PREPARING FOR A BREAST LIFT
A mammography may be recommended before the surgery to check your breasts. It can then be used as a reference for future mammography. If deemed necessary, we will schedule pre-operative exams for you. We will also give you a prescription for a special bra to wear after surgery. At the first visit, we will examine your breasts and take measurements to determine the most suitable surgical technique to use.
Three types of incisions may be used in a breast lift. In general, the lower the nipple, the more incisions are required:
- Peri-areolar incisions: incisions are made around the areola to correct slight sagging of the breast.
- Vertical incisions: Peri-areolar and vertical incisions are used to correct moderate sagging of the breast.
- T-incisions: Peri-areolar, vertical and horizontal (under the breast) incisions are made to correct significant sagging.
BREAST LIFT: SURGERY
A breast lift is a day surgery performed under general anesthesia that takes one to two hours. A bandage will be worn to cover and support your breasts after the surgery.
RECOVERY AFTER A BREAST LIFT
You may experience moderate pain after the surgery that can be managed with prescribed medications. Your breasts will be swollen and uncomfortable for a couple of days. The bandage must be kept dry and intact until the first post-operative visit, which is five days after the surgery. The bandage will be changed at that visit. You will have to wear a support bra during the day for six weeks. The following post-op visits are usually three weeks, three months and one year after the operation.
At the three-week appointment, the butterfly bandages will be removed and you will be asked to massage the scar tissue. Avoid intense physical effort for six weeks. If your work does not require physical effort, you may return to work after a few days of recovery. The breasts may be swollen for a while. The definitive results will be observable two or three months after the operation, but the scars may appear red for six to twelve months.
