Our Philosophy At the Plastic Surgery Clinic we perform approximately 100 to 150 breast lift procedures per year. This makes Dr Lista one of the most experienced breast lift surgeons in Ontario, Canada. There are many ways of performing a breast lift operation. Dr Lista is a pioneer in developing a new way of performing breast lift which greatly diminishes the amount of scarring associated with this operation. Dr Lista has one main philosophy: to make all his breast lift patients look as real, soft and natural as possible. If you're considering a breast lift... Over the years, factors such as pregnancy, nursing, and the force of gravity take their toll on a woman's breasts. As the skin loses its elasticity, the breasts often lose their shape and firmness and begin to sag. Breastlift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts. Mastopexy can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. If your breasts are small or have lost volume - for example, after pregnancy - breast implants inserted in conjunction with mastopexy can increase both their firmness and their size. The best candidates for breast lift The best candidates for mastopexy are healthy, emotionally-stable women who are realistic about what the surgery can accomplish. The best results are usually achieved in women with small, sagging breasts. Breasts of any size can be lifted, but the results may not last as long in heavy breasts. Many women seek mastopexy because pregnancy and nursing have left them with stretched skin and less volume in their breasts. While there are no special risks that affect future pregnancies (for example, mastopexy usually doesn't interfere with breast-feeding), pregnancy is likely to stretch your breasts again and offset the results of the procedure. The Office Visit Dr Lista prefers to see all his patients at least twice before surgery. In the consultation process we spend considerable time obtaining a careful history and physical examination. We also spend a long time discussing the patientÕs desires, goals and expectations. It is important that the patient discuss with the plastic surgeon her desired size and shape of breast. Not all expectations can be accomplished with surgery and it is important that these issues are carefully discussed before surgery. Photographs can be helpful in this regard and at The Plastic Surgery Clinic we have computerized digital imaging, which allows Dr Lista to show the patients examples of how she may look after the operation. The Operation Mastopexy surgery usually takes about 2 hours. The most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision which goes around the edge of the areola, straight down into the bra crease and then along the bra crease. Dr Lista is one of the pioneers of a new operation which eliminates the long scar in the bra crease. This leaves the patient with much less scarring. This operation is often called the "stop sign" or "lollipop" procedure because the only scars are around the edge of the areola and straight down to the bra crease. Scars in most breast lifts extend around the nipple, down to the crease and then along the bra line crease In new lift surgery there is no scar under the breast During the operation, excess skin is removed and the nipple is moved to the higher position.The nipple is not removed but rather is slid up to it's new, elevated position. If you're having an implant inserted along with your breast lift, it will be placed in a pocket directly under the breast tissue, or deeper, under the muscle of the chest wall. How Breast Lift is performed Most breast lift operations are performed at The Plastic Surgery Clinic. Dr Lista performs all of the procedures personally. He does not have any assistants or students assist with your surgery. Dr Lista is Chief of Plastic Surgery at the Trillium Health Center (The Mississauga Hospital) so your operation can also be performed at the hospital if you prefer. At the Plastic Surgery Clinic anesthetics are administered by specialist physicians who are board certified in the specialty of anesthesia. These doctors give the anesthetic, stay with the patient during the entire operation and are with the patient while they are waking up. The operation takes one to two hours. A friend or relative will need to come and pick you up and stay with you for 24 hours. After your surgery After surgery, you'll wear an elastic bandage or a surgical bra over gauze dressings. Your breasts will be bruised, swollen, and uncomfortable for a day or two, but the pain shouldn't be severe. Any discomfort you do feel can be relieved with medications prescribed by Dr Lista. Within a few days, the bandages or surgical bra will be replaced by a soft support bra. You'll need to wear this bra around the clock for three to four weeks, over a layer of gauze. The stitches will be removed after a week or two. Patients need to take one week off after surgery. This means staying at home and no driving. During this week off, the patient should stay fairly quiet keeping arm movements at a minimum. We suggest sitting around the house watching television, enjoying videos or reading. Patients with small children will need help at home. While this sounds excessive to some, staying quiet in the first week, actually speeds healing and helps obtain a good result from the surgery. Pain pills are prescribed to help reduce post-operative pain. Patients can gently exercise in about 2 weeks. This means walking, stair-master or treadmill walking is allowed but no upper body workouts, running or high impact working out for one month. You can expect some loss of feeling in your nipples and breast skin, caused by the swelling after surgery. This numbness usually fades as the swelling subsides over the next six weeks or so. In some patients, however, it may last a year or more, and occasionally it may be permanent. Your new look Dr Lista will make every effort to make your scars as inconspicuous as possible. Still, it's important to remember that mastopexy scars are permanent. They often remain lumpy and red for months, then gradually become less obvious, sometimes eventually fading to thin white lines. Fortunately, the scars can usually be placed so that you can wear even low-cut tops. You should also keep in mind that a breast lift won't keep you firm forever - the effects of gravity, pregnancy, aging, and weight fluctuations will eventually take their toll again. Women who have implants along with their breast lift may find the results last longer. All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk A breast lift is not a simple operation, but it's normally safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. Nevertheless, as with any surgery, there is always a possibility of complications or a reaction to the anesthesia. Bleeding and infection following a breast lift are uncommon, but they can cause scars to widen. You can reduce your risks by closely following your physician's advice both before and after surgery. Mastopexy does leave noticeable, permanent scars, although they'll be covered by your bra or bathing suit. (Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers.) The procedure can also leave you with unevenly positioned nipples, or a permanent loss of feeling in your nipples or breasts. Top .