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, your surgeon 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:
The best canditates for breast augmentation are in good physical and emotional health. Patients should not be planning to become pregnant in the near future. Candidates should have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve and are looking to correct one or more of the following:
- Sagging breasts
- Breasts that lack volume or firmness
- Nipples and areolas that point downward
Procedure
Breast lift / mastopexy sugery is performed on an outpatient basis with the patient under deep sedation or general anesthesia. 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
A breast lift, or mastopexy, requires carefully planned incisions to reposition the nipple-areolar complex and reshape the breast mound for a balanced, natural appearance. A beautiful breast does not necessarily need to be large; rather, aesthetic harmony depends on the relationship between the nipple, areola, and breast shape.
The type and extent of incision needed will depend on the degree of breast drooping, the position of the nipple, and how much reshaping is necessary. In general, the more significant the imbalance or excess skin, the more extensive the incision may need to be to achieve an attractive and proportionate result.
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 improve the look of the breast. 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
The anchor incision, is used when a greater degree of lifting and skin tightening is needed. The incision is made around the areola, extends vertically downward, and then continues horizontally along the crease beneath the breast. This allows excess skin to be removed and the breast tissue to be reshaped and repositioned for a more lifted, youthful contour.
In some patients, excess skin and tissue extend beyond the outer breast and toward the underarm. In these cases, the incision may need to extend farther toward the underarm to remove the additional tissue and create a smoother, more continuous contour along the outer breast. Addressing this area can help achieve a more harmonious transition between the side of the breast, and underarm.
Scarring is an important consideration with any breast lift, and the anchor incision does result in more visible scars than techniques requiring shorter incisions. Fortunately, breast lift scars generally fade and soften significantly with time. For many patients, the trade-off is worthwhile when the goal is a more lifted, youthful, and proportionate breast shape.
During your consulation your surgeon will discuss the type of incisions needed to acheive your desired look, and will answer any questions you may have so you can feel confident and well-informed about your decision.
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.
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.
During your consultation and pre-operative appointment, your surgeon will take the time to thoroughly explain your procedure, discuss potential risks, and answer any questions you may have.
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 of weeks. Patients usually 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. However, because swelling, bruising, and natural skin relaxation are part of the healing process, it can take up to six months for your breasts to settle into their final shape and position. Scars typically fade and become less noticeable over time. While breast-lift results are designed to be long lasting, some degree of skin stretching and settling is natural and expected as your breasts continue to change over time.
If you are interested in finding out more about breast lift / mastopexy surgery, we welcome you to schedule a consultation by calling Mancoll Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery at (757) 305-9185 or filling out our online contact form. Mancoll Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery is proud to have been voted Coastal Virginia Magazine's Best Cosmetic Surgery Center for 12 consecutive years!
