Breast Lift/Mastopexy

Sagging breasts concern a vast majority of women worldwide. In fact, the beauty of breasts is defined by their volume, shape, and firmness. Although regular exercise and a correct posture can help in retaining the form of the breasts to a large extent, but it is hard to fight natural changes. A plethora of reasons cause sagging in breasts, and some of them include pregnancy, breastfeeding, genetics, weight change (gain and loss), improper bra and support wear, gravity and age. All these factors cause loss of elasticity and volume in the breasts and as the ligaments weaken, the breasts start to sag giving them a loopy and asymmetrical appearance. The good news is that a simple breast lift surgery can help solve this problem.

Breast lift surgery (mastopexy) is a procedure that enhances the shape, appearance and contour of the breasts. It not only rejuvenates the figure, but also makes the breast profile uplifted and youthful.

Who can opt for this treatment?

The best candidates for mastopexy are healthy, emotionally stable women who have realistic expectations about what this type of surgery can accomplish.

An ideal candidate should have

• Maintained healthy weight and are physically fit
• Women who are bothered by sagging of breasts
• Areolas and nipples point downwards
• Enlarged areola (the darker skin around the nipple) and stretched skin
• One breast is significantly lower than the other
• Nipples fall below the breast crease when left unsupported

What should you keep in mind before signing-up for the procedure?

• Patients are asked to quit smoking for a few weeks before getting the procedure done
• Get a medical evaluation through various lab tests
• Get a baseline mammogram
• Medications to adjust present medical conditions
• Give a detailed run-down of their medications’ history
• The surgical procedure will depend on the patient’s breast shape and size, position and size of the areolas, the level of breast sagging, elasticity, quality and the amount of extra skin.

Women present with different shapes and sizes of breast, they present with different sizes of areola and different grades of breast sagging thus the drop in the level of nipple is variable. All these factors determine the type and extent of incisions used. Living in UAE has allowed Dr. Rani to operate on vast number of ethnicities. She operates a large number of patients to allow her to live her passion for cosmetic breast surgeries.

Incision patterns for Breast Lift

There are a variety of different surgical techniques used for the reshaping and lifting of the female. breast. Three common incision patterns are used to perform breast lift depending upon the amount of skin that needs to removed:

1. Around the areola: this incision is reserved for those who have minimal skin excess in the breast.
2. Around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease (lollypop incision also known as circumvertical incision): it is offered to those women with moderate skin excess in the breast.
3. Around the areola, vertically down from the breast crease and horizontally in the breast crease (anchor shape or Wise pattern incision): Required when there is significant skin excess in the breast.

Dr. Rani understands that majority of women desire the smallest scar possible. However, incisions are recommended to best suit your anatomy and optimize the final outcome. As the healing proceeds scars fade and significantly improve over time.

After a successful breast lift, the results are immediately visible. Support bra is advised so that the breasts incisions are supported, healing is aided by reducing swelling and shaping of the breasts is optimized.

Breast Lift and Breast Augmentation

Breast lift can be combined with other cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction, and abdominoplasty. By using a combination of these procedures along with the breast lift, Dr Rani can do a more comprehensive rejuvenation resulting in an evenly toned body shape.

Recovery after the surgery

Breast lift surgery is a simple procedure. After the surgery there will be some discomfort, swelling and bruising. Day after the surgery, Dr. Rani removes the surgical dressing, inspects the breasts, the incisions, nipple colour and blood supply.  Fresh dressings are re applied. Pain relief medications are prescribed to ease the pain, and a special support bra is provided to aid in the recovery. You will be instructed to sleep on your back and keep the suture line clean and dry. Strenuous exercises and physical intimacy need to be avoided for 6 -8 weeks as they can impact the recovery and healing. Support bra is worn for 8 weeks before switching to regular bra. Final outcome of breast shape and size is noticed at around six months when all the swelling subsides and breasts settles down.

When performed by an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Rani, a breast lift surgery is completely safe and a very rewarding procedure and with little maintenance it can provide long-lasting results. Dr. Rani believes in guiding her patients in every step of the way, giving them instructions for the steps to follow for breast lift surgery in addition to developing a plan for breast rejuvenation with minimal scarring on case-to-case basis.