Many women at one point begin to see changes to their breasts. Pregnancy, nursing, gravity, weight gain or loss, and aging can all take a toll on the natural shape, fullness, and lift to the breasts. This can cause asymmetry to the breasts as well as changes in a woman’s confidence as she ages. A breast lift addresses sagging and uneven breasts, decreased breast volume, drooping nipples and stretched areolas, helping to recreate a more youthful shape. If there is too little or too much breast volume, a breast augmentation or breast reduction may also be recommended in addition to a lift for optimal results. Every year, thousands of women undergo successful breast-lift surgery and are happy with their results.
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, raises the breasts by removing excess skin while also tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the breast. New statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons have shown that breast lifts have grown by as much as 70% since 2000, surpassing even breast augmentations. A breast lift can help renew confidence and rejuvenate your figure with a breast profile that is more youthful.
Breast lift surgery does not significantly change the size of your breasts. This can be accomplished by either a breast augmentation with a lift to add more volume, or a breast lift with a reduction to decrease volume while adding height.
Your breast lift procedure can be achieved through a variety of incision patterns and techniques.
The appropriate technique for you will be determined based on: breast size and shape, the size and position of your areolas, the degree of breast sagging, and the skin quality and elasticity as well as the amount of any extra skin.
During your procedure, medications are administered for your comfort during surgery. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best option for you.
The breast lift procedure has three common incision patterns:
- Around the areola
- Around the areola and vertically down from the areola to the breast crease
- Around the areola, vertically down from the breast crease and horizontally along the breast crease
Once these incisions are made, the underlying breast tissue is lifted and reshaped for a more youthful appearance. The nipple and areola are repositioned for a natural look and height. If necessary, enlarged areolas are reduced by a skin excision. Once the breasts are reshaped, the remaining skin is strategically tightened as incisions are being closed. Some incision lines will remain visible on the breast surface. Unfortunately, these lines are permanent, but they will significantly fade and improve with time. Many women desire the smallest scars possible and your plastic surgeon will work to accomplish this, however mild scarring does accompany this procedure. Sutures are layered deep within the breast tissue to support the newly shaped breasts. The results of your breast lift surgery are immediately visible.
During your breast lift consultation be prepared to discuss:
- Surgical goals
- Any Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
- Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drug use
- Previous surgeries
- The results of any mammograms or previous biopsies
Other important details to the breast lift consultation:
- Breast examination
- Detailed breast measurements of their size and shape, skin quality, and placement of your nipples and areolas
- Photographs
- Recommend of treatment
- Discussion of breast lift surgery outcomes and any risks or potential complications
- Discussion of anesthesia during your breast lift