Breast Lift

An Introduction

A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is a procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts. As women age, their skin elasticity tends to decrease, which can cause the breasts to lose their natural shape and firmness. Breast lift procedures elevate women's breasts and give them a more youthful appearance.

Reasons for considering a breast lift:

• Elevating sagging caused by the effects of aging and gravity
• Firming the breasts that have lost substance due to pregnancy and subsequent breastfeeding
• Realigning nipples/areolas if they point down or to the side
• Restoring natural suppleness after weight loss

For an overall enhanced breast appearance, many women combine breast lift procedures with breast augmentation or breast reduction procedures as well.

General Procedure

Breast lift surgery usually takes 1.5 to 3 hours. Techniques vary, but the most common procedure involves an anchor-like incision along the underside of the breast. The incision goes around the area where skin will be removed, thus defining how the nipple will be relocated. When the excess skin has been removed, the nipple and areola are moved into a higher position. The skin surrounding the areola is brought down and together to reshape the breast.

If you are having a breast enlargement along with the breast lift, the implant will be placed in a pocket directly under the breast tissue or under the muscle of the chest wall

Recovery

Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time. Dressings are applied immediately after surgery to aid the healing process and to minimize movement of the breasts. Once the dressings are removed, you will need to wear a sports bra for several weeks.