Breast Reduction
Breast sagging may develop due to various reasons. The ligaments keeping the breast tissues at their normal localizations may loosen over time. Integrity loss may occur between the breast tissue and the peripheral skin depending on alterations in weight, breastfeeding, and the effects of gravity. The problem may result from the breast tissue, skin or both of them. As a result, an empty and saggy appearance of the breasts may occur.
Pre-operative Period
Similar to other breast surgeries, you should discuss with your doctor about your expectations from surgery and reasons for surgery. You should also inform your doctor if your family history is notable for cancer or breast disease or you have smoking habit or regular use of medicine, or a systematic disease.
Surgery
In breast lift surgery (mastopexy), sagging breast is reshaped, and the excessive skin is excised. The nipple is placed to anatomic location. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and it lasts for 1.5-2 hours. Scars remain in various shapes depending on the degree of sagging. In all methods, scarring around the nipple is inevitable. If surgery is performed by making an incision around the nipple, the scar around the nipple may be more remarkable. In other breast lift surgeries, a scar, which is 4-5 cm in length and extends from the central zone of inferior margin of the nipple to inferior side, may be seen in addition to the scar around the nipple. Applying only breast prosthesis may eliminate the sagging in suitable patients. In this case, the surgical scar is concealed in the junction of the brownish skin of the nipple and the white skin of the breast. As a result, it has reached the minimal sizes. There is not any breast lift surgery which does not leave a scar. However, these scars are remarkable at first, but gradually disappear afterwards .
Postoperative Period
Postoperative period is usually comfortable. Pain does not cause any problem. If breast prosthesis has been used during the surgery, movements of arm may be limited for several days. A breast bandage, which is similar to a bra, is applied. A separate dressing is placed on the nipple. Dressing is opened 2 days later and incision site is checked. As no external suture is placed during surgery, it is not necessary to remove sutures. However, the skin-colored bandage on incision site should be left for 3 weeks. The patient is worn a sports bra for 6 weeks, and a massage is recommended. In early postoperative period, swelling may develop and there may be loss of feeling in the nipple and a purplish discoloration around the skin.
Returning to Daily Life
The patient can start working within 3-4 days. It is recommended to avoid heavy exercises for 3 months. Usually, breast lift surgery is a procedure which gives good and permanent results, improves the mental health of the patient and patient’s spouse, and provides them with an opportunity to hold on to the life hopefully. Although a newly shaped breast is stable for a long time; changes in weight, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and gravity may cause a sagging again.
