Patient Information Regarding Mastopexy
You are interested in information regarding the surgical procedure
for correction of breast sagging known as mastopexy.
The Doctor will discuss with you the operative procedure,
the possible risks and complications of the operation, and
the results that may be anticipated.
This surgery involves repositioning of breast tissue. Long
incisions are necessary to accomplish this. This means that
there are long scars as a result of this surgery.
Other risks of surgery include, but are not limited to bleeding,
infection, loss of sensation in part or completely in some
areas of the breast and/or nipple, the possible need for further
surgery, unequalness of the breasts or nipples, anesthetic
problems, etc. Severe complications are not anticipated. The
need for secondary revision of scars is possible.
We ask that you refrain from taking aspirin or products containing
aspirin for at least two weeks prior to your surgery. Do not
eat apples, as they contain an aspirin-like substance.
If this procedure is done on an out-patient basis, the surgery
is performed in the morning, and you should be able to return
home in the afternoon. We ask that you shower the morning
of your surgery. Please do not apply lotions, creams or powders
before undergoing surgery.
Following your surgery, you will have a dressing in place
around your chest. This should remain clean, dry and on until
you are seen in the office.
You will be given medications for swelling, discomfort and
infection. Please take all medications as prescribed, and
finish all prescriptions unless advised otherwise. If you
have a problem with a medication, please call the office.
"Black and blue", swelling, localized areas of discomfort
and temporary numbness are expected and usually take one to
two weeks to resolve, although some symptoms may take longer
to resolve. If you experience a sudden onset of discomfort
and/or swelling, and/or fever and/or drainage, please call
the office promptly. You should rest and relax at home following
your surgery. Do not engage in any stressful activities. You
should keep your elbows close to your sides. If you are unsure
of any activity, please call the office.
At the time of your first office visit, the dressing will
be removed. You will be advised regarding wound care. If the
wounds are healing 100 percent, a dry dressing is all that
is needed. If there is wound opening or areas of infections,
then frequent office visits and special wound care at home
may be needed.
Sutures are usually removed ten days to two weeks following
surgery, depending upon wound healing.
It is sometimes necessary to undergo secondary surgery for
better results. Most commonly, secondary surgery is performed
to revise scars and/or adjust the position of the nipples,
and/or to change the contour of the breasts.
The estimated time away from work depends to a large extent
upon the nature of your job. Under usual circumstances, one
to two weeks is needed before moderate activity can be resumed.
Problems with wound healing may delay your return to work,
although such problems are rare. Those individuals with jobs
requiring extensive and/or repeated use of the arms may require
more time away from work. Please discuss your job activities
with the Doctor so you may obtain a better estimate of time
away from work.
Ask the Doctor about any activity you have in mind of which
you are unsure. Regaining your full level of activity will
be an individual matter, and may take some time. Full activity
is usually reached between three to four weeks following surgery.
Please be aware that nature and gravity continue to work following
surgery, and the breasts may fall even after surgery. Weight
loss, pregnancy, etc. can change the configuration of the
breasts, and nipple position may change due to these factors.
Whether or not these changes occur, and at what time during
the post-operative stage cannot be determined. This depends
upon the individual. Many factors can affect the configuration
of the breasts, including aging, hormones, the texture of
the skin, individual activity, etc.
Photographs, video taping and/or drawings
will be done before, possibly during and after your surgery.
If photographs have not been taken, please let us know. You
will not be identified in the photos, except for our office
records.
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