Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Rejuvenate the appearance of your breasts

Fluctuating weigh, the affects pregnancy or aging can all result in loss of skin elasticity. A breast lift rejuvenates the breast, firming the area and reduces sag. Breast augmentation by the use of implants can be combined with this procedure to complete the desired effect.

Length

The procedure can last up to three hours.

Procedure

A breast lift is usually carried out under general anaesthetic though occasionally if only a small area is affected a local anaesthetic may suffice. During the procedure the nipple and areola are repositioned higher on the breast and an incision from this point downwards and outwards meets an incision along the underside of the breast. The excess skin is removed and the skin is stitched around the areola and down to the lower crease at the bottom of the breast.

A variation of the technique, used when less skin is too be removed, involves cutting around the areola and then another circular incision about the first thus removing a doughnut shaped area of skin, the outer circle is then reattached to the areola. This procedure is referred to as a Benelli or doughnut lift.

Recovery

Swelling and discomfort should be reduced after a day or two, with stitches being removed after a week. Normal levels of activity should be regained within two weeks and strenuous activity possible after a month or so. Scars will fade over time achieving their final look after about one year.

Risks

Incisions risk bleeding and infection. Temporary or permanent loss of feeling is possible in affected area. Cosmetic risks include asymmetry nipple position and scaring: scaring will occur though it should be minimised by following the natural creases of the breast.

Cosmetic Surgery in Poland
A guide to plastic surgery regulations in Poland

Organizations

The Ministry of Health holds overall responsiblitiy for the management of healthcare within Poland.

Doctors are registered with the Polish Chamber of Physicians and Dentists. This is an independant body responsible for overseeing the profession in Poland. It is divided into 24 regional chambers with activities co-ordinated by the Supreme Medical Council.

The Polish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeons is the main professional body representing plastic surgeons in Poland. Plastic surgeons specialising in head and neck surgery may also be members of The Polish Society of Otorhinolaryngologists, Head and Neck Surgeons.

Education

The basic medical degree takes 6 years. Graduates are awarded the title Lekarz and following this doctors either complete a compulsory 1 year internship or apply for training in one of the basic specialties: internal medicine, emergency medicine or family medicine.

Plastic surgeons hold a Specialist Diploma with the title "Chirurgia plastyczna" representing addtional specialist training of 5 years - This is commonly refered to as the "second-level specialization degree in plastic surgery".

Poland operates a mandatory system of compulsory continuing education with all doctors required to amass 250 continuing education points in a 5 year period. Continuing education points are only valid for accreditited courses and failure to gain the required number of points results in the suspension of the right to practice. Professional organizations such as the Polish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeons help organize training and seminars specific to their specialties.

Complaints

A Screener for Professional Liability (SPL) investigates any complaint against a medical professional. Their findings are adjudicated by a regional medical court. Appeals are sent to the supreme medical court. Full details are available on the site of the Polish Chamber of Physicians and Dentists in the reference section below.

Storage and Access to Medical Records

Polish doctors are bound by both ethical and legal constraints to respect patient confidentiality and ensure the security of their data.

Information must be stored in paper form but may be backed up by electronic means. The Act on Access to Public Information (6th September 2001) mandates an individuals right to access information stored about them and includes sections on access to medical data. As an E.U member Poland has an additional requirement to comply with the E.U's laws on data protection and access.

Resources

Polish Chamber of Physicians and Dentists
tel: (22) 559-13-00
00-764 Warszawa, ul. Sobieskiego 110
e-mail: ekretariat@hipokrates.org
website: http://www.nil.org.pl
register of doctors: http://www.nil.org.pl/xml/nil/rejlek/hurtd

Complaints
Complaint mechanisms may be found at
http://www.nil.org.pl/xml/nil/wladze/str_sad/odpzawoden