Mastopexy (Breast Uplifting) Consultation/FAQ's

Our meeting is the first step in bringing you closer to feeling good about yourself. It is always exciting and at the same time anxiety producing when going for the consultation.
But, congratulations it is now complete.

My philosophy:
Having been in private practice for over 23 years has allowed me to fine tune and think about every aspect of your care. I take great pride in my work and want my patients, you, to be extremely pleased with your results. How we achieve a content family of patients is by planning each step of your journey. The consultation was the starting point. From here we set up a day of surgery that fits into your schedule. My office staff will smooth the way for you. You will receive care instructions before the surgery that outlines what we both can do to improve your results and make you comfortable before, during and after surgery. Your prescriptions will also be written for you before the surgery so you can arrive home and not worry about how to get your medicines. These will be accompanied by guidelines informing you how and when to use these medicines.

I will meet you before the surgery and be with you as you are being sedated. It is my task to look out for your well being, which I take very seriously. Once the procedure has started, my aim is to do the very best I can for you. I do not rush through surgery as I wish to be gentle and afford you the best outcome. I am often asked how long surgery will take. My only answer is as long as I need for both of us to be satisfied with the outcome. Rushing though one surgery to get to another is not how I take care of my patients. Often I will only do one major surgery a day. Not only have I studied and continue to learn and grow, but I keep my physical being in excellent condition as would an athlete prior to their events.
Every patient is important to me. You have entrusted me with your care, and as such I consider you unique. No two surgeries are ever the same. Each is tailored to match your particular needs. The human form is the highest form of art. Once the healing has been completed we both will be delighted.
Your care just begins after the end of the surgery. As you awaken I will remain near to you. Maintaining close contact after the procedure, coupled with personalized and frequent evaluations in my office, will help to ensure optimal healing.
Hearing my patients profess a high degree of satisfaction with the way they look and feel is what drives my office. We look forward to your joining our satisfied family of patients.


Here is a bit of information to look at when you are at home. I find that having something in writing jogs my memory.



Mastopexy:
With normal age, affects of gravity, pregnancy and childbirth the breast shape and position is altered. The fullness seen in the upper portion of the breast is lost and replaced by indentations or hollowed areas. The nipples and areola (pigmented portion) also change position and are now usually pointing southward. Usually, the nipples were not facing in the same direction prior to their downward drift. This is important because after the mastopexy (uplifting), they will be closer in position and shape but will never be identical. No two breasts are ever perfectly the same either before or after surgery.

The object is to move breast tissue from the bottom of the breast upward while elevating the nipples and areolas. Loose skin is tightened and the breast shape is fashioned to resemble more of a tear drop.

If there is insufficient breast tissue to give you upper breast fullness, then the mastopexy is combined with an augmentation. An anatomic saline implant is placed under the chest muscle (pectoralis) to add volume and shape to the breast.

Where are the scars?
The scar will run along around the areola and then follow the contour of the breast to the fold beneath the breast. Imagine an anchor and you will be able to visualize the scar. Since the barely-visible scars are on the lower portion of the breast, you will be able to wear any fashionable garment.

Will I lose sensation to the nipples or areolas?
Often, if not always, the sensation to both the nipples and areolas are absent when touched lightly. This is because the nerves have been stretched and have lost the ability to transmit sensation. Prior to the surgery your sensation will be tested with a wisp of cotton.

Will I be able to breast feed after the mastopexy?
The ducts to the nipple are often disrupted during this contouring procedure and thus the milk line is no longer intact. Some milk may come out after pregnancy but often not in sufficient quantities.

What will happen if I get pregnant after the mastopexy?
During the nine months of pregnancy your breasts enlarge, swell and change shape. Glands are enlarged and then diminish after delivery (you do not breast feed). So the skin will be stretched and altered again as will the shape and contour of the breast and nipples.

When is the optimal time for my surgery?
Being in the best shape, mentally, physically and skin wise. Being close to your optimal weight is always best.



Where is the surgery performed?
Bridgeport Hospital or a Private Surgical Facility

Will I stay overnight?
After surgery you may either stay overnight in the hospital or go home. If you stay overnight nurses will monitor your progress and you will go home the following morning after I visit you.

