IS A BREAST LIFT FOR ME?Having breast surgery is a decision facing many women today not only in America but throughout the world. Breasts represent a very significant aspect of a woman’s femininity. There are numerous lingerie and clothing lines to help women assist in achieving their most attractive appearance. The best way to evaluate your self is before a mirror following a shower or bath. If you’re honest with yourself you may arrive at the appropriate conclusion. If you have had a consultation for a breast lift you’ve experienced what the surgeon must consider before recommending any surgical intervention. Certain measurements are taken, a thorough anatomic examination will follow, and then your desires will be discussed. To put it bluntly, if your nipple area points down to the floor you are certainly a candidate for a lift. Also if your volume is in your mind excessive, you may also be a candidate for a reduction. The incision for lift and reduction can be the same. The areola or tissue around the nipple will be streamlined and reduced if it is too large. The extra skin at the bottom of the breast will be removed creating a much more compact and perky breast with the nipple-areola complex repositioned to a more pleasing location on the chest wall. BREAST IMPLANTS VERSUS FAT TRANSFERFat transfer has become popular over the last few years, to many parts of the body. It is my opinion that breast implants offer a much more reliable and long-lasting dependable result. I’m not a huge fan or advocate of fat transferred to the breast – particularly because it’s limited in the ability to create a pleasing look and most of it will dissolve over time. Today’s implants are much more reliable and dependable. And, in my opinion, produce a much more aesthetic look. POST OP SUPPORT AFTER BREAST LIFTBlood supply to the nipple-areolar complex can be compromised after a lift. I prefer to use a moderately tight but supportive compression garment to reduce the possibility of postoperative bleeding. Once we are certain there is no immediate postoperative hematoma we can switch to a compression type bra which gives not only compression but support for the breasts. Remember there’s no substitute for an in-person physical exam and consultation. Be sure you seek advice from an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon. THOMAS P. TREVISANI MD BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON MEMBER ASAPS |
