As we age, gravity has its effect on our bodies, and the breasts are no different. Add to this the effects of pregnancy and nursing, and the appearance of the breasts can change dramatically over time. As the skin of the breast loses some elasticity, the breasts can sag, and lose firmness and volume.

A breast lift, technically known as mastopexy, can raise and reshape your breasts, and even add volume (if desired), to return a more youthful appearance.

The Best Candidates for Breast Lift Surgery

Mastopexy can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it may not change your looks to match your ideal. The best candidates for breast lifts are of relatively normal weight and healthy, but have lost firmness, support, and often volume to the breasts. While this web site can give you some basic information about mastopexy, you are invited to contact Dr. Bartell's office for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss the procedure in more detail, view many pre and post-operative examples, and address your particular needs.

Potential Surgical Risks and Problems

Mastopexy has been performed for many years, and thousands of procedures are performed successfully every year. Modern techniques are very safe and almost always result in a happy patient. Complications are extremely unusual, but patients should be fully informed prior to surgery. Dr. Bartell would be happy to discuss any concern you may have regarding mastopexy.

While all surgery carries the small risk of bleeding or infection, these are extremely unlikely with mastopexy. Most patients do experience bruising and swelling. The scars are slightly red initially, but are well-hidden, and should fade with time. Complications that can occur include hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin that must be aspirated with a needle), prominent scars requiring revision, and infection. Poor skin healing is sometimes seen in patients who smoke and in diabetics.

Planning Your Surgery

There is no charge nor obligation for consultations for breast lift surgery. At your initial consultation, Dr. Bartell will listen to your concerns, describe the procedure, and show you numerous "before" and "after" photographs of previous patients. You will receive a firm price quote for the procedure which includes the fees for the surgery and anesthesia.

Once the decision to undergo surgery has been made, Dr. Bartell will meet with you to perform a history and physical examination. Be sure to inform Dr. Bartell if you have any allergies; if you're taking any medications (prescription or over-the-counter), and if you smoke. He will also give you prescriptions for any medications you may need for before and after the surgery. You will receive a printed set of pre- and post-operative instructions which will answer most of your questions regarding what you should do prior to your surgery date, what to have on hand at home for after your procedure, and what to do on the day of your surgery. Dr. Bartell will review these instructions with you but it is important to read these instructions carefully on your own and keep them accessible for easy reference.

The Surgery

Dr. Bartell performs most mastopexy surgeries in his private surgery suite contained within his Westside medical offices. Working with him in the operating room is his top-notch support team of surgical specialists. Many patients don't realize that when surgical procedures are performed in hospitals, the surgeon is assigned members of his/her support team for each surgery by the hospital. Surgeons never know with whom they'll be working until the day of the operation. Because Dr. Bartell is an independent practitioner utilizing his own in-house surgical facility, he can hand-pick his surgical support group from among the large local pool of medical professionals. Consistently using the same core group of exceptional surgical specialists provides Dr. Bartell maximum operational control and efficacy, while assuring his surgical patients a consistent level of superior care and technical expertise.

The breast lift is performed using a general anesthetic, so you'll sleep through the entire operation. Surgery usually lasts between two and three hours. Incisions are made around the areolas and the nipples are elevated back to a youthful level. Skin is removed from below, and a "sling" is created to hold the breast in its new location. If volume restoration is desired, a small saline implant can be inserted underneath the breast or chest wall muscle. Sutures are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line extending downwards from the nipple area, and along the lower crease of the breast. A light elastic bandage around the chest area completes the operation. You will need to arrange a ride home from the surgery center, and make sure you have someone stay with you at home for at least 24 hours after completion of the procedure.

After Surgery

The elastic bandage is worn for about a week, and sutures are removed at that time. Most patients are quite swollen and bruised, so the results from mastopexy won't be seen for a few weeks. While there is some pain following surgery, most patients can be back at work within five to seven days. It takes much longer for the final result to become apparent; usually several months.

Most patients are extremely pleased with their decision to undergo surgery. Your decision to have breast lift surgery is a highly personal one that not everyone will understand. The important thing is how you feel about it. If the procedure results meet your pre-operative goals, then your surgery will be a success.

For More Information

If you would like more information about Dr. Bartell or any cosmetic surgical procedure or to make an appointment, you may contact us by mail, phone, fax or E-mail:

By mail: 6418 Normandy Lane, Suite 210 Madison, WI 53719

By phone: 608-271-0500

By fax: 608-271-0502

By E-mail: bartell@execpc.com

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