Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Breast Lift Fort Worth Over time, the effects of gravity along with the loss of the skin's natural elasticity begin to have an effect on the appearance of a woman's breasts. These factors, combined with pregnancies and nursing, will often cause the breasts to lose their youthful shape and firmness. A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts. The procedure can also reduce the size of the areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple). Breast implants inserted in conjunction with a mastopexy procedure can increase both firmness and size.

Dr. Kunkel performs mastopexy surgery in a hospital or an outpatient surgery center. The surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia, and lasts from 2 to 3-½ hours. There are several different types of mastopexies. One of the most important factors in helping a woman achieve the best result is matching the right woman with the right type of mastopexy. During the initial consultation Dr. Kunkel discusses the various options, with the potential advantages and disadvantages, with each patient.

After surgery the breasts are wrapped with gauze dressings. After a few days the dressings are replaced with a soft support bra. Breasts will probably be bruised, swollen, and tight for a few days. Numbness in the breasts and nipples typically lessen as swelling subsides, although occasionally it may last for months or even be permanent. Most women will be able to return to work in 1 or 2 weeks.
Women planning to have children are advised to postpone mastopexy surgery, since pregnancy and nursing can counteract its effects by stretching the skin.

Complications are uncommon but may include numbness, uneven positioning of nipples, asymmetry of the results, and widening of scars. Other less common risks include infection, bleeding, long-term pain, and loss of a nipple.