Today, women who are disturbed by sagging or loose breasts as a result of pregnancy, weight loss or natural aging, can be helped by a remarkable surgical technique called a breast lift or mastopexy. This procedure is designed to elevate and reshape the breast. The size of the areola, the dark pink skin circling the nipple, can also be reduced through the procedure. Mastopexy is often performed in conjunction with surgery designed to enlarge the breasts.

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1a 1b Before After 1c 1d Before After 2a 2b Before After

Before Surgery
Prior to surgery, a complete medical history is taken in order to evaluate the general health of the patient. A thorough examination of the breasts is also made to determine the most effective surgical approach. Dr. Edds describes with you the type of anesthesia to be used, the procedure, what results might realistically be expected, and possible risks and complications.

Mammograms are required on all patients 30 years old and over. Preoperative instructions often include the elimination of certain drugs, which contain aspirin in order to minimize the possibility of excess bleeding. Antibiotics may be prescribed prior to surgery to prevent infection. Women who anticipate breast-feeding after surgery should discuss this with Dr. Edds, as the ability to breast-feed after mastopexy varies with each individual.

The Procedure
A breast lift is usually performed in our accredited outpatient surgical facility. Dr. Edds may choose from a variety of procedures, depending on what changes are desired. Prior to surgery, premedication is administered to relax you, and the breasts are carefully marked to indicate where incisions are to be made.

One of the techniques most frequently used involves incisions made on both sides of the breast and around the areola. A keyhole shaped incision is then made directly above the nipple. Dr. Edds works through the incisions to remove excess skin from the lower part of the breast. The nipple, areola and underlying tissue are then repositioned into a new, higher location and the skin from both sides of the nipple is brought down and sutured together to reshape the breast.

A modified procedure can be done on patients who have minimal sagging. This involves the removal of skin from the areola and surrounding areas. When breast augmentation is performed in conjunction with mastopexy, an implant is placed in a pocket created under the muscle of the chest wall.   The surgery can last two hours or more, depending upon the procedure.

Following Surgery
Following surgery, you will have a dressing and/or surgical bra for several weeks. Patients who are operated on in a hospital or surgical center are released the same day. Pain connected with the procedure is treated with oral medication. Antibiotics will be prescribed to prevent infection. Instructions for the day of surgery include bed rest with limited activities. Dr. Edds determines when normal activities can be resumed; however, strenuous exercise and overhead lifting must be avoided during the immediate post-operative period.

Sutures are removed in seven days. Numbness around the treated area may occur, but this condition is usually temporary. Swelling and discoloration disappear in a few days, and scars from the incisions, although permanent, will fade significantly with time.

Complications of infection and blood clots are rare; however, there are certain inherent risks connected with every surgical procedure, which should be thoroughly discussed with Dr. Edds. Because of the degree of tissue elasticity varies from patient to patient, the amount of recurrent ptosis or droopiness following mastopexy also varies. You can minimize complications by carefully following directions given by Dr. Edds. Following mastopexy, there may be slight variations in size or shape of the breasts; however, these variations are common even before breast surgery.

If you are interested in learning more about this procedure, please call our office at (270) 926-9033 and we will be happy to answer questions about the procedure itself or about procedure cost and financing.