What is a breast lift?
Breast Lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts--at least, for a time. (No surgery can permanently delay the effects of gravity.) 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. During your consultation with us, please feel free to discuss your expectations and desires. We will explain the probable outcomes, but want to express to you that all plastic surgery results vary.
Why have a Breast Lift?
As women age, their breasts tend to lose the fat supporting tissue within the breast. When the breast tissue shrinks, the skin does not and it tends to “sag”. The nipple and skin around the nipple called the areola is part of your breast’s skin. These structures also drop down and this gives the appearance of sagging.
Many people have their breasts lifted. Actually, the most common ages for breast lifts are patients in their thirties. People that have multiple pregnancies can stretch their breast skin and this can cause their breasts to sag. After a breast lift, it is recommended that you wait to nurse. Should you become pregnant after a lift, you may lose the benefits of the procedure.
Type of Procedure and Scarring
The size and amount of scarring differs for each patient. Incisions are made, therefore there will be some scarring. Lasers may help minimize scarring. Please talk with one of laser specialist if you are interested. The type of procedure varies from patient to patient. Typically three small incisions are made. Excess skin is removed thru these incisions. The breast tissue and nipple are “lifted” into a higher position and the nipple is repositioned. Our surgeons will examine your breasts and discuss this technique with you.
Many people combine a lift with another procedure. Breast augmentation is a very popular procedure done in combination with a lift. Other patients may need a breast reduction and a lift, depending on the size of their breasts.
After the Surgery
Most breast lifts are performed on an outpatient basis. We use general anesthesia. The procedure may take two hours, but could be longer if another procedure such as augmentation is added. Bed rest with ambulation in your house to the bathroom and kitchen is recommended for the first day after surgery. You will have a surgical dressing that will remain on you for a few days after surgery. Oral pain medicine will be prescribed for you and often an antibiotic will be given. We recommend that you take your pain medicine scheduled every 4-6 hours for the first 24 hours, then on an “as needed” basis after that. Most women experience some degree of swelling, bruising and tenderness. This may last for a short time. Some women experience some numbness in addition. Most women are back to work within 1-2 weeks after this surgery, however this may vary depending on what other plastic procedures you may have at the same time.
