What is breast lift surgery?

Breast lift, or mastopexy, is a cosmetic procedure that raises the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening surrounding tissue, resulting in a more youthful and uplifted breast contour. Recent data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reveals a 70% increase in breast lifts since 2000, surpassing the popularity of breast implants 2-to-1. The procedure can also address issues like enlarged areolas. It is an effective solution for rejuvenating breasts affected by factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, aging, gravity, and heredity.

What breast lift surgery can’t do?

Breast lift surgery primarily focuses on lifting and reshaping the breasts, without significantly altering their size or enhancing the upper part. For a fuller appearance, combining breast lift with breast augmentation is recommended. Conversely, if a reduction in breast size is desired, combining breast lift with breast reduction surgery is a suitable option.

Women who have a sagging appearance in their breasts due to excess, inelastic skin can benefit from a surgical procedure called a mastopexy, or breast lift. The shape of women’s breasts may change with age and factors like weight fluctuations, gravity, pregnancy or breastfeeding. The natural development of the breasts also comes into play. drName performs breast lift surgeries to get rid of excess skin and tighten remaining skin so that the breasts appear more youthful and restored.
Mastopexy is a safe and effective procedure when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon like drName. It is typically performed in an outpatient facility as a day surgery using general anesthesia. Sometimes only local anesthesia may be needed as a sedative for small incisions, allowing you remain relaxed and comfortable while awake.

Breast lift procedures are usually completed in 1.5 to 3.5 hours. An incision is made along the natural breast contour so that excess skin can be removed. Then the nipple is repositioned to a more elevated position, the areola may be reduced in size if necessary, and surrounding skin is brought together to reshape the breast so that it becomes raised and firmed. Stitches are placed around the areola and lower breast. If you desire an increased breast size, implants may be placed in either the same surgery or during a second surgery. Or, breast size can be reduced during a mastopexy. Either of these procedures will not create additional scarring.

Complications are possible with any surgery, such as a rare adverse reaction to anesthesia or bleeding and infection that can worsen scars. Wider scars and poor healing are more common in patients who smoke. Breastfeeding is not impacted by mastopexy since the milk ducts are not involved in the surgery.

As with all procedures, following your doctor’s instructions is advised for best results. Stitches will be covered in gauze and a surgical bra or elastic bandage will secure the breasts in place. The breasts will be swollen and bruised, and mild discomfort is to be expected for a couple of days. Pain medication will be prescribed as needed. After a few days, you can change to a soft support bra which must be worn at all times during the recovery process.

You should plan to rest at home for at least one week before returning to work or school. Avoid lifting items overhead for 3-4 weeks and limit strenuous exercise for a month. Your stitches will be removed after a week or two, often leaving some permanent scarring which can be covered with a bra or bathing suit. Scars may initially be red and lumpy, but should fade and become less noticeable after a few months. Some patients experience permanent loss of feeling in the nipples or breasts, or uneven nipples.

drName will answer any questions you have about the entire breast lift surgery process. If you are dissatisfied with your breast appearance, this common enhancement procedure may be able to help you improve your appearance and restore your confidence just as it has many women around the world.