Breast Lift Information, Before and After Photos, Cost

A breast lift or mastopexy is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape breasts that have sagged as a result of pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, weight changes, and the natural force of gravity. We can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. A breast lift can sometimes be combined with the placement of an implant where volume needs to be enhanced or replaced especially in the upper pole of the breast. Several different techniques can be used to correct this condition, depending on the degree of sagging and breast tissue.

Breast lift surgery can be performed under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia. The standard breast lift has four components; the areola is reduced, breast tissue is repositioned, the nipple and areola are elevated to a better position, and excess skin and breast tissue is removed so that a new skin envelope is formed. The traditional procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision following the natural contour of the breast, although more commonly the procedure is now done with only an incision around the areola and down the breast towards the fold (Vertical lift with a lollipop-scar). The incision outlines the area from which breast skin will be removed and defines the new location for the nipple. When the excess skin has been removed, 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. Sutures are usually located beneath the skin around the areola, in a vertical line extending downward from the nipple area, with or without a suture line along the lower crease of the breast, depending on the method used.

My preferred method for mastopexy involves the use of a breast implant placed underneath the muscle followed by repositioning of the breast tissue. If there is a small amount of excess skin with minimal sagging, the incision can be limited to the area around the areola. If there is more ptosis or sagging of the breast, then a lollipop or Vertical breast lift is performed, with or without the placement of a breast implant. The use of a breast implant together with a breast lift leads to a more youthful, fuller breast as well as a result that lasts for many years without the need for additional surgery.

The best candidates for breast lift

A breast lift can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won’t necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.

The best candidates for mastopexy are healthy, emotionally-stable women who are realistic about what the surgery can accomplish. The best results are usually achieved in women with small, sagging breasts. Breasts of any size can be lifted, but the results may not last as long in heavy breasts.

Many women seek mastopexy because pregnancy and nursing have left them with stretched skin and less volume in their breasts. However, if you’re planning to have more children, it may be a good idea to postpone your breast lift. While there are no special risks that affect future pregnancies (for example, mastopexy usually doesn’t interfere with breast-feeding), pregnancy is likely to stretch your breasts again and offset the results of the procedure.

Breast Lift Surgery
Mastopexy usually takes one and a half to three and a half hours. Techniques vary, but the most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision following the natural contour of the breast.

The incision outlines the area from which breast skin will be removed and defines the new location for the nipple. When the excess skin has been removed, the nipple and areola are moved to the higher position. The skin surrounding the areola is then brought down and together to reshape 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.

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.

If you’re 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.

All surgery comes with some uncertainty and risk
A breast lift is not a simple operation, but it’s normally safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. Nevertheless, as with any surgery, there is always a possibility of complications or a reaction to the anesthesia. Bleeding and infection following a breast lift are uncommon, but they can cause scars to widen. You can reduce your risks by closely following your physician’s advice both before and after surgery.

Mastopexy does leave noticeable, permanent scars, although they’ll be covered by your bra or bathing suit. (Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers.) The procedure can also leave you with unevenly positioned nipples, or a permanent loss of feeling in your nipples or breasts.

For breast lift New York City contact Dr Sadeh today.