Growth of the breasts during pregnancy is common due to increase in glandular content and milk production. The subsequent loss of volume and excess skin leads to droopiness of the breasts. This can also be seen as part of the natural ageing process or after massive weight loss.
The surgery
Excess skin is removed under a general anaesthetic to lift the nipple and remodel the breast shape. Sometimes it may be necessary to add additional volume as well as remodelling the skin envelope – this is called a mastopexy-augmentation can be done at the same time. The design of the scar depends on the degree of droop and breast shape. Hospital stay is normally limited to one day. The sutures are removed after 10-12 days. You may have surgical drains (plastic pipes) taking away excess fluid after the surgery that is normally removed after the first day.
Complications
Numbness of the nipples is normally a temporary feature which may last up to 6 months. Permanent numbness is observed in 7% of cases. The scars are normally fine lines but may be visible on close inspection. Some patients do tend to make wide and more visible scars. Smoking can contribute to healing problems. Infection is a possibility but rare. You may get a collection of fluid from a ruptured blood vessels that need to be drained but that is uncommon. There is a very low probability not to be able to breastfeed after this kind of surgery.
After the surgery
The breasts are normally bandaged and that stay in place until removal of the sutures. Pain is mild to moderate and can easily be controlled by oral medication after the first 24 hours. You should not do any strenuous exercise for the first 4 weeks. It is best to avoid driving for the first two weeks. A sports bra is recommended after removal of the sutures for a period of 4 weeks. Lifting of heavy objects should be avoided for the first 4 weeks.