Panama Medical Vacations

Breast Lift Surgery
Breast sagging (ptosis) is a common for women following pregnancy, weight loss or aging. The breast skin is stretched, tissue volume shrinks and breast fat decreases. As a result, the breasts tend to sag. This can be corrected with a breast lift. If the sagging is minimal and the breasts are small, the ptosis may be corrected with breast augmentation. This method results in fewer scars than the breast lift. The experts at Hospital Punta Pacifica, Affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine International, can help you determine which method is best for you and help you achieve the look you desire.

Prior to Surgery
Any necessary precautions prior to surgery will be outlined for you in the treatment plan. If you require pre-op therapy, you will receive the proper instructions. If you are a smoker, you may be asked to stop for a time prior to your surgery. You might also be asked to refrain from using vitamin E (in large does), aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicines since they can lead to increased bleeding during surgery.

The Procedure
A breast lift may be done under either local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. The operation takes about two hours and the patient may leave the hospital the same day. The breast lift procedure involves repositioning the nipple and areola to a more normal position and removing excess skin under the breast. By eliminating the excess, the remaining skin lifts and reshapes the breast to give it a more pleasing and youthful appearance. If there isn't enough breast tissue to fill the skin and achieve the desired size, a saline-filled breast implant may be placed beneath the breast.

You will be able to resume limited activities the day after surgery and normal activities in three to four weeks. Pain can usually be controlled with oral pain medication and the stitches are removed in one to two weeks.

The scars from a breast lift are similar to that of a reduction. They usually fade with time and become less noticeable. With breasts that sag only moderately, an incision may only be needed around the areola. The incision under the breast may not be needed. On rare occasion, scars may become thick and red and require revision.

After Your Surgery
You will probably feel tired and sore for a few days following your surgery, but you will be able to resume some activities the next day and all activities in 3 to 4 weeks. Any pain that you fell will be controlled by medication prescribed by your doctor.

You may experience a burning sensation in your nipples for about two weeks, but this will subside as bruising fades. Your stitches will be removed in a week to 10 days, but the swelling in your breasts may take up to five weeks to disappear.

Risks
Breast lift surgery is very common and has a low percentage of problems. Some of the risks that can occur with breast lift are:

Excessive bleeding
Infection around the implant
Changes in nipple sensitivity

While there is always an element of risk, having an American-trained surgeon, a professional staff and a world-class hospital make your Panama brow lift at Hospital Punta Pacifica, Affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine International, a safe and rewarding procedure.