeting, your surgeon will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific goals for the surgical procedure.

You should arrive at the consultation prepared to provide complete information about:

• previous surgical procedures
• past and present medical conditions
• medications you are taking, including herbal remedies or nutritional supplements
• past experience with weight loss and the effect if had on your breast size

When examining your breasts, your Cosmetic surgeon will consider their size and shape, the quality of your skin and the placement of the nipples and areolas. Measurements and photographs will be taken for your medical record.

How is a breast lift performed?

Your anatomy, your surgeon’s preferences and your desired result will determine the specific method chosen for your breast lift. The most common method of breast lift surgery involves three incisions. One incision is made around the areola. Another runs vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease underneath the breast. The third is a horizontal incision beneath the breast that follows the natural curve of the breast crease.

After the surgeon has removed the excess breast skin and shaping the remaining breast tissue, the nipple and areola are shifted to a higher position. The areola, which is usually stretched out in sagging breasts, can also be reduced in size, skin that was formerly located above the areola is brought down and together to reshape the breast. In some cases, liposuction may be used to improve the contour, especially on the sides of the breasts.

The nipples and areolas remain attached to the underlying mounds of tissue and this usually allows for the preservation of sensation and the ability to breast feed.

Are there options?

There are many variations is breast lift technique your plastic surgeon will determine the best technique for you based on the size and shape of your breasts, The size of your areolas and the extent of the sagging.

In some instances, it may be possible to avoid the horizontal incision that runs beneath the breasts, for other women, a technique may be used that avoids both the horizontal incision and the vertical incision that runs from the edge of the areola to the breast crease. If you are a good candidates for one of these modified techniques, your surgeon will discuss this with you.

If you and your surgeon have decided that your breast will be enlarged at the same time they are lifted, breast implants will be required. If you are considering this option, your surgeon will review the necessary safety information with you and may give you an additional brochure on breast augmentation.

How will I learn about the safety of breast lift surgery?

Each year, thousands of women undergo breast lift surgery and experience no major complications. However, it is important for you to be informed of the risks as well as the benefits. One of the most important parts of your consultation is the discussion that you and your surgeon will have about the possible complications of breast lift surgery. In addition to listening carefully to what your surgeon tells you, be sure to raise any question or concerns that you may have about the procedure.

Remember by carefully following your surgeon’s advice and instructions both before and after surgery you can do your part to minimize some of the risks.

What can I do to prepare for my surgery?

When the date for your surgical procedure has been set, your plastic surgeon will provide you with specific instruction for the days immediately before and after your surgery. A number of points will be covered, including:

• avoiding medications that may complicate surgery or recovery
• stopping smoking for a period of time before and after surgery
• arranging for help or special care following surgery
• having a baseline mammogram before surgery, if your surgeon feels it’s appropriate
• will be subjected for pre-op routine & necessary lab tests etc; pre anesthetic check up and clearances from other allied specialties as per the requirement is a must

How will I be cared for on the day of my surgery?

Breast lift surgery may be performed in a hospital; your stay will be a short one for a day or two.
Medications are administered to keep you comfortable during the procedure usually a general anesthetic is used so that you will sleep throughout the entire surgical procedure.

How will I look and feel right after surgery?

When surgery is complete, you’ll be taken to a recovery area. In some cases, small drainage tubes will have been placed beneath the breast skin to help prevent fluids from accumulating. Gauze dressing will be placed on your breasts and covered with an elastic bandages or supportive bra.

On the day of surgery, you will be encouraged to get out of bed for short periods of time. Most of the discomfort you feel in the days followings the procedure by your Cosmetic surgeon.

Although every one heals at a different rate, you can expect that your recovery will follow this general time line:

Within the first week

• You will begin to move about more comfortably and perhaps even return to (non strenuous) work.
• One should limit the movements at shoulder joint for few weeks.
• Surgical drains (if used) will be removed and dressing will be changed.

After several weeks

• Brushing swelling and normal periodic discomfort will diminish.
• The last of the stitches will have been removed.
• You can discontinue wearing a surgical support bra.
• Sensation within the nipple and areola are will gradually improve.
• You may return to most of your normal activities, including mild exercise.

After a few months

• Your breasts will start settling into a more natural shape.
• Incision lines, which initially are red or pink, will begin to fade.

What should I know about my results?

After breast lift surgery, your breast will feel firmer and appear more youthful and uplifted the position of your areola and nipples will be improved and your areolas will be more pleasingly proportioned.

Although the intension lines will be permanently visible, they will fade over time most are easily concealed under clothing even most swimsuits and tops with low cut neck lines.

You can expect to maintain your new breast shape, unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight or become pregnant. If, over time, you again become dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts you may choose to undergo a second breast lift procedure to help restore their more youthful contour and appearance.

How long will I continue to see my Cosmetic Surgeon?

After the initial healing period, you will return to your plastic surgeon’s office for a postoperative follow-up visit so that your healing and progress can be evaluated in the following months, your surgeon may ask you to return for periodic checkups. It’s important to keep these appointments so that your surgeon can assess your long term results and address any question or concern you may have.

Choosing a correct surgeon

No matter what type of plastic surgery you're considering, one of the most important factors is the surgeon you choose. Although it may seem hard to believe, some of the physicians who are performing cosmetic surgery have had no formal or with very inadequate surgical training.

Information about your Doctors

Dr. Surapaneni is the First Indian who had under gone the complete residency training program in this specialized field under Prof. Ivo Pitanguy. A legendary that trained more than 400 surgeons from 40 different countries in the 43 years of history of his training institute. Prof. Pitanguy also set several mile stones in the field of Aesthetic Plastic surgery by becoming one of the world’s best situate for the Hollywood and world celebrities for metamorphosing their body lines by him. The warm climate, wonderful beaches and the western culture made the Brazilian’s to be more conscious of their shapely bodies and in turn they set the goals for the rest in undergoing these cosmetic surgeries. Dr. Surapaneni also gained experience in Liposuction from Rome, Italy with Dr. Georgio Fischer; Endoscopic Facial Procedures with Dr. Nicanor Isse of California, USA and attended to various internationally acclaimed surgeons in Paris, France and some of the conferences.

Dr. Sailaja Kaza attained M.D. in Dermatology from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil with Prof. R. D. Azulay. A senior professor and a popular figure of Dermatology in Latin America and been considered as father of Dermatology with an out standing academic contribution. Dr. Sailaja got selected for the American Academy of Dermatology visiting resident’s scholarship program and had an opportunity to work under Dr. William James (Editor & Author of several internationally acclaimed Dermatology text books) at University of Pennsylvania, USA. She is also a qualified in M.D. Aesthetic Medicine and quite knowledgeable in the field of Cosmetic Dermatology and well trained with Lasers, Acid Peels, Botox, Microdermabrasion (Skin Polishing), management of Acne, Hair and skin