BREAST LIFT

A variety of natural factors produce changes in the appearance of a woman’s breasts. Aging, gravity, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations and genetics cause the breasts to lose their youthful shape and firmness. Over time, the breasts can droop and appear deflated, making it difficult to fit into flattering clothing and eroding a woman’s confidence. Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, restores perkiness and an aesthetically pleasing shape to sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the remaining tissue. Large, stretched areolas can also be reduced during the procedure to create more proportionate, youthful and natural-looking breasts.

WHAT BENEFITS CAN BREAST LIFT SURGERY PROVIDE?

Many women who have breast lift surgery are thrilled with their results. Patients who stand to gain the most benefit from a breast lift procedure are those who wish to correct:

  • Drooping, sagging or pendulous breasts

  • Loss of firmness

  • Stretched or excess skin

  • Breasts with a flat, elongated shape

  • Uneven or asymmetrical breasts

  • Nipples that point downward

  • Nipples that fall below the breast crease

  • Enlarged areolas

WHAT HAPPENS DURING BREAST LIFT SURGERY?

Plastic surgeons use a variety of incision patterns and techniques when performing breast lift surgery. The appropriate method for your procedure will be determined based on the size and shape of your breasts, the degree of breast sagging, the size and position of your areolas, the amount of excess skin, the elasticity of your skin and your desired outcome. The most commonly used mastopexy incision patterns include:

The Anchor: The incision is made around the areola’s perimeter, vertically from the areola to the crease below the breast and horizontally along the breast crease. While this technique produces the most scarring, it is often the best choice for women with a severe degree of sagging and a significant amount of excess skin. It is frequently used in conjunction with a breast reduction.

The Lollipop: The incision is made around the areola’s perimeter and down from the areola to the breast crease. This technique is effective for women with a moderate degree of sagging. Scarring is modest and easily hidden.

The Donut: The incision is made around the areola’s perimeter. This technique is appropriate for women with a mild to moderate degree of sagging. It is often used when breast augmentation and breast lift are performed together.

The Crescent: The incision is made just along the upper half of the perimeter of the areola. This technique is the least invasive and produces the least scarring, but it is only effective for women with a minimal degree of sagging. It is the least frequently used technique.

During the procedure, the appropriate incision will be made and excess skin will be removed. The underlying breast tissue will be reshaped to improve breast contour and firmness, and the nipple will be relocated to a more youthful position. If necessary, the diameter of the areola will be reduced. When all shaping and repositioning is complete, the remaining skin will be tightened and the incisions will be closed.