Cosmetic Procedures - Breast Lift - Before Surgery

A breast examination, photographs, as well as mammagrams are usually required as part of the work-up for surgery. The amount of ptosis (breast sagging) and the relationship of the nipple and areola to the breast mound is measured and serves as an important determinant of the type of breast lift procedure. There are numerous types of breast lift (mastopexy) procedures which, in the end, differ by the location and amount of the scar. The three basic types include a nipple lift, a lift with only a vertical scar and a combined vertical and horizontal scar type breast lift for severe forms of breast sagging. As the amount of breast sagging increases, so does the amount of skin that must be removed and the bigger (longer) the resultant scar will be.

Medications that contain aspirin should be avoided for two weeks prior to surgery to minimize the possibility of excess bleeding during and after surgery. Women who want to breast feed after surgery should discuss this with their surgeon as the ability to do so after surgery may vary dependent upon the type of procedure performed.