What to Expect When Having a Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Anesthesia:Mastopexy surgery can be performed under a variety of anesthesia techniques. The more complex and involved the procedure, the deeper the anesthesia. A periareolar mastopexy can often be done under simple local anesthesia.

Location of Operation: Hospital or outpatient surgery center.

Length of Surgery: 1-1 ½ hours for periareolar mastopexy; 2-2 ½ hours for a vertical or a pectoral loop mastopexy; 3 hours for an inverted T-technique. Add 30 minutes if breast augmentation is also being performed.

Length of stay: Mastopexy surgery is performed on an outpatient basis.

Discomfort: Initial discomfort is well controlled with oral pain medications.

Swelling and Bruising:: The more extensive the procedure the more swelling and bruising that occur.

Numbness: Temporary nipple numbness may be present 4-6 weeks. Permanent numbness is rare but is more common with a more extensive mastopexy.

Bandages: The initial dressing is a 6-inch elastic Ace wrap used to compress the breasts. This wrap is removed the day after surgery only by Dr. Hainer or one of his staff. You will then be given a cotton bra to wear the first 2-3 weeks. Once the post-op dressing is removed showering is allowed. No tub baths or hot tubs for 3 weeks.

Stitches: Stitches are dissolvable and are covered initially by paper steri-strips or dermabond glue.

Drains: No drains are used for periareolar mastopexies. However, for the vertical and inverted T techniques a drain is often placed in each breast. These are typically removed 5-7 days after surgery. A drain care sheet and log are provided to you. Drains are only to be removed by Dr. Hainer or one of his staff.

Work: Off work time is typically 3-4 days unless work entails manual activity. If your job requires lifting or other upper-body activity, job modification may be required. Driving may resume usually within a week or when prescription pain medications are no longer being used.

Exercise: Aerobic activities can be resumed at one week. Routine lifting and childcare is allowed. A support bra or tailored-cup sports bra should be worn during exercise.

Sun Protection: Scars should be protected from sun exposure for 1 year with at least sunscreen SPF 15 or higher to prevent hyperpigmentation.

Final Result: Results are obvious immediately, will be near complete by 3 months, with final scar quality reached at 1 year. The breasts will have a natural contour and feel by 3-4 weeks.

Special Care: If implants are also placed, either saline or silicone, breast implant massage will be started about 1 week after surgery and continued for 6 weeks. Often a bandeau strap will be provided to help the implants settle. Refer to the breast augmentation instruction sheet for further information. ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING!!!!! Smoking is prohibited 4 weeks prior to surgery and a minimum of 4 weeks after surgery for the best possible healing and results.

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