Breast Lift

Mastopexy is the medical term for breast lift. Patients who have had children or patients who have gained and lost a great deal of weight are the most common types of people who are candidates for a breast lift. Breasts droop because the skin stretches during breast enlargement from pregnancy or weight gain. If the breasts get smaller afterwards and the skin is not elastic then the nipple and breast will sag onto the abdomen. Unlike what you may have heard, there is no amount of exercise or any creams that will correct this problem.

The solution of the problem is to lift the breast off the tummy and replace it on the chest where it is youthful and attractive. The nipple needs to be centered over the breast and the shape adjusted to patient preferences. All of this can be done, but requires a simple plastic surgery procedure.

General Types

There are three general types of breast lifts, depending on the severity of the breast droop. If the nipple is just slightly low and the rest of the breast is good, then a 'periareolar lift' can be done. This is where a crescent of skin is removed above the nipple to lift it to its new position. This leaves a very small incision over the upper half of the nipple and can be done under local anesthesia. The next more aggressive breast lift involves lifting the nipple and re-shaping the breasts. This breast lift involves an incision around the entire nipple and extends down to the fold under the breasts. With this breast lift procedure, the nipple is moved and the breast re-shaped. This breast lift procedure is for patients where the breast is still on the chest and does not need to be lifted off the abdomen.

The most common and comprehensive breast lift is one that uses the 'anchor' incision which extends around the nipple, from the nipple to the fold and then along the underside of the breast in the fold. This plastic surgery procedure re-shapes the breast and lifts both the nipple and the breast itself into the proper position.

These procedures are all done in our facility under IV sedation, where you do not feel or remember anything, but you are breathing on your own for an added measure of safety. We also use local anesthesia to decrease postoperative discomfort. Afterwards, the breasts are swollen and may be tender for several days. As the selling resolves, so will the discomfort.

Potential Risks

All cosmetic surgery procedures can have potential complications such as bleeding or infection, but this is rare with mastopexies. We take very careful measurements to maximize the symmetry between the breasts. In the unusual event that significant asymmetry exists postoperatively, we will correct it. Nipple sensation should be normal post-op, but may be temporarily decreased due to swelling.

The main concern that patients have about mastopexy is the scars. We are very aware of this issue, and therefore spend a great amount of time reviewing breast lift photos so patients can know what to expect. What our patients have told us is that when their breasts are droopy and out of shape, then the dramatic improvement in the appearance of the breasts far outweighs the presence of the scars. If the breasts are basically good but just a little low, then the effect of the cosmetic surgery may not be as positive for that patient because they did not have as much to gain. Again, we can help you understand if the breast lift procedure would be an overall improvement for you. In any event, the scars require approximately one year to mature. At that point, they turn white and fade into the natural creases around the breasts and are difficult to see.

Mastopexy is a good operation for patients whose breasts show the effects of pregnancy or weight gain. The procedure will reproduce the youthful and attractive appearance that patients remember in a safe and predictable fashion. We know what you want.