Regaining a Firmer Bustline

Regaining a Firmer Bustline

by Dr. Diane Gibby • M.D., P.A., F.A.C.S

Most women today endeavor to feel and look their best. Many are willing to eat a nutritious diet and maintain a consistent exercise routine so as to reap the health benefits and maintain a youthful appearance. But, the effects of pregnancy, menopause and large fluctuations in weight associated with hormonal changes. can sometimes cause a women to look older than she feels. While becoming a mother is a joyous and momentous occasion, it can change your life and your body in many ways. Later in life, women will also experience new changes in their body. These changes leading to menopause can begin as early as age 35. Sagging or loose breasts are sometimes the result of pregnancy, changes in weight, or due to the natural aging process. The breast lift, or mastopexy, is a procedure that elevates and reshapes the sagging breast. Breasts are carefully marked in an anchor-shaped form to indicate where the incisions are to be made. The anchor-shaped incision follows the natural contour of the breast, outlines the area where the breast skin will be removed, and defines the new nipple location. Excess skin is removed and the nipple and areola are moved to a higher position appropriate for the woman’s chest wall proportions. The skin around the areola is brought down to shape the breast. Stitches are placed around the areola, in a vertical line extending down from the nipple, and along the lower crease of the breast. Some patients, especially those with small breasts and minimal sagging, may be candidates for less extensive procedures, such as the “doughnut (or concentric) mastopexy,” in which circular incisions are made around the areola, and a doughnut-shaped area of the skin is removed. A breast augmentation may be performed at the same time as a mastopexy. If an implant is inserted at the time of the breast lift, it will be placed in a pocket directly under the breast tissue or under the muscle of the chest wall. On the other hand, some women may prefer to have their breasts made smaller, or reduced, at the time of the breast lift. A reduction-mastopexy can be performed through the same operative incisions. Following surgery, an elastic band or a support bra is worn over gauze dressing. The bra is worn for the patient’s comfort for about three to four weeks. Before proceeding with a breast lift, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the options available and to discuss any questions or concerns you might have with your doctor. Every patient is unique and her specific needs should be addressed

For more information see Diane Gibby at http://www.drgibby.com