Breast Lift / Mastopexy
As women age, factors such as gravity, pregnancy, and weight gain can affect the size and shape of the breasts. Once these negative changes take effect, there is no natural way to restore the breasts back to their youthful appearance.
A breast lift, or “mastopexy,” removes excess tissue while reshaping the breasts and elevating them to a more attractive position. In most cases, the areola (dark skin around the nipple) will also be reduced.
During your consultation, Dr. John Mancoll will review your health history and evaluate your breasts to help determine if a breast lift is right for you.
Ideal Candidates
The best candidates for breast lift surgery are women in good overall health and at a stable weight. Patients should not be currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the near future. Candidates should have realistic expectations about the procedure and want to correct one or more of the following:
- Sagging breasts
- Breasts that lack volume or firmness
- Nipples and areolas that point downward
Procedure
Dr. Mancoll performs breast lift surgery on an outpatient basis with the patient under general anesthesia in his office surgical suite. The procedure usually takes 2 to 3 hours to perform, depending on the amount of excess skin and severity of sagging that is present.
Types of Incisions
Breast lift surgery requires incisions to be made in order to elevate the nipple areolar complex to the proper position on the chest wall. An attractive breast does not have to be big to be pleasing to the eye, but the nipple and breast mound relationship must be in harmony with each other. Therefore, the extent of the incision needed to achieve an attractive breast is directly proportional to how out of balance they are.
Crescent Incision
For those patients with just a little bit of drooping, this technique is frequently used to even up a small difference between two breasts. It can also be done in conjunction with a breast augmentation when just a little elevation of the nipple is needed to make the breasts look better. This incision typically goes from the 9 o’clock to the 3 o’clock position at the edge of the areola.
Doughnut Incision (Peri-areolar)
A circular incision is made around the areola, which removes excess skin and elevates the position of the nipple on the breasts. It can also be used to reduce the size of the areola.
Lollipop Incision
An incision is made all the way around the areola and vertically down the breast to allow more tissue repositioning. In addition to elevating the areolar complex it can also allow for the breast to be narrowed. This technique can also allow for some of the breast tissue to be repositioned higher on the chestwall. This can give more fullness to the upper portion of the breast, solving a complaint many women have.
Anchor Incision
An incision is made around the areola, which extends vertically downward and continues horizontally in the crease under the breast. Excess skin is removed, and the breast tissue is repositioned. This technique is used when more lift and tightening of skin is needed.
Although many women are concerned about scars, these scars usually heal very well. However, if the ultimate goal is the perkiest, most youthful-looking breasts, then some patients feel that scars are a fair trade.
Dr. Mancoll will discuss which method will give you the most beneficial results during your consultation.
Costs
There are several factors that determine the total cost of breast lift surgery, including:
- Facility fees
- Anesthesia fees
- Surgical fees
- Prescriptions for medication
- Post-surgery garments
Feel free to contact our surgical coordinator for pricing and to request more information about this or other cosmetic procedures.
*A breast lift is regarded as a cosmetic procedure and is not typically covered by insurance unless it is under special circumstances.
Potential Risks and Complications
As with any type of surgery, there are certain risks associated with a breast lift procedure. Although uncommon, possible complications, such as scars, infection, bleeding, marked asymmetry, sensory changes to the breast and/or nipple, and adverse reaction toanesthesia can occur. Although significant complications are uncommon, patients should understand that any surgery, performed for any reason, has risks and should not be taken lightly. Dr. Mancoll prides himself on his ability to communicate with his patients and tailors each discussion to the patient’s individual needs. Dr. Mancoll and his staff will spend time helping you understand your procedure. You should feel free to ask questions at any time, and if you don’t understand the information, we will be more than happy to go over it again.
Recovery
A specialized bra should be worn for the first few weeks following surgery to reduce swelling. Pain and discomfort can be alleviated by prescribed pain medication. Most women experience some degree of bruising and tenderness during the first couple ofweeks. Patients can expect to return to work after about a week but should abstain from any high-impact or strenuous activities for 4 to 6 weeks.
Results
The results of a breast lift are noticeable immediately after surgery. But because of normal swelling and bruising and normal skin relaxation it can take up to 6 months for your final result. Women are usually very pleased with their new look and typically gain a renewed sense of confidence knowing that their physique looks more youthful and attractive. Incisions are hidden as well as possible, and scarring will fade over time. Breast-lift results are expected to be long lasting, but some skin stretching and “settling” is expected and is normal.
If you are interested in restoring your breasts to a more youthful shape and height, please contact Mancoll Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery at (757) 305-9185 or fill out our online contact form. Dr. John S. Mancoll looks forward to meeting you and discussing your possible options for a more rejuvenated appearance.
