Mastopexy (Breast Lift)
Breasts undergo significant shape changes with age and particularly after childbearing and breastfeeding. Mastopexy is a procedure which uses the existing breast tissue you have a reshapes it and repositions the nipple so that your breasts have a more pert and youthful appearance. Where desired the mastopexy can additionally include having extra volume added (augmentation) to each breast with the use of fat transfer or breast implants.
Carpal Tunnel Release (or Carpal Tunnel Decompression) is a short surgical procedure usually perfomed under local anaesthesia. It usually takes 15-20 mins to perform and you will have a small dressing on your hand afterwards but will be able to use your hand later that day. You will need a dressing on your hand for 10-14 days total and can typically return to work after 10-14 days (light duties) or 4-6 weeks (heavy manual work).
How is it done?
The operation is done under general anaesthetic with the patient asleep. (Some smaller mastopexies can be perfomed under local anaesthesia with the patient awake.) The shaping is preplanned with the patient awake prior to anaesthesia. All wounds are closed with dissolvable stitches. Mastopexy alone typically takes around 2 to 3 hours for both breasts and usually requires an overnight stay though some smaller mastopexies can often go home the same day. If mastopexies are combined with an augmentation then this can take up to 6 hours.
What is the recovery period?
Stiffness and tiredness may be experienced for the first week to 10 days. Most of the swelling is gone by 10 days although some bruising may last for around 3 weeks. There may be some soreness of the breasts which lasts around 2 weeks and is typically well controlled with oral painkiller. Depending on occupation It is recommended that three to six weeks be taken off work. It is also recommended that aerobic work outs are avoided for around 6 weeks.
What are the risks and possible complications?
As with any surgery there are small risks of bleeding and infection. Although symmetry is the aim there is a small risk of assymetry. Scars take about a year to settle fully but you will be instructed on how to look after your scars. Scars are hidden beneath the breast fold and around the nipple, the only visible ones are the short scars that extend vertically down from the nipple which will fade in time along with the others.
Being a smoker and being overweight both increase the risks of complications such as poor healing of wounds and blood clots in your legs (Deep Vein Thrombosis) that can travel to your lungs (Pulmonary Embolus) so weight loss and smoke cessation are strongly recommended before surgery.
Some patients are unable to breast feed after this operation. The sensation to the nipple is also typically reduced.
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