A breast lift, or mastopexy, intended to give the patient an elevated, more youthful breast contour, as well as nipple-areolar complexes of the desired size and at the correct height.
Over time, factors such as aging, gravity, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and breastfeeding can cause the breasts to lose their youthful shape and firmness. A breast lift addresses these changes by removing excess skin, tightening the surrounding tissue, and repositioning the nipples to a higher, more youthful location. Unlike breast augmentation, a breast lift does not alter the size of the breasts but focuses on improving their contour and elevation. Additional procedures which may enhance the result are a small breast reduction or breast enlargement.
Benefits of a Breast Lift
A breast lift offers several benefits, including improved breast shape and firmness, and a more youthful and uplifted appearance. It can restore the breasts’ natural contour and position, enhancing overall body proportions and self-confidence. The procedure also corrects nipple position and asymmetry, resulting in a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing look. Women who have experienced sagging due to aging, pregnancy, or weight loss can particularly benefit from the rejuvenating effects of a breast lift.
Breast lift is usually done on an outpatient basis under sedation and local or general anesthesia. The design of the incisions can vary but usually include incisions around the areola and in the crease under the breast. The areola is repositioned higher, the excess skin is removed, and the breast is reshaped in a pleasing contour and in a more normal position.
The patient goes home with only light dressings over the incision lines and an Ace wrap. Sutures are placed under the skin and do not need to be removed. Initial discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication. Light activities may be started in seven to ten days.
You may be a candidate for breast lift surgery if you have sagging breasts due to past pregnancies, genetics, or aging. You may also desire a mastopexy if breast sagging is too great to be treated with an implant alone. The procedure may also be helpful if your areolae (the pigmented areas around the nipples) are enlarged.
Surgical Process
The breast lift treatment process starts with an initial consultation with your surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon evaluates the patient’s medical history, breast anatomy, and aesthetic goals. The patient discusses their desired outcome, and the surgeon explains the procedure, including incision options and potential risks. On the day of the surgery, the patient is administered anesthesia for comfort. The surgeon makes the necessary incisions, removes excess skin, reshapes the breast tissue, and repositions the nipple and areola. After closing the incisions with sutures, the patient is taken to a recovery area for monitoring.
Q: What is the recovery time after a breast lift?
A: Most patients can return to work and light activities within one to two weeks, but should avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for about four to six weeks. Full recovery and final results can take several months.
Q: Are there risks associated with a breast lift?
A: As with any surgery, there are risks, including infection, bleeding, scarring, changes in nipple or breast sensation, and asymmetry. Choosing an experienced surgeon and following post-operative care instructions can help minimize these risks.
DISCLAIMER: Before and after results are NOT a guarantee that your results will be the same or similar. Each patient’s results will be different. Your results will vary from other patient’s results.