Breast Lift In Iran: Essential Information

Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, is a procedure designed to remove excess skin from the breasts and reshape them while preserving factors like breastfeeding functionality, nipple sensation, and areolae position. In cases of excessively large breasts, this surgery may involve the removal of excess fat (reduction), or it may include the implantation of the patient's own fat tissue or breast implants (augmentation) for achieving larger breasts.
 

Reasons for Considering Breast Lift Surgery:

Breast ligaments can stretch over time due to factors like repeated pregnancies, causing breasts to become fuller and heavier. Additionally, as women age, the skin on the breasts becomes less elastic, leading to gradual stretching, especially in those with larger or fluctuating breast sizes. The long-term effects of gravity can also contribute to breast sagging.

Breast lift surgery primarily serves cosmetic purposes, aiming to restore breast roundness, enhance appearance, and boost self-confidence.
 

How Breast Lift Surgery Is Performed:

The surgical objective in breast lift procedures is to achieve a natural contour and size while minimizing visible scars. This is accomplished by eliminating excess skin and compensating for lost volume. Different types of mastopexy surgeries are available, determined by the type of incision made during the breast lift procedure and the degree of lift required.

Patients may also opt for breast reduction or augmentation simultaneously with their breast lift surgery.

Before the procedure, the surgeon identifies the nipple's location, which, in most cases, is at or slightly above the inframammary fold. The surgery can be performed as an outpatient procedure in a clinic or as an inpatient procedure in a hospital, typically under either local or general anesthesia. In most cases, patients are discharged on the same day as the operation. The surgery duration typically ranges from 2 to 3 hours.

During the procedure, the surgeon typically makes an incision around the areolae with another vertical incision towards the inframammary fold, which may extend laterally, resembling an inverted T shape. This incision pattern allows for the removal of excess skin and the performance of a breast lift without or with breast implants (augmentation) if needed. For patients with larger breasts, the surgeon may also remove excess fat tissue to reduce breast size while conducting the breast lift surgery.

Following breast reshaping, the surgeon employs internal dissolvable stitches, an additional layer of external stitches, and may insert a drain. Surgical tape is placed over the surgical area.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Breast Lift Surgery:

You are a suitable candidate for breast lift surgery if:

1. Your general health is excellent, and your weight is stable.
2. You are dissatisfied with the shape and volume of your breasts.
3. Your breasts exhibit sagging and elongation.
4. Your nipples point downward when not wearing a bra.
5. Your nipples and areolas are significantly downward.
6. You have excessive skin wrinkling, and your areolas are larger than average.
7. You have one breast longer than the other.
    

Recovery and Post-operative Care for Breast Lift Surgery:

During the initial stage of mastopexy recovery, bandages will cover your breasts. You'll wear a surgical bra for several days and may later use breast lift tape. Swelling and bruising typically persist for two weeks, accompanied by some incision-related discomfort. Numbness in the nipples, areolae, and breast skin may be experienced for approximately six weeks.

Pain management with analgesics is recommended during mastopexy recovery. Patients should avoid strenuous activities, bending, and lifting. Sleeping on your back is advised, and daily activities should be gradually resumed according to mastopexy recovery guidelines.

Breast lift drains are typically removed within a few days, after which a soft support bra can be worn. While stitches may remain for two weeks, patients should take one to two weeks off work during the breast lift recovery period, with full recovery potentially taking up to two months.
 

Common Risks and Side Effects of Breast Lift Surgery:

Breast lift surgery is generally safe but carries typical surgical risks and side effects, including bleeding, infection, and anesthesia-related reactions. Specific breast lift concerns include:

1. Scarring: While scars tend to fade and soften over time, they may remain visible. Wearing bras and bathing suits can help conceal them.
2. Changes in nipple or breast sensation: Sensation usually returns within several weeks, but some level of numbness may persist, with erotic sensation typically unaffected.
3. Irregularities in breast shape and size: Achieving complete breast symmetry can be challenging, especially when combining augmentation with breast lift. Experienced surgeons strive to achieve the best possible symmetry.
4. Partial or total necrosis of the nipples or areolae due to surgical tension.
5. Difficulty in breastfeeding: Most women do not face issues with breastfeeding after breast lift surgery, but some may experience challenges in producing sufficient milk.
6. Seromas and hematomas.

It's important to note that many of these side effects are temporary, and experienced surgeons work to prevent and minimize them, aiming for excellent mastopexy results.