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Factors such as pregnancy, nursing, fluctuations in weight and gravity take
their toll on a woman's breasts. As the skin loses its elasticity, the breasts
often lose their shape and firmness and begin to sag. Breast lift, or
mastopexy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging
breasts-at least, for a time.
You may be a good candidate for breast lift surgery if you
have one or more
of the following conditions:
- Breasts that are pendulous, but of satisfactory size
- Breasts that lack substance of firmness
- Nipples and areolas that point downward, especially if they
are
positioned below the breast crease
A breast lift can be performed at any age, but it is
usually recommended
that a patient wait until breast development has stopped. Pregnancy and
breast-feeding may also have an effect on the shape of your breasts.
You should tell Dr. Semlacher if you plan to lose significant amount of
weight, particularly if you have noticed that your breasts sag or become
smaller with weight loss. Dr. Semlacher may recommend that you stabilize
your weight before having surgery.
During surgery, after Dr. Semlacher has removed excess breast skin, the
nipple and areola are shifted to a higher position. The areola, which in a
sagging breast may have been stretched, can be reduced in size.
The nipples and areolas remain attached to underlying mounds of tissue,
and this usually allows for the preservation of sensation and the ability to
breast-feed.
Significant complications from breast lifts are infrequent. Anyone
considering surgery, however, should be aware of both the benefits and
risks. You can help to lessen certain risks by following the advice and
instructions of Dr. Semlacher, before and after surgery.
Breast lift surgery will make your breasts firmer and more uplifted. The
position of your areolas and nipples will be enhanced and the size of your
areolas will be aesthetically pleasing.
The incisions from your breast lift surgery will heal and fade over time. It is
important to realize, however, that the incision lines will be permanently
visible.
Unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight or become pregnant,
your new breast shape should remain fairly constant. However, gravity and
the effects of aging will eventually alter the size and shape of every
woman's breasts.
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