What is a Breast Lift?
Also known as breast mastopexy, repositions or “lifts” breasts that
sag or have become stretched. This sagging usually results from pregnancy or a large
weight gain or loss.
Incisions for this breast surgery procedure are placed around the areola and at
times on underneath each breast. During the breast lift surgery, excess skin is
removed from around the areola and occasionally from the bottom of the breast. The
skin is then rearranged to tighten the skin envelope. The nipple and areola are
elevated to a more natural position. Breast lifts are often done in combination
with breast augmentation in order to achieve the most desirable effect.
A Breast Lift is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient at
Heartland Plastic and Hand Surgery and normally takes approximately 1-2 hours depending
on the degree of "lifting" required. The Breast Lift also referred to
as a mastopexy procedure is well tolerated with only minor discomfort and recovery
time is brief.
Can I see Breast Lift before and after pictures of people in the Cape Girardeau
area?
During your consultation visit, your surgeon will show you before and after pictures
of patients who underwent a breast lift procedure. You will be able to see firsthand
the difference the procedure made for these people.
What is the average cost of a breast lift at Heartland Cosmetic and Hand Surgery?
Is there a charge for the consultation?
The average cost of a breast lift ranges from $5400 to $5600 (effective June 1,
2009). This includes the operating room cost and anesthesia services. If an implant
is added at the time of a breast lift, the average cost can be between $6300 and
$7300 (effective June 1, 2009) depending on whether saline or silicone implants
are inserted. During your consultation, your breast will be evaluated to see which
procedure is best for you. There is an $85 charge for the consultation. The consultation
charge is taken off the price of the procedure if you decide to schedule your breast
lift within 6 months. After 6 months, a new consultation may be scheduled at the
Cape Girardeau location to review any changes in your medical history.
Is financing available? And will insurance cover any of my fees?
Heartland Plastic and Hand Surgery accepts several types of payments. They are cash,
credit cards (Visa, Master Card, Discover and American Express), money order, cashier
checks and financing with an outside agency. Cosmetic breast lift surgery is not
covered by commercial insurance and must be paid in full before surgery. Make sure
financing arrangements are made in advance with a financing company of your choice.
Do I have to stop smoking before a Breast Lift procedure?
We would like for the patient to stop smoking 1 month before surgery and 1 month
after surgery. Nicotine in cigarettes decreases the blood supply to the skin and
blood supply is a very important factor to the healing process. We hope Heartland
Plastic and Hand Surgery in Cape Girardeau patients can decrease their exposure
not only to first hand but also to second hand smoke.
How do I know if I need an implant at the same time as my breast lift?
This can best be determined during your consultation. The caring breast surgeons
at Heartland Plastic and Hand Surgery in Cape Girardeau will listen to your concerns
and goals. Together you will determine if implants are needed to achieve your desired
result.
What are the types of breast lift's and how do I determine what is best for me?
There are 4 types of incisions for a breast lift: crescent lift, periareolar, periareola
with vertical component (lollipop), and full breast lift (anchor incision). We will
do a series of measurements to determine the degree of ptosis (drooping) of the
breast and select the best incision for your surgery. Our goal is to have an aesthetically
pleasing result with the least amount of scarring.
Is there a better time of year to have the breast lift performed?
You should choose a time period during which you can allow yourself enough time
to heal. After a breast lift, you will have a 10-15 pound lifting restriction for
at least 10 days following surgery. (That will include lifting children.) You also
have to make adjustments at work due to pain, swelling and being on pain medication.
If you have a desk job, you might be able to take off one long weekend to a week
to have the procedure done.
Is there anything I need to do to get myself ready for surgery?
To reduce bruising and the risk of hematoma, you must stop taking blood thinners
and vitamin E at least one week before and after surgery. If you are on prescription
blood thinners, you may need to get medical clearance from your family doctor as
well as instructions on how to stop these medications. We also want all herbal medication
and diet pills (prescription and over-the-counter) stopped at least two weeks before
surgery and one week following surgery.
At Heartland Plastic and Hand Surgery in Cape Girardeau, cosmetic surgeries are
elective procedures. We require our patients to be in overall good health before
the surgery can be performed. If there are questions regarding your health, medical
clearance from your family doctor may be required.
What do I do next?
At Heartland Plastic and Hand Surgery in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, David Deisher,
MD and J. Stewart Humphrey, MD are board certified by The American Board of Plastic
Surgery. They offer plastic and hand surgery to patients across Missouri including
Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Sikeston. Your next step is to contact the Heartland
Plastic and Hand Surgery office in Cape Girardeau today to schedule your initial
breast lift consultation! To make sure your surgeon answers all of your question,
please make a list of them and bring them to the initial visit. Make this important
step and call us now!
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