Mastopexy - Breast Lifting
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Over time a woman's breasts begin to sag and the areolas become larger.

A mastopexy, also known as a “breast lift” is the surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts. Often pregnancy, nursing, weight loss, and gravity causes the breasts to sag. Besides lifting the breasts, a mastopexy can reduce the size of the areola, which is the skin surrounding the nipple. Often with mastopexy surgery breast implants are also used to replace lost volume to enhance the size of the breast.

With every surgery there are possible risks and complications 
Dr. Yaker performs many breast lifting procedures successfully each year. However; there are risks associated with this surgery. Possible complications following surgery include infection, bleeding, poor healing, asymmetry, and reaction to anesthesia. Smokers will need to stop smoking 6 weeks before surgery and continue not smoking until approximately 4 weeks after surgery. Smoking greatly increases the risks of complications during the healing process.

Incisions outline the area of skin to be removed and the new position for the nipple.

Skin formerly located above the nipple is brought down and together to reshape the breast. Sutures close the incisions giving the breast its new contour.

About the Surgery: 
The procedure is performed in our on site AAAASF certified ambulatory surgery center under general anesthesia. Dr. Yaker will discuss with you during consultation, prior to surgery, the actual technique he will use. If the entire breast is sagging, a full mastopexy may be required. Dr. Yaker will reshape the breasts by removing excess skin and raising the breast tissue. Generally there is an anchor shape scar, which runs horizontally and vertically in the crease of the breast. There is an incision around the areola, and most likely the areola will be reduced in size during the surgery. This technique takes approximately 2 hours. After surgery you will have bandages. A surgical bra will be fitted for support. Some sutures will be removed at one week, and the rest taken out at two weeks post op. You will need to wear a surgical bra for several weeks, and depending on your individual recovery, you will be directed by Dr. Yaker when you may wear a different bra. Patients are encouraged to massage lotions containing Aloe Vera and Vitamin E on the scars to help during the healing process, once all of the sutures have been removed. There are occasions when the nipple/areola complex is all that needs to be lifted. This procedure entails an incision around the areola, with some excess skin around or above the areola removed.

Illustrations  above are courtesy of
ASPS (The American Society of Plastic Surgeons)  
(The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Inc.)

Pre-Operative Instructions
For Breast Lifting

2 Weeks Before Surgery:

• Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen products (You may take Tylenol)
• Do not take any diet pills or similar appetite suppressant medications, (i.e. Metabolife)
• Do not take any herbal preparations, (i.e. St. Johns Wart)
• Do not take Vitamin E
• Do not smoke - This will interfere with the circulation and healing process causing major complications

Products Needed At Home:

Fill you prescriptions given to you during your pre-op visit:

• Percocet, Lortab, or Dilaudid is for the pain
• Keflex is an antibiotic (you will need to take all of these as directed)
• Diazepam is a muscle relaxer
• Extras-strength Tylenol

The night Prior to Surgery:

• Eat a bland meal - Nothing Spicy
• Before going to bed take a Pepcid AC
• If needed a Diazepam to help you rest

The Day of Surgery:

**Eating or Drinking Prior to Surgery Will Result in Cancellation of the Surgery**

• Wear loose clothing, wear a top that buttons or zips in front. (Do not wear jeans or tight clothing)
• Do not wear make-up.
• Leave all jewelry and valuables at home
• The person caring for you after surgery will need to stay with you for at least 48 hours once you arrive home.

Post-Operative Instructions
For Breast Lifting

Medications:

• Take your pain medications for the pain. Do not take it on an empty stomach
• Take the antibiotics as directed until they are all gone
• Sometimes patients will develop a yeast infection from the antibiotics, if this occurs call the office
• Should you become constipated, you may use an over the counter stool softener. If you do not have relief from your stool softener, call the office.
• Should you experience itching, take Benadryl 25 mg: one capsule every 6 hours as needed
• Should you have nausea, a prescribed Phenergan suppository should help.
• Remember no aspirin products until 2 weeks after surgery

Other Things to Remember:

• If you feel you are in an emergency situation, please call the office at any time. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day. These calls include: abnormal bleeding, abnormal swelling, or a temperature over 101 degrees. Other calls should be made during business hours Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Should the incisions have drainage, place gauze bandages over the incision. Should drainage continue, call the office.
• Sutures are generally removed at 7 and 14 days post operatively.
• We ask that you not drive 7-10 days after surgery.
• Most patients take 10-14 days off from work.
• Do Not raise your arms over you head for 2 weeks.
• Patients are encouraged to massage lotions containing Aloe Vera and Vitamin E on the scars to help during the healing process, once all of the sutures have been removed.
• Try to keep activities to a moderate level for the first 4 weeks. After 4 weeks you may ride a life cycle, and take walks. After 6-8 weeks you may resume normal activities as tolerated.

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