MEDLINEplus Health Information: Return to home page   A service of the National Library of Medicine: Go to NLM home page
Search     Advanced Search    Site Map    About MEDLINEplus    Home
Health Topics: conditions, diseases and wellness Drug Information: generic and brand name drugs Dictionaries: spellings and definitions of medical terms Directories: doctors, dentists and hospitals Other Resources: organizations, libraries, publications, MEDLINE

Medical Encyclopedia

Disease     Injury     Nutrition     Poison     Special     Surgery     Symptoms     Tests

Breast revision surgery
Mammoplasty
 
Overview   Recovery   Risks   

Breast revision surgery

Alternative names:

breast lift; breast size reduction; mammoplasty; mastopexy; reduction mammoplasty

Definition:

Surgical procedure to alter or revise the size or shape of the breasts (mammoplasty).

Description:

Breast revision surgery can be done in an outpatient surgical facility or in a hospital. General anesthesia is used, although local anesthesia may be used to numb the area around the breasts.

For a breast size reduction, some of the breast tissue is removed and the nipples may be relocated higher on the breasts for cosmetic reasons. The operation can take up to 6 hours and is done under general anesthesia.

During a breast lift, incisions are made along the natural creases in the breast and around the dark pink skin surrounding the nipple (areola). A keyhole-shaped incision above the areola is also made to define the new location for the nipple. Skin is removed from the lower section of the breast. The areola, nipple, and underlying breast tissue are moved up to a higher position. The nipple is moved and incisions are closed with sutures. The procedure usually lasts about two hours, depending on the extent of the surgery.

Indications:

If you are considering mammoplasty, consult a plastic surgeon and discuss your expectations about looking and feeling better, keeping in mind that the desired result is improvement, not perfection. Emotional stability is an important factor. Breast surgery can renew your self-confidence and improve your appearance, but the rest is up to you.

Mammograms or breast X-rays may be required before the surgery. The plastic surgeon will perform a routine breast exam.

Mastopexy is typically performed to lift sagging, loose breasts. The size of the areola, the dark pink skin surrounding the nipple, can also be reduced.

Breast reduction may be recommended for:

Breast reduction is not recommended if these conditions exist:


Adam

The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Copyright 2000 adam.com, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Health Topics | Drug Information | Dictionaries | Directories | Other Resources