A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is a procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts.  As a woman ages, skin loses some elasticity which can cause the breasts to lose their natural shape and firmness.  This procedure is designed to elevate the breasts and give them a more youthful appearance.  A breast lift may also be completed in conjunction with breast enlargement surgery (augmentation).

Mastopexies (breast lifts) are surgeries many women desire in order to restore the breasts that they had in the younger years.  Because of aging, weight changes, genetic factors, and child-rearing, many women develop drooping breasts that they are unhappy with.  Breast lifts with or without augmentation can restore youthful breasts in a matter of a few hours. 

On you initial consultation with Dr. Smith, you will be examined and given options regarding your breasts and how to make them look beautiful.  Many women note a loss of actual breast tissue and will also discuss the possibility of augmentation at the time of the lift.  The two major choices offered by Dr. Smith are the vertical mastopexy (lollipop incision, or small anchor incision) and the periareolar Mastopexy (nipple lift).  Both procedures have advantages and disadvantages, which will be explained to you in detail by Dr. Smith himself. 

Regardless of the type of lift chosen and whether or not augmentation is preformed at the same time, you can expect your surgery to last two to three hours (this may be slightly longer if the breasts are large or significantly asymmetric).  Dr. Smith will mark your breasts in a special way on the morning of surgery and you will then go to the operating room where an anesthesiologist/anesthetist will begin your anesthesia.  The surgery will begin by sterile prepping of the breasts.  Dr. Smith will place implants (if this is planned) and then lift the breasts through special surgical incisions.  The lifted breasts will be checked for symmetry and nipple position to achieve the best results possible.  After this is assured, the incisions will be closed with dissolvable sutures, special dressings will be placed, and a surgical bra will be placed as well.  You will then be awakened from anesthesia and taken to the recovery room until you are awake and feeling well enough to go home.  You can generally return to work within one week and resume vigorous exercise within four to six weeks.

If you are considering having a breast lift performed, please call our office for a personalized consultation with Dr. Smith. 

Reasons for Considering a Breast Lift:

• Elevate the breasts due to sagging caused by the effects of aging and gravity.
• Firm the breasts if they have lost substance due to pregnancy and subsequent breast-feeding.
• Re-align your nipples/areolas if they point down or to the side.
• Bring back natural suppleness after weight loss.

General Procedure

The breast lift surgical procedure usually takes one and a half to three hours.  Techniques vary, but the most common procedure involves an anchor-like incision along the underside of the breast.  The incision goes around the area where skin will be removed, thus defining how the nipple will be relocated.  When the excess skin has been removed, the nipple and areola are moved into a higher position.  The skin surrounding the areola is brought down and together to reshape the breast.

Some patients, especially those with relatively small breasts and minimal sagging, may be candidates for modified procedures requiring less extensive incisions.  One such procedure is the "doughnut (or concentric) mastopexy" in which circular incisions are made around the areola and a doughnut-shaped area of skin is removed.  Recent innovations in breast lift techniques include minimal incision techniques and nipple sensation reducing procedures.

If the patient is having an implant inserted along with the breast lift, the implant will be placed in a pocket directly under the breast tissue or under the muscle of the chest wall.

Recovery Process

Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time.  Bandages are applied right after surgery to aid the healing process and to minimize movement of the breasts.   Once the bandages are removed, the patient will need to wear a specialized surgical bra for several weeks.  Patients sometimes report minor pain associated with surgery which can be treated with oral medication.  While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the post-operative directions given by the surgeon.