Breast Lift (Mastopexy) Procedures
Is Breast Lift Surgery Right For You?
Many women are comfortable with the size of their breasts, but are unhappy with sagging or pendulous breasts. For these women, breastlift surgery will raise and reshape the breasts. This procedure can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. If your breasts are small or have lost volume after pregnancy, breast implants inserted in conjunction with mastopexy can increase the firmness, size, and volume of the breasts.
Breast Lift Photos
These breast lift photos were taken of a patient in San Diego who received breast lift surgery at Changes Plastic Surgery. Please visit our complete photo gallery of breast lifts in San Diego.
BEFORE
AFTER
Determining Your Candidacy for Breast Lift Surgery
The best candidates for mastopexy are healthy women who are realistic about what the surgery can accomplish. The best results are usually achieved in women with small or medium sized sagging breasts, yet breasts of any size can be lifted.
Many women seek mastopexy because pregnancy and nursing have left them with stretched skin and less volume in their breasts. If considering future pregnancies, it is best to postpone a breastlift.
Potential Risks
A breast lift is a safe procedure when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. The Changes surgeons are board-certified plastic surgeons, and the procedures are performed in a state licensed and Medicare certified surgical center, along with skilled anesthesiologists. These credentials help ensure the highest standards of care and your utmost safety.
Nevertheless, as with any surgery, there are risks associated with the procedure or anesthesia. Bleeding and infection following a breast lift are uncommon. You can reduce your risks by closely following your physician's advice both before and after surgery.
Mastopexy can leave noticeable scars that will fade with time. Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers. Some patients may experience some loss of feeling in their nipples or breasts.
Pre-Operatively Planning
In your initial consultation, it's important to discuss your expectations frankly with your surgeon, and to listen to his opinion. Patients and physicians often have a different view of what is desirable, but your surgeon will make sure he understands your preferences.
In your pre-operative visit, your breasts will be examined and measured. Your surgeon will discuss the variables that may affect the procedure such as your age, the size and shape of your breasts, and the condition of your skin and whether a breast augmentation is advisable. You will be shown where the nipple and areola will be positioned because they will be moved higher during the procedure to be approximately even with the crease beneath your breast.
Procedure Description
Breast lifts are usually performed under general anesthesia, which means you will be asleep through the operation.
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. A crescent mastopexy lifts the nipple position with an incision around the upper half of the areola.
Mastopexy usually takes three hours, depending on the patient.
The excess skin is removed and the nipple and areola are moved to a higher position. The skin surrounding the areola is then brought down and together to reshape the breast. Techniques vary, but the most common two procedures involve either a vertical “lolly pop scar” or an anchor-shaped incision following the natural contour of the breast.
Stitches are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line extending downwards from the nipple area, and along the lower crease of the breast.
If you are having an implant inserted along with your breast lift, it will be placed in a pocket directly under the breast tissue, or deeper, under the muscle of the chest wall.
Post-Operatively
After surgery, you will wear an elastic bandage or a surgical bra over gauze dressings. The breasts will be bruised, slightly swollen, and uncomfortable for a day or two, but the pain shouldn't be severe. Any discomfort can be relieved with medications prescribed by your surgeon.
Within a few days, a soft support bra will replace the bandages or surgical bra. The stitches are usually removed after a week or two.
There may be slight loss of feeling in your nipples and breast skin due to swelling after surgery. This numbness usually fades as the swelling subsides over the next six weeks or so. In some patients, however, it may last a year or more, and occasionally it may be permanent.
Recovery
Healing is a gradual process and it may be one to two weeks before you are able to return to work. You should avoid lifting anything over your head for three to four weeks. If you have any unusual symptoms, don't hesitate to call your surgeon.
Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions for resuming your normal activities, which generally takes place by 4-6 weeks. If you become pregnant, the operation should not affect your ability to breastfeed, since your milk ducts and nipples will be left intact.
Your surgeon will make every effort to make your scars as inconspicuous as possible. These scars often remain lumpy and red for months, and gradually become less obvious, often fading to thin white lines. Fortunately, the scars can usually be placed so that you can wear even low-cut tops.
Your New Look
A mastopexy can give a more natural and youthful appearance. Keep in mind, however that a breast lift won't keep you firm forever. The effects of gravity, pregnancy, aging, and weight fluctuations will eventually take their toll. Women who have implants along with their breast lift may find the results last longer.
Go to our breast lift photo gallery.
Patient Testimonial
"I wanted to thank-you for everything and taking such good care of me! I couldn’t have asked for a better doctor, especially everything we had to go through together. I will write again, and I’ll be in to see you next time I’m in S.D.
P.S. I love having my breast back finally!!! -Lots of love, Lisa"