Breast Lift
What is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that reduces the breast skin envelope and repositions the areola and nipple to a more naturally anatomical location. It does not involve removal of any breast tissue. Oftentimes a breast lift is performed in conjunction with a breast reduction or augmentation. An enlarged areola can also be corrected in a breast lift procedure.
Am I a good candidate for a Breast Lift?
- Breasts change shape over time. This is true for every body part. The aging process causes our skin to lose elasticity and the once highly organized patterns of collagen and elastic fibers become disorganized and haphazardly arranged. Your skin succumbs to the ever-present insult of gravitational pull and slowly descends. Excess laxity can also be exacerbated by pregnancy, large fluctuations in weight, and breastfeeding.
- If you are unsatisfied with the degree of drooping of your breasts, a breast lift may be right for you.
The Procedure
Periareolar
This technique creates a scar along the perimeter of your newly reduced areola. This technique is ideal for breasts with mild to mildly moderate skin laxity.
Vertical or “Lollipop” Incision
A periareolar incision along with a vertical linear incision from the bottom of the areola to the inframammary fold. This technique is ideal for those with a moderate amount of excess skin laxity.
Inverted T Breast Lift
Excess skin is removed through the lollipop incision, but additional skin is removed through an incision along the bottom edge of your breast, or the inframammary fold. This creates the most extensive scar and is ideal for breasts with a significant amount of excess skin.
Recovery
- Pain is minimal to moderate. Pain is well controlled with prescription and over the counter medications.
- Your surgeon may opt to use drains, typically these can stay in for up to 1 week, removal is performed in clinic.
- No sexual activity or participation in any type of activity that may cause tension or friction on your healing incisions for at least 1 week.
- You may return to work 5-7 days (desk job) after surgery. If your job requires lifting greater than 10 lbs, you may require up to 4 weeks off.
- Wear the surgical bra for the first 3 weeks, then transition to a front closure sports bra for the next 3 months. Your new breasts need support to heal optimally.
- You may start light physical activity 2 weeks later. No heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks.