Breast Lift
With aging, the skin loses elasticity or ability to retain shape and the breasts lose firmness along with shape. Women who have sagging breasts due to aging, pregnancy, weight loss or gain may benefit from mastopexy or breast lift. The breasts are surgically raised or uplifted and reshaped to restore more firmness.
If the breasts are also large, a breast reduction may also be done at the same time. If the breasts are smaller than desired, they may also be augmented or enlarged at the same time.
Who is a Candidate
- Women with sagging breasts due to pregnancy, genetics, aging, weight loss or gain.
- If your nipple-areolar complexes (pigmented areas around the nipples) are enlarged.
Intended Result
- An elevated, more youthful breast contour.
- Nippple-areolar complexes of the desired size and at the correct height.
Procedure Description
- The procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis under conscious sedation.
- With more difficult cases, or if the patient desires, the procedure is done in the hospital under general anesthesia with an overnight admission.
- The design of the incisions can vary but usually include incisions around the nipple-areolar complex and front of the breast. Sometimes the incisions must extend to the crease under the breast.
- The nipple-areolar complex is repositioned higher, the excess skin is removed, and the breast is reshaped in a pleasing contour and in a more normal position.
Recuperation and Healing
- The patient goes home in a support bra with light dressings over the incision lines.
- The bra is worn as a dressing for 4-6 weeks.
- Sutures are usually completely removed within 2-3 weeks.
- Initial discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication or nasal spray.
- Light activities may be started in 7-10 days.
- Lifting may resume in 6 weeks.
Other Options
- Additional procedures, which may enhance the result are breast reduction or breast enlargement.
Note
- The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are rare.