What will I need before surgery?
You may be asked to obtain a mammogram and possibly a medical evaluation by your family physician.

Will I have drains?
There may be two drains placed on the sides of the breasts to remove fluid that the body produces. These drains are removed after 2-5 days. They are easy to care for. I will give you instructions before leaving the hospital.

Does it hurt to have the drains removed?
There is minimal, if any, discomfort. You may feel a little pulling but no pain. I remove them quickly.

Will smoking effect my healing?
Yes--Each cigarette lasts 12 hours on the blood vessels of the body and smoke is toxic. So, smoking causes the skin to heal poorly and the complications associated with smoking are tremendous. Even second hand smoke during the weeks before surgery and after will adversely affect your results. Stopping is a must before and after any operation.


Type of Anesthesia:
You are gently put to sleep so that you will be comfortable throughout the operation. Once asleep, I will place a local anesthetic under the skin so that you will feel no discomfort and the amount of medicine you receive during the operation will be minimized. By putting you to sleep your heart rate, blood pressure and amount of oxygen will be optimized.





How long will the surgery take?
My objective is to give you my best effort. That means not rushing through your surgery to do someone else. I take my time and like to be meticulous. There are many things that must be done before the operation can even start, such as washing and preparing the area, making sure that your body is well cushioned and your legs are placed in special boots to compress them during the surgery. Likewise, at the end of surgery I need to wash you and apply a special well padded dressing. But rest assured that being asleep for hours is generally very safe, so the 5-6 hours you sleep will be just fine. I will also wait around in recovery after the surgery to be certain that all is going well before I leave.

What can I expect?
Your breast shape will be improved. The position of the nipples and surrounding areola will be much better.


How long will I wear a bandage?
At the end of surgery I will wrap a soft cottony bandage which is held in place with a bra. You will wear bra for 3-4 weeks in order to keep the swelling down.

When can I shower?
Usually the day after the drains are removed but you can wash yourself prior to this. Baths and hot tubs are not a good idea for 4 weeks after surgery so as to keep your swelling down.

Will my breasts hurt?
Generally, there is moderate discomfort for the first week that is relieved with pain medication that I will prescribe for you. The second week after surgery the discomfort is much diminished and by the third week there should be no discomfort.


When I can resume activities?
It is best to relax for the first 10 days. Bruising is variable and usually located in the lower breast or chest. Seeing your best friends after 10 days is good, but I would wait at least 2 weeks before meeting new acquaintances. After 2 weeks you will feel more normal. After 3 weeks you should be almost back to your old self except with a new and improved body. It is not a good idea to exercise or increase your heart rate for 3 weeks from the time of surgery and no vigorous lifting or exercise for 6 weeks from surgery. This will help to diminish your swelling and improve the rate at which you heal.

When can I buy new and exciting clothing that finally fit?
The breast shape continues to improve over the first six weeks. Waiting a few weeks before purchasing the Victoria Secret line is probably a good idea.


What can I do to expedite my healing?
We will give you a set of guidelines that tells you what medicines to stay away from and which vitamins to take. Not allowing anyone to smoke in your presence for weeks, using ice often, resting, a low salt diet and having a positive attitude go a long way to assisting your recovery.

When will I see you again?
Depending upon the combination of surgeries, you will re-visit the office within 4-8 days. There will be multiple visits, 4-5 which are included in your care, to evaluate your progress and support your healing needs.

Are there any additional fees to what was quoted?
If the surgery takes a bit longer, as there is never a rush, you may owe a bit more for the operating room and anesthesia. If future surgery or procedures are necessary then there are additional fees for anesthesia, the operating room and the surgeon.

Conclusion:
My staff and I will strive to take the best care of you. We appreciate your trust and confidence in us and do not take it lightly. My aim is to tighten, tone and reshape your breasts. Won’t it be nice to wear clothing that fits? Looking as good on the outside as you feel on the inside is what we will accomplish together.

If you have additional questions we are available to answer them.

Jeffrey S. Rosenthal, M.D.