BREAST

• Breast Augmentation
• Breast Enlargement
• Breast Reconstruction
• Breast Reduction
• Breast Lift

BODY

• Liposuction
• Tummy Tuck / Abdominoplasty
• Buttock Augmentation / Fat Transfer
• Upper Arm Lift
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Body Lift

FACE

• Eyelid Surgery
• Brow Lift
• Facelift
• Neck Lift
• Rhinoplasty
• Ear Surgery

FOR MEN

• Male Breast Reduction
• Liposuction
• Facial Procedures
• Poland's Syndrome
• Brow Lift

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Questions About Breast Lifts

Serving Houston, Pearland, Sugarland and Friendswood

What is a mastopexy?

This is the medical term for what is commonly referred to as a "breast lift." The mastopexy or breast lifting operation is really several different procedures. Each of the different operations has as its intended purpose to lift the breast up and position the nipple in the position that it was in before sagging occurred. Sagging occurs due to three circumstances either alone or in conjunction with each other.

First, after pregnancy and breast feeding, the breast has become stretched and the skin loosened. Frequently there is actual loss of some of the breast tissue and this allows for sag, also. Second, weight gain and loss can stretch the skin and also create sag. Third, the process of aging and the effects of sun and gravity tend to decrease the elasticity of the skin and this can be a significant factor creating sag of the breast. The goal in all these instances is to move the nipple back to a higher position and to reshape the breast to create a more beautiful appearance. Most often, the need for excess skin removal is apparent.

When is mastopexy usually performed?

Usually, after pregnancy or after pregnancy and breast-feeding, there is a lot of breast tissue loss. Sometimes, it is just age or even a drooping caused from not wearing a bra through most of one's life. Mastopexy is often sought out by women who have either been pregnant or have gained a lot of weight and have since lost the weight. A mastopexy will transform a sagging breast to its former youthful appearance. However, if you are planning to have children (or additional children if you already have one or more), you should postpone your breast lift until after you are sure you are not going to bear any more children.

If you choose to have a child after having had a mastopexy, you will only stretch your skin even more, and even thinner this time, and will have to get another mastopexy. If you should decide to have children after a mastopexy, your breast feeding ability should not be disturbed as the milk ducts should be left intact and undisturbed (unless it is the anchor incision technique where disturbance is quite possible). Mastopexy can be performed at any age if you are in good health and meet certain emotional criteria (are psychologically stable and have realistic expectations).

How is a breast lift performed?

Mastopexy can be performed using local or general anesthesia. You and Houston Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Lapuerta will discuss which option is best suited to your unique needs and desires. The crescent mastopexy calls for the removing of a crescent of skin above the areola, moving the nipple upward, and suturing the nipple into the new location. The full mastopexy requires incisions fashioned in such a way to actually create a new breast envelope. This allows for the repositioning of the nipple and the reshaping of the breast. Either of these operations can be performed in conjunction with a breast augmentation.

How long does the surgery take?

Typically, a breast lift it takes about 1.5 to 4 hours to perform.

What should expect after surgery?

Sutures will have been placed underneath the skin and will dissolve over several months. Sutures will have been placed onto the skin and will dissolve in one week. A special tape is placed over the sutures to help protect the wound. A bra will be worn continuously for 21 days, 24 hours per day. Instructions on bra removal for washing will be given after the breast surgery. There is generally very little pain after this operation and only a moderate amount of swelling. The patient may return to work in 3 to 4 days unless the work involves bending or lifting. Walking may be resumed the day after surgery. As with any surgery, recovery time varies with each patient.

If you live in the Houston area or surrounding areas such as Pearland, Sugarwood or Friendswood and would like to learn more about breast lift surgery, please contact Houston Breast Surgeon Dr. Leo Lapuerta, Jr. today to schedule your initial breast lift consultation. You can meet with Dr. Lapuerta and tour his Pearland Cosmetic Surgery Office, meet his talented cosmetic surgery staff, and view before and after cosmetic surgery photos.