Breast lift procedures are performed when gravity or the effect of aging and maturity have caused breasts to become droopy or ptotic. A breast lift helps to restore a more youthful appearance to sagging breasts by repositioning the nipple, excising excess skin and reshaping the breast. The nipple position in a youthful and shapely breast is typically above the breast crease when standing upright. With changes in breast tissue related to maturity, weight, childbirth, breast feeding, or genetics, women with C or greater cup size breasts will oftentimes experience significant droop.
Also known as mastopexy, a breast lift raises and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. Sometimes the areola becomes enlarged over time, and a breast lift will reduce this as well. A breast lift can rejuvenate your figure with a breast profile that is more youthful and uplifted. Changes and loss of skin elasticity can result from:
Your breast lift surgery 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 skin quality and elasticity as well as the amount of extra skin.
Methods vary, but the most common methods involve either an “anchor” shaped incision if a larger amount of skin must be removed, a limited “lollipop” shaped scar, or one just around the areola that avoids an extensive incision under the breast should less skin be required to be excised. After excess skin has been removed, the nipple and areola are repositioned and the breast is re-contoured to create the best, most feminine, breast shape.
This is performed as an outpatient procedure, is done under IV or general anesthetic, and takes about 3 hours.
Breast lift surgery by itself does not significantly change the size of your breasts or round out the upper part of your breast. If you want your breasts to look fuller or smaller, you might want to consider either breast augmentation or breast reduction surgery.
You’ll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle. You will be asked why you want the surgery, your expectations and desired outcome. Also be prepared to discuss any family history of breast cancer and results of any mammograms or previous biopsies.
Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding.
