Breast Lift

Pregnancy and breast feeding provide women with amazing wonder and fulfilment but unfortunately, as women get older, their breasts begin to sag and droop. This causes many to feel self-conscious and insecure about their body image.

If you have droopy breasts there is hope for you.

Breast lift surgery is an innovative procedure which raises and enhances your breasts to their former glory, leaving you with improved size, shape and symmetry. The excess skin is removed and the position of your nipples is improved. If your breasts are either too small or the upper breast lacks volume you may choose to also have implants to augment your size (breast augmentation-mastopexy).

Breast lift surgery can certainly go a long way towards restoring and re-establishing your femininity and youthful appearance. Your clothing will fit better and be more flattering.

During your first consultation with Dr Slabbert you will quickly find he has a caring and compassionate disposition and is quickly able to set your mind at ease. He will take time to explain what a breast lift can do for you and then carefully assess your breasts. He will also seek to understand the reasons you have for wanting the surgery and also what your expectations are. Often more than one consultation is required.

Some of the most common reasons you may choose breast lift surgery are:

• Your breasts are droopy (this is known as ptosis)
• Your weight may have fluctuated causing the skin of your breasts to lose elasticity and stretch
• During pregnancy, your breasts will often get larger and heavier, stretching the ligaments that provide support ultimately causing droop
• Over time, gravity takes its toll, causing your breasts to sag or get longer and flatter, or one breast falls lower than the other
• Your nipples point down towards your feet
• My breasts are asymmetrical

Dr Slabbert will examine your breasts and you may need to undergo a mammogram and an ultrasound. He will discuss your current state of health and whether you are a smoker or have any health concerns such as lupus, diabetes, heart problems or infection. Please be aware it is vital for you to fully disclose any health issue.

You will be advised which medications to avoid in the period leading up to your surgery. It is advisable to stop smoking 4 weeks before and after surgery as it will help you heal better and also not interfere with the anaesthetic.

During the final consultation, Dr Slabbert will fully assess your breasts and advise you on how best to achieve the breast lift. Typically, there are three different ways to sculpt the breast tissue:

1. A circular scar at the edge of the areola (the darker area around your nipple)
2. The above combined with a vertical scar from the bottom of the areola to the crease under the breast ("lollipop")
3. In addition a horizontal scar along the breast crease ("inverted-T or anchor)

Once you have been admitted, Dr Slabbert and his anaesthetist will visit you and carefully discuss your planned surgery and mark out the surgical guidelines on your breasts. During the operation, Dr Slabbert will lift and reshape your breasts and possibly insert the silicone implant if desired. Your nipples will be raised and re-positioned creating a more pleasing appearance while ensuring there is good, continued blood supply. The sutures which are used will dissolve naturally because they cause far less discomfort. Drains may be inserted to effectively filter away any fluid build up.

The duration of the operation will be 1-2 hours and you will require an anaesthetic.

You will be required to spend a night in hospital and Dr Slabbert's nursing team will continuously monitor your progress. You will receive pain medication to ensure you are comfortable throughout. You will be the most uncomfortable during the first 24 to 72 hours. Please arrange for someone to drive you home and it is also advisable they spend the next 2 days with you.

You will experience some bruising and swelling and your breasts will be sensitive and tender to the touch for the next couple of weeks. You may also experience some numbness which will dissipate over time.

Dr Slabbert will see you one week after surgery and some of the dressings will be removed. You will need to visit Dr Slabbert again at two weeks to trim the stitches and remove all the remaining dressings. You should wear a sports bra for at least six weeks.

The team will closely follow your recovery to ensure you are able to resume normal exercising and activities.

You may return to work after approximately 14 days but please avoid strenuous activity and lifting anything heavy for several weeks. You need to be kind and gentle with yourself and allow your body time to heal.

Dr Slabbert will advise you on the best possible scar management routine. Scarring with diminish in time, but will not disappear completely.