Breast lift, also called mastopexy, is one of the most popular of all cosmetic breast surgeries for good reason. The aesthetic improvement created by the surgical technique certainly addresses the anatomical issue of breast ptosis, but more importantly, helps to resolve the painful emotional issues often associated with sagging breasts.
Breast ptosis is the medical term for degeneration of the breast tissue, leading to a hollow, stretched out, elongated or flat appearance. Depending on the size and shape of the breasts, these changes might be minor or may be extreme, but are always noticeable to the affected woman. Larger breasts are more prone to complete degeneration of the tissue, leading to an overall downward projection of the entire breast mound. Smaller breasts might be less affected and the smallest might only suffer ptosis of the nipple/areola complex. Degenerative breast tissue changes are the result of age and activity, but can be hastened by breast size, genetics, pregnancy, breastfeeding and lifestyle factors.
This ptotic process is normal and is not painful or damaging to the health or function of the breasts. However, ptosis definitely affects the body image, self worth and inner confidence of many women who see the changes as a defect in their physical bodies. Ptosis can have wide ranging effects including lack of sexual interest, depression, anxiety, feelings of inferiority, changes in social interactions and even the development of psychosomatic conditions such as gastrointestinal concerns, headaches, back pain and other repressed stress related syndromes.
Ptosis in itself is enraging to the inner self and is insulting to the id. In general, women are very sensitive to age related bodily changes and some women are absolutely devastated by the cruel alterations enacted by the never ending passage of time. Ptosis is not any less serious than any other bodily change and might be even more injurious; since the breasts are one of the primary symbols of the female gender identity and help to define every woman as the person she truly is, inside and out.
Breast lift comes in a variety of forms, ranging from minimally traumatic to ultra-invasive. The goal of every lift is to optimize the aesthetics of the breast by improving the placement of the breast mound, firming the underlying tissue and raising the nipple position. Overall, these changes lead to a higher, more youthful looking and feeling breast which is pleasing to the eye and hand...
Traditional full breast lift (also called wise pattern or keyhole lift) is typically performed using an anchor incision, which is actually a set of 3 incisions which completely resculpt the breast mound. This technique is known for being able to create huge changes in breast placement, appearance and feel, but does so at the expense of sometimes noticeable scarring. A popular and more enlightened technique is the vertical mastopexy (also called lollipop or LeJour lift), which eliminates the large and noticeable inframammary incision from the full lift. Modified breast lifts come in even less invasive varieties, such as the Benelli lift (also called the donut, concentric or areolar mastopexy) or the least intrusive crescent lift (also called periareolar mastopexy).
Breast lift may be performed as a stand alone procedure or might be combined with breast augmentation for a total breast rejuvenation surgery. Using breast implants to enhance the lift technique is ideal for women who have lost a significant amount of natural tissue after breastfeeding or women who simply want to be bigger and anatomically lifted. The best part about a combined augmentation/mastopexy operation is the surgical synergy enjoyed by the doctor and patient. Incisions can be used for both procedures and anesthetic and operative risks can be shared; which is always preferred, when compared to 2 individual surgeries.
Deciding on the best breast list procedure for you is a matter of individual tastes and circumstances. The size and general condition of your breasts will help your cosmetic surgeon to recommend the best technique to meet your needs and expectations. It is crucial to research all your options carefully so that you understand exactly what you are undertaking and what you should realistically expect from the surgery. Most important of all, you should choose your surgeon very carefully, since no single factor will influence your final surgical results more than your choice of doctor. If planned and executed with forethought and understanding, a breast lift can make a huge positive change in any woman's life. The physical change might be the most noticeable, but the psycho-emotional effects will undoubtedly be the most valuable.
Eve Anderson, RN, CSW, is an experienced plastic surgery nurse and a practicing social worker in the field of mind/body medicine. Additional information about Breast Implants and the psychological aspects of breast lift can be found on her website, Breast-Plastic-Surgery.Org
¶ 7:34 PM 0 comments
Being called elephant ears at a young age is not a pleasant experience. Although many children will find themselves teased by peers about their physical appearance at times, excessive bullying can lead to stress and in severe cases, depression. Otoplasty, or cosmetic surgery of the ears, is one of the few plastic surgery procedures that can be safely performed as early as five to six years old. By addressing the problem at a young age, children are better able to develop a strong sense of confidence and self-esteem, avoiding unnecessary ridicule.
Otoplasty can address a variety of problems from ear pinning (bringing the ears closer in towards the head), size reduction, correction of defects, and the reshaping of cartilage. The most common and strictly performed cosmetic procedure is ear pinning. This not only prevents the ears from protruding too far outwards, but it gives the illusion that the ear is smaller in size. The benefit of having this procedure performed at a young age is that the cartilage is more flexible, allowing for a greater degree of manipulation. As you age, the cartilage becomes stiffer, becomes more difficult to achieve the desired outcome.
During the ear pinning procedure, children are usually placed under general anesthesia. An incision is made at the fold between the outside of the ear and the head. Cartilage and skin will be removed or reshaped, balancing out any asymmetries and creating a more harmonious appearance. Otoplasty can last from two to five hours, depending on the complexity of the individual case.
Recovery from surgery might be uncomfortable for some children. Two to three weeks will be the minimum amount of time a child will need before returning to normal activities. It is best to wait to have the surgery when there is ample time for recovery, such as spring break or summer vacation. That way there will also be little or no scrutiny from peers over your child's new appearance.
After the surgery the ears must remain dressed for a few days. They will be tender and extremely sensitive. Sleeping positions should be adjusted to accommodate the ears. No pressure should be placed on them for up to a week. Some surgeons suggest using a special headband to stabilize the ears and prevent excessive movement.
Although the recovery process might be difficult, the risks involved are minimal. Swelling, bruising, and bleeding are the most common, as is true with most surgeries. Only in a few, rare and extreme cases have there been more serious problems such as hematoma. Another possible risk would include stitches coming lose and the ear returning to its original appearance. This, however, is easily corrected by re-stitching.
Since the scar is tucked minimal and tucked behind the ear fold, most people will not be able to determine if your child had surgery. The results are usually so natural that most people will never notice. Otoplasty is one of the few cosmetic surgery procedures that when done at an early age can have numerous psychological benefits and a very few risks.
The plastic surgeon at USA Plastic Surgery possess expertise skills in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Dallas cosmetic surgery procedures with before and after photos and financing options help you decide better. For further details, you can visit http://www.usaplasticsurgery.com/.
¶ 6:12 AM 0 comments
