Denis J. Winder M.D.
Durango SurgiCenter
316 Sawyer Dr
Durango Co 81303
Phone: (970)259-3818
Fax: (970)259-9553
e-mail:
winder@durangoplasticsurg.com

MASTOPEXY

If you're considering mastopexy....

As you age, the effects of gravity can cause sagginess of your breasts. With pregnancy and breast feeding, you can experience stretching of the skin envelope of the breast, as well as atrophy of the breast tissue, resulting in what's known as "empty sack syndrome". If you're in either of these categories, you may want to consider having a breast lift, technically known as mastopexy.

Even though you would be able to breast feed children after mastopexy surgery, you may decide to delay surgery of this type if you've not had children, or are planning on having additional children. It is possible that the changes mentioned above could take place, so it may be advisable to wait until your family is complete.

In addition to lifting and re-shaping the breast, mastopexy can reduce the size of areola (if it was stretched while nursing) and reposition the areola/nipple complex to a higher position. You may also want to consider having breast implants at the same time; implants will create fullness, especially in the upper portion of the breast. The best candidates for this surgery are those who are emotionally stable and have realistic expectations about what this surgery can achieve.

You'll meet with Dr. Winder and his patient counselor who'll go over all the information and details you will need to know to make a fully informed and educated decision about this surgery (including looking at "before & after" pictures of other patients). Approximately one week prior to surgery you will have your pre-op appointment in the Durango office; one of our nurses and Dr. Winder will do a complete physical and history, and we will send you for pre-op laboratory tests and a mammogram is required.

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia in our SurgiCenter in Durango with no overnight stay, complete confidentiality, and with considerable cost savings vs. hospitalization. The scars from mastopexy always go around the circumference of the areola, and down the front of the breast. The surgery can take about three hours.

A snug bra is provided and must be worn for about a three weeks. You will probably be bruised and swollen; discomfort and pain can be helped with medication. You can return to work as soon as you feel ready -- usually about a week -- depending on the level of activity required for for your job.

Read our most Frequently asked Questions about Mastopexy.